Get a Filter or get Porn!
So your daughter is online looking for information on the Mayflower for her 5th grade class project. She types in a web address, accidentally misspells it, hits enter and WHAM! She’s looking at a totally naked guy and girl doing something you hoped you wouldn’t have to explain to her for a couple more years. Well, the sex talk is going to have to take place a little sooner that you hoped because she’s got questions.
It’s no surprise this type of thing happens. 90% of kids, ages 8 to 16, have viewed porn online and it happens most often while they’re doing their homework. A simple misspelled word and a mouse click can send your children into a world of graphic pornography. The images can become seared into their memories and could lead them into a life long addiction to porn. What can we do to avoid this potential tragic outcome?
Get a filter! Internet filtering software blocks your computer from accessing porn and other inappropriate websites. So when you child misspells a web address that could lead to porn it stops the offending webpage from loading. As I speak to parents at churches and schools I am amazed at how many of them don’t have Internet filtering software. They either don’t know what it is or just never thought about getting one. I’ve had several parents tell me they have the software and when I ask them what they have they tell me Norton Anti-Virus. Their computer might not get a virus but that software doesn’t do one thing to stop their kids from going to porn sites. So there’s a lot of confusion or ignorance about Internet filtering software among parents. I’ll try to solve that right now.
First, you absolutely need Internet filtering software if you have an Internet connection in your home. It’s one of the best things you can do to protect your children from Internet dangers. Second, I’ve done all the research on the various Internet filtering software’s that are available so you don’t have to. Third, don’t wait another minute to get it.
Here’s where to go and what to get:
If you have a Mac or a PC get this one: SafeEyes (click here for a free trial)
The software above can do a lot more than just filter inappropriate websites. It can block and monitor chat, stop peer-to-peer file sharing, check email for inappropriate content and so forth. All great features that you need in addition to filtering but we’ll talk about these other features later. Just get the software. If you’re still reading this stop and download the software. If you continue reading this I’m going to show up at your house and download the software for you. You think I’m kidding. That’s me ringing your doorbell.
There are bad things in this world kids need to know about so they can avoid them. They don't need to experience them first hand in order to learn. Part of a parents job is to teach their children so they are well informed about the good and the bad.
2. Don't overestimate the porn either. The entry claims that "90% of kids, ages 8 to 16, have viewed porn online" - and yet of that 90%, very few seem to have been adversely affected by it. Most, I imagine, just stare in confusion for a time then close the window and return to work. No need to make a mountain out of a molehill.
