There are many different kinds of filtering and blocking software available to parents to help them control Internet content, access and activities. The following is a list of the most common types of functions they offer. Block inappropriate content using key words or Web site URLs or a combination of both Some filtering software denies access to sites using certain keywords, which parents can usually review and change to create their own customized list. The drawback to keyword blocking is that the technology can't discriminate between genuinely unsuitable sites and innocent ones. Many software programs allow parents to control their kids' access to Internet communication tools such as chat, e-mail, ICQ and newsgroups.
Parents can choose to block access to all chat rooms, or restrict it to monitored environments.
These programs can control e-mail by deleting suspicious messages or those containing certain key words in the titles or in the text of the message. This type of software also allows parents to control how much time, and when, their kids can use the computer. The software can be programmed to recognize this data, so that if a child does type in personal information, all that appears is a row of xxx's or asterisks. These types of services can offer a high degree of security. A closed online service permits the use of Internet tools such as e-mail, newsgroups, chat rooms and Web sites, but prevents access to the World Wide Web.