Internet Filters, Labels & Safezones
Why use them?
There is no substitute for parental supervision and guidance when children use the internet. But
there are a number of tools which can help parents guide their children's internet experience.
Filters, labels and safe zones are technological tools that work in different ways to block access to
undesirable material.
These tools can be used to reduce the risk of exposure to unsuitable or illegal sites, to prevent
children giving away personal information to strangers online, and to set time limits for internet
access.
So, what are they, and how do they work?
Filters
Filters are programs which block access to sites based on a list of banned sites and keywords or
phrases. They can also stop search engines from searching on unsuitable topics, and block
access to newsgroups, chat rooms and email.
Filtering tools either operate on your home computer or through your Internet Service Provider
(ISP). Filtering tools may offer the ability to change both 'good' and 'bad' site lists to suit you, to set
different levels of access for different family members, and to operate by either blocking access,
providing a warning or by shutting down the computer.
Some can also be set to control how much time your child is spending online.
IMPORTANT: Look into any filter tools you intend to use to ensure you agree with the way they
operate.
REMEMBER: No filtering tool will block all unsuitable material. As the internet is vast and
constantly changing, the lists of banned sites must be constantly updated, and even then some
offensive sites may slip through. Filters are no substitute for parental guidance and supervision!
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Labels
These tools attach labels to internet sites. Most browsers can read the labels and be set up to
block access to web sites or advise when sites are unsuitable for children. Labelling tools can also
be used as a back-up for filtering tools.
Web sites can be labelled according to their suitability for children or to identify the sort of material
that they contain: for example, medium level sexual activity.
These tools, together with your web browser, enable you to set allowed levels for labelled sites,
above which access will be blocked. Some browsers also allow you to restrict access to unlabelled
sites, However, most web sites are still unlabelled.
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Safe Zones
Safe zones are secure networks suitable for younger children, separated from the rest of the
internet. These are:

Provided on a subscription basis.

Commercial sites, such as Disney Blast.

Free advertising supported children's zones, like Bonus.com.

Internet service provider children's zones, such as AOL and Yahooligans.
How do I know what to use?
Each family needs to make their own decisions about which tools are the most appropriate.
Make your decision about which tools to use based on:

your children's ages,

level of guidance you want to give

your own values.
Tips

For pre-school children, consider using safe zones and other good sites you select.

For children under 7 years, use a filtering tool that blocks access to newsgroups and chat.

For older children, consider tools that filter access to chat rooms and prevent giving out
personal information.

New internet users should consider choosing easy to install tools that provide automatic
free updates on lists of blocked sites.

Examine what sort of material the tool covers and options allowed for you to adjust what is
blocked.

Also consider how often lists of blocked sites are updated, and whether the updates are
free and automatic.
Where to get them
Web browsers:

can be set up with labelling tools to control internet access. (for example Microsoft Internet
Explorer and Netscape)
Filtering & labelling tool producers:

often have trial versions and purchasing information on their web sites.
Useful links on online safety, filters and label tools

Internet Industry Association - Australia's industry body for internet commerce, content
and connectivity, also provides information on the filters included on the schedule to the
Internet Industry Association's code of practice.

Family Online Safety Institute – international organisation which works to make on-line
world safer for families and children.