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World Wide Web Safety Print E-mail
Safety Tips
The benefits of the web
Computer users can share information, ideas, resources and can communicate with people the world over through the wonders of e-mail. Information on a vast array of topics can be easily accessed. The web saves time and for many it is a convenient way of keeping in contact and up-to-date with information.


A word of caution
Unfortunately the internet does have its darker side. There is negative and harmful information on the web, for example hate mail, racist speeches, pornographic material, bomb and drug making formulas.

A frightening aspect of this easy access to information is that this harmful material can easily make its way into your home, and worst of all, in front of your children. In an instant, at the click of the mouse and in order to satisfy their natural sense of curiosity, harmful material is often downloaded by children.


Safeguarding your child by using a "Net filter"
The good news is that you can safeguard children by installing a net filter program. Net filter programs are software that allow you to monitor, screen or block access to information residing on, running in, or through your computer. The filter works both online and offline.

Net filters operate automatically, quietly and without children knowing. They identify user defined web sites by recognising words and phrases as well as content that you have deemed unsuitable.

Some other benefits of a "Net Filter", a net filter will:
  • Prevent others from obtaining your personal details, such as your e-mail address, residential address or credit card details.
  • Provide users with FREE "can go" and "can't go" site lists to download into the screening databases.
  • Prevent loading, downloading and running of unauthorised software or CD-ROMs.
  • Prevent user definable words, phrases, sites, images, files, websites and "chat room" information being received, or accessed by your computer.
  • Prevent disks and the hard drive from being re-formatted.
  • Prevent deletion or deliberate tampering of files.
  • Ensure the program is always operating unless turned off through an administration program.

Net filters are easy to install, disable or remove. Parents, teachers and employers can turn net filters on and off, modify, add, or delete screening list items at any time and at their own discretion. With children of even pre-school age learning to use computers, it is wise to be cautious.