But one resource even better than any instant messaging monitor or internet filter we can recommend is YOU.

Here are a few tips for being that internet filter in your home:

• Keep computers in plain sight when possible so that it is easy to glance over your child’s shoulder to check on them (for their safety–it’s NOT snooping)
• Find out all that you can about the very real threats that are online so you know what to look for
• Beware of free game sites that have chat capability.  Not everyone on those sites are children, but may pose as such
• Frequently check the internet history of internet connected devices such as iPods, iPads, Wii game consoles, and of course, laptop and desktop computers

We live in a world where they are online in so many ways for so many different things like free games sites, gaming consoles that connect to the internet, and also on devices like the iPod Touch.

Well guess what…”there’s an app for that” when it comes to protecting your children online so that they can surf the web safely even while on their iPod Touch device.

Have you ever stopped to consider all of the types of videos that your child can access through YouTube and sites just like it? I’m not trying to knock YouTube here, but I was recently surprised that there isn’t much internet filtering on the site. This could be because in their own terms of service, they are not responsible for viewers under a certain age viewing their content. And really, that’s right. It’s the parent or caregivers responsibility to know what your child is doing online.

This is where I have to hand it to K9 Web Protection again. They have free internet filtering through their iPod Touch app and it’s definitely worth a look.

Check it out at this link >> http://itunes.apple.com/app/k9-web-protection-browser/id407657840

It’s K9 Web Protection, and I simply can’t put it better than this description:

(from their website)

Protect Your Children!

An open Internet is unsafe for children and parenting in this digital age is difficult. We provide tools for parents to control unwanted content and provide a safe Internet for your family.

K9 Web Protection is a free Internet filter and parental control software for your home Windows or Mac computer. K9 puts YOU in control of the Internet so you can protect your kids.

(end of quote from their website)

And since it’s free parental control protection software, you’ve got nothing to lose for trying it out.  You DO have everything to gain, in keeping your children safe online.

Check out their website for yourself at http://www1.k9webprotection.com/

It’s the pc monitoring software that keeps your children safe online.

There are too many threats online even for adults, much less our children.  The threat is real, so the response should be as well.

But this doesn’t mean you should have to spend a fortune on parental control software, even though you would to keep your kids safe.  The great thing about free is that it doesn’t cost you anything to at least try it out.

Remember, your children are depending on you.