Browser-Based Controls

• Many Internet browsers allow you to block specific websites in their preferences bar. For example, enabling the "Content" tab in Internet Explorer will allow you to create a list of approved and disapproved sites. Internet Explorer will also allow you to create a password for the approved content so you can turn it on and off but your child cannot. While Firefox does not have a built-in content blocker, there are several add-ons available for the browser that can block specific sites, including FoxFiler and BlockSite.
  
  

Parental Control Bar

• The Parental Control Bar is a downloadable add-on for Windows computers using Internet Explorer or Safari. Parental Control Bar installs a bar on your Internet browser that displays whether your computer is operating in "child mode" or "parent mode"; you can switch between these two browsing modes using a password. Parental Control Bar will allow you to specify both sites blocked in child mode and "safe sites" that are always accessible to children.
  
  

Parental Control Software

• While browser add-ons and preferences can block specific websites, they do not allow the specificity of Internet control that is available from more advanced parental control software. Such software is useful if your family has children of multiple ages requiring different levels of Internet security. Certain programs, such Safe Eyes, will allow you to create multiple profiles for different Internet users. Others, like SpyTech Agent, will let you monitor your children's Internet usage, including the sites they visit.
  
  

Router-Based Controls

• If your home Internet connection is based on a wireless router, you may also block websites via the router itself. Changing settings on the router can generally be accomplished using the computer that you used to set up the router; if you do not know how to access the router from your computer, contact the router's manufacturer. Routers will allow you to not only block certain websites, but also to limit the amount of Internet time available to certain computer on your network.