Rick Klau is a dad blogger who recently came to the conclusion that OS parental controls were simply not enough.

Since he put it so well, I recommend visiting his blog and reading his entire post, but there is a choice bit I wanted to single out:

Before this sounds like I’m trying to delegate responsibility for managing my kids’ online experience: I’m not. I actually want them to explore, and learn to use the machines beyond pointing and clicking on things. But Robin and I aren’t always looking over their shoulders – whether we’re cooking Thanksgiving dinner, or putting their sister to bed, or, yes, hanging out by ourselves – there are times when they’re on their computer by themselves and I want them to be safe.

We really couldn’t have said it any better. Rick is speaking about one of the most common misconceptions associated with Internet filtering: that using technology equates to lazy parenting, and that it is equal to placing a blindfold and gag on your kid. Nothing could be further from the truth. As Rick eloquently illustrates, having a filter can give parents the peace of mind needed to NOT constantly hover over their children and worry about every cyber step they take.

I’d love to hear from some of our readers about what they think about this issue.

Filed under: Internet Safety Solutions