Protecting Children on the Internet

Child Protection Information

Please note: WesTex Connect does not normally recommend the use of online content censor software. In our hope to empower you by providing you with full information, and in compliance with Texas state law, these links are provided to assist parents with information to help guide decisions about blocking and filtering software.

It's true that objectionable content, even garbage, is available on the Internet, just as it is in many parts of a free society. But no blocking software is 100% successful in filtering all "bad" sites. And blocking software often includes a hidden cost -- censorship of genuinely worthwhile, wholesome information, and perfectly "good" sites.

The Texas ISP Association feels parents can be most effective in protecting their children by spending time discussing the values and risks of free access to information. Information to aid these discussions is available below. Please be warned: there is a great diversity of opinions about blocking and filtering software. Some parents find blocking and filtering software to be a useful tool for reducing the risks of objectionable materials coming into the home via the Internet, while other parents find "censorware" to be ineffective, offensive, expensive, and disruptive of the essence of the parent-child bond.

When you are deciding whether or not to use blocking and filtering software in your home, please remember that buying and installing software on a computer cannot be an adequate substitute for spending quality time parenting your child. Many experts and successful parents who have survived the Internet experience agree that Internet-connected computers cannot be safely used as electronic baby-sitters, regardless of the sales pitch of some software vendors.

Links to assist Parents and Kids with Information:
Net Parents
Parent's Guide to the Information Superhighway

Online Safety Tips for Parents: NetSurfing Aids

Resources for Parents and Kids: Kids Domain

Kids Safety on the Web: KidsConnect Internet Question-Answering Service

Referral Service to K-12 Students: The Parent's Guide to Cyberspace

Software for a Family Freindly Internet:
CyberAngels
CyberPatrol
Cyber Snoop
CyberSitter
Net Nanny
SurfWatch
WizGuard

S E C T I O N S