Its Internet rating standard is achieved through input from parents, ISPs, publishers and developers. Parents can visit the service's Web site for on-line access to SafeSurf's monthly newsletters, press releases, and KID'S WAVE, a list of the top Web sites devoted to children's education and entertainment. The association does this through a 5-level rating system that examines violence, nudity, sex and language. The system can be used with browsers like Internet Explorer or with blocking devices such as CyberPatrol. Some ISPs, like Compuserve and America On-Line, also use ICRA ratings.
Parents sign up for a free family membership on the site.
Children can then get homework help, search out the answers to questions, complete fun educational activities and surf member Web pages. Schools and teachers gain practical help through on-line support and free educational materials. Schools can also post a free school Web site and classes can post individual class pages on the sites. As little as five or ten years ago, who would have imagined the Internet could provide us with so much information. Now as parents we must be informed in taking steps to ensure that the information our children are receiving is appropriate.