Patent ID: 8793164

Claim:
A method enabling a child or young adult to shop on-line for goods or services in a safe and controlled manner, comprising the steps of: providing a web site with password-protected access; providing a first set of features enabling a parent or guardian to control or monitor any activity on the web site by a child or young adult, including the selection, purchase and receipt of products or services by the child or young adult; providing a second set of features specifically intended for use by the child or young adult in conjunction with the web site, the second set of features simplifying the accounting and funds management associated with purchasing products or services on the website; wherein the first set of features provide the following capabilities to the parent or guardian: accessing the web site to set up an account with a starting balance enabling a child or young adult to shop for products at the web site; prescreening products at the website to select trusted products appropriate for purchase by a child or young adult known to the parent or guardian, wherein the step of prescreening includes the use of content filters associated with age, gender and interests; purchasing a gift card storing a predetermined monetary value to be used only at the web site, and to purchase only the prescreened, trusted products selected by the parent or guardian using the content filters; notifying the parent or guardian that the child or young adult has ordered a product or service through the web site enabling the parent or guardian to monitor the receipt thereof; and wherein the second set of features provide the following capabilities to the child or young adult: shopping at the web site through a computer or portable electronic device using the gift card, with the purchase price of trusted products or services being in whole currency amounts including tax and shipping; reducing the account balance when the prescreened, trusted products are purchased; and displaying an animated desktop icon that graphically indicates the funds available to the child or young adult as goods or services are purchased or if the account receives additional funds.