Many of the major search engines now offer parental filtering options that help prevent inappropriate sites from appearing in a search.
Some of the best filtered search engines are:
Filtering options on search engines are not foolproof and often fail to block sites with objectionable content, while blocking good sites. Check the criteria the search engine uses to filter information and test the filtering options on several sites to decide which one is best for your family.
A portal is often the first place people see when they go online. It is their main "point of entry" (hence "portal") to the Web. Typically, a portal site has a directory of Web site sites, a search engine, or both. Many portals offer e-mail, chat rooms, customized news contact and other services.
Kids portals provide children with a safe and entertaining access point to the Net. Some of the features offered by these sites include games, filtered search engines, monitored chat rooms, safe e-mail and the opportunity to create and display their Web projects and pages.
Examples of kid-friendly portals are:
Check the portal's criteria for filtering information and sites. Portals are usually commercial sites so see if the site has product placement or overt marketing. Make sure it has a clear privacy policy that protects children's personal information. If the site offers chat rooms or e-mail, check its safety features. You should also find out if the chat rooms are monitored by adult monitors and if e-mail is filtered for inappropriate content and spam.