frumontheweb

Better Filtering

Page history last edited by Kayza 1 yr ago

I don't think that is possible for filtering to be a 100% solution for a home, even with a good deal of time and effort on the part of parents. However, if you are going to use a filter there are a few things that can improve things.

Always remember the limitations. This one is non-negotiable. The minute you give in to the comforting idea that you have all the bases covered, you've compromised your ability to keep on top of what is happening. Worse, you have created a huge blind spot.

Use a filter that is hard, or impossible, to bypass. This tends to be an expensive proposition. The two most reliable ways to do this: Use an ISP (internet service provider) that has built-in filtering or use a higher end "firewall" that provides good filtering. Besides the cost issues, each one has its pro's and con's. Which one is a better solution for you really depends on your family and particular circumstances.

	ISP Based	High End Firewall
Pro	Impossible to bypass	Greater Level of control
	Needs minimal work	Difficult to bypass
	No arguments about specific decisions	Can provide excellent logging
Con	High ongoing cost	High up-front cost
	Over or under-filtering	Arguments over specific filtering decisions
	Very little control	Can be bypassed, although with difficulty. It's also hard to hide a bypass for long

Use a "defense in depth". In other words, don't let filtering be your only level of monitoring and control.

Take the time and trouble to "tweak" the setting to get the best protection. Different filters give you different levels of control. Make the most of whatever you get.

Use a product that provides activity logs. Read those logs - often. And pay attention to what they don't say as well as what they do. For example if you see no activity for times when you should, you know that someone has been bypassing the filter.

Some of the Live Filtering Tips and Techniques are often applicable.

Look at some Filtering Options. The list is not complete, and some items on the list may not be applicable, but it's a starting place.

Keep the Related, But Not Necessarily the Internet issues in mind

Remember that there are Other Ways to Access the Internet

Try these Other Technical Tips as applicable.

Talk to your children about what you are doing. Explain your rules clearly. Make sure that your children know that you are monitoring their usage - not because you don't "trust" them, but because it is your responsability to do so. 4 Keys to "Internet Proofing" Your Chidren and Discussing the Realities of the Internet With Teens provide some ideas that can help youwith this (ongoing!) conversation.