The much talked-about blocking programs can be a helpful tool for creating child Internet safety, but SurfSmart! believes they are far from a complete solution. Don't make the mistake of installing one of these programs thinking your child's safety is now all set. Let's identify just a few of the reasons why:

Some blocking programs block access to pages where particular forbidden words appear. Nearly all of these programs are not capable of scanning images which may be inappropriate for children, leaving them free to view sites with inappropriate images.

Unless a website uses specifically forbidden words, almost no software is sophisticated enough to discern and block sexually inappropriate, hateful, violent, or other undesirable messages or images you would not want your children to see.

Sites with inappropriate health messages (such as alcohol and cigarette manufacturers) may not use the words "alcohol" or "tobacco" in their text, and therefore may not be blocked. These sites often contain fun and "cool" content which is a draw for children.

Ironically, sites which contain anti-drug, -smoking, -drinking, -violence, or -hate education are generally not accessible with word-blocking programs because they mention the forbidden words. Who does it serve to remove such sites from children's access?

Another type of blocking software forbids access to sites which are deemed inappropriate upon the maker's review. Yet, there are literally thousands of new sites published daily and no software company can keep up with the cataloguing. Not to mention that a site which is surveyed and found acceptable today can be given new (and unapproved) content in seconds.

Many parents find the criteria for "inappropriate" sites used by the software companies is either too restrictive or not restrictive enough. They may not be comfortable leaving such important parenting decisions up to strangers. Most blocking software does not allow adults to set up what is on the approved/unapproved list.

Use of blocking programs by institutions supported by public monies (for example, public libraries) is currently under fire and if found to constitute illegal censorship, may require us to find other solutions.

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