Posted by Mom_of_one_boy
on 08/10/2009 (parent contributor)
I agree that the Google Safe Search does not work particularly well. This morning I searched for something while NOT using SafeSearch and received an image result not related to the particular search terms I used that was VERY graphic. My son was sitting right beside me! After reading about Safe Search here I chose the image block, but not text block, since our son is young enough that he can not read, and we are interested in scientific articles that might be blocked. The image block DID block the previous search I mentioned, but when I tried certain terms that I knew could return graphic images (even those that are not truly porn) I did receive images in those results that I would not want my son to see. My advice is check which level you want (i.e. just images or images and text) then test it.
Posted by fatherof2
on 08/7/2009 (parent contributor)
I use parentalcontrolbar.org filtering tool. Basically, even if the kids use search and find results but if they click to visit the sites that are not in the safe list, they cannot do so. It's a great tool for kids my age (5 & 7) but later on it may be too restrictive.
Posted by imfromtexas02
on 04/13/2009 (adult contributor)
Honestly, Google safe search is not nearly enough to keep a kid from being able to access adult material online. First of all, it's very easy to turn it off, any any child who knows how to use a computer will be able to do just that. Second, it only filters the search results. You can still access inappropriate materials from other search engines, or by going directly to the web address.
I personally use a filter tool called Net Mop. It works very, very well. It does not seem to compromise my internet speed, which is good. It's also very cheap. I think that the people who created it did so because they really believe in the importance of their product in raising healthy children, and not to make a ton of money. I am currently purchasing the product for something like $20 every 6 months, which is virtually nothing. I recommend it highly. And if you feel it doesn't work or slows down your internet, you can always cancel your order. And no, I'm not a salesman for Net Mop. I just really believe in protecting children from all the filth that's out there these days.
Posted by gretty
on 02/5/2009 (teen contributor, age 39)
I have my Google preferences set to SafeSearch, but am concerned about using this as my primary filter since it appears that turning it on and off does not require a parental log in. I would like to find a good filtering software to install on my computer, but don't want to compromise my internet speed, which I understand is a commom complaint.
i setup my own search engine just for my kids:
http://kiddysurf.blogspot.com/
I agree that the Google Safe Search does not work particularly well. This morning I searched for something while NOT using SafeSearch and received an image result not related to the particular search terms I used that was VERY graphic. My son was sitting right beside me! After reading about Safe Search here I chose the image block, but not text block, since our son is young enough that he can not read, and we are interested in scientific articles that might be blocked. The image block DID block the previous search I mentioned, but when I tried certain terms that I knew could return graphic images (even those that are not truly porn) I did receive images in those results that I would not want my son to see. My advice is check which level you want (i.e. just images or images and text) then test it.
I use parentalcontrolbar.org filtering tool. Basically, even if the kids use search and find results but if they click to visit the sites that are not in the safe list, they cannot do so. It's a great tool for kids my age (5 & 7) but later on it may be too restrictive.
Honestly, Google safe search is not nearly enough to keep a kid from being able to access adult material online. First of all, it's very easy to turn it off, any any child who knows how to use a computer will be able to do just that. Second, it only filters the search results. You can still access inappropriate materials from other search engines, or by going directly to the web address.
I personally use a filter tool called Net Mop. It works very, very well. It does not seem to compromise my internet speed, which is good. It's also very cheap. I think that the people who created it did so because they really believe in the importance of their product in raising healthy children, and not to make a ton of money. I am currently purchasing the product for something like $20 every 6 months, which is virtually nothing. I recommend it highly. And if you feel it doesn't work or slows down your internet, you can always cancel your order. And no, I'm not a salesman for Net Mop. I just really believe in protecting children from all the filth that's out there these days.
You can find it at http://netmop.com/
I hope that helps.
I have my Google preferences set to SafeSearch, but am concerned about using this as my primary filter since it appears that turning it on and off does not require a parental log in. I would like to find a good filtering software to install on my computer, but don't want to compromise my internet speed, which I understand is a commom complaint.