How-To Guide: Content Filtering

Q.   What is content filtering? And is it needed on the computers in the child care areas?

A. Content filtering is the blocking or filtering of undesirable Internet sites and content so that they can not be accessed and viewed. Without any type of filtering on your Internet connection, a child can get to any website on the internet regardless of the content. It’s up to providers and parents to make certain that children are viewing safe and appropriate material.

It is strongly recommended that a content-filtering solution be used to prevent children from viewing inappropriate web content.

Many Internet Service Providers offer a filtering service free of charge or for minimal cost for their customers.  If you use your ISP’s service which is often referred to as a parental control feature, you may have to set it up and/or choose the categories you want  filtered.

But you may also purchase separate software. Content filtering software works by filtering websites through the use of a list of URLs that are catagorized by content, e.g. games, recreation, etc. These categories and lists are updated frequently by the software provider.

Although a filtering service and/or software is very important for protecting a child on the Internet, no software is perfect and may not block all “bad” sites. And in fact, it may also block some worthwhile sites.  That is why it is strongly recommended that a provider or parent supervise a child’s use of the internet.

[Posted on July 27, 2006]