It seems that everyone is online these days and kids in particular are inclined to live large portions of their lives in cyberspace. There’s no denying the value and volume of information available on the internet and school projects are practically impossible without it. Additionally, online communication has become the medium of choice, replacing phone calls, letters and even face-to-face conversations. Internet filter software can be an indispensible tool for parents looking to keep their kids safe in cyberspace.

We won’t try to minimize the importance of the web, but using it adds some dangers to communication that didn’t exist previously. Unless, you know someone in real life, an online relationship is fundamentally an illusion. Even in dealing with someone you know, there’s a level on anonymity that tends to change what people are willing to say to one another. In this article, we’ll outline some of the most prominent dangers to kids and teens online and how internet filter software can help. At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don’t Have To.TM

Cyberbullying

One kid bullying another is nothing new. Just about all of us have been the victims of, or at least witnessed, the schoolyard bully. They can make your life miserable. Cyberbullying takes the concept to a new level. First, it isn’t left at school or on the playground. The bully can follow a child anytime and anywhere online. Also, because physical strength and size are removed from the equation, anyone can become the bully. Children and especially emotionally fragile teens are susceptible to the bully’s taunts, which are often crueler in nature because people tend to be less inhibited in what they say online. The effects can be devastating and have even resulted in suicide. Kids are generally very hesitant to tell parents when they’re being bullied. Internet filter software can neutralize that reluctance.

Sexting

A relatively recent phenomenon but one which has gotten loads of press is sexting. Juveniles either take sexually suggestive photos of themselves, or allow the photos to be taken, then send them to someone. Often they’re sent to a friend who is expected to keep the images private. Making matters worse, the receiver often doesn’t keep the shots confidential, whether to brag or to hurt the other individual. Rather the photos are forwarded to others or posted on the internet resulting in humiliation.

Sexual Predators

Perhaps the most feared risk for children online is the sexual predator. These perverts typically initiate friendships with kids. They set about grooming the target for a sexual encounter, sometimes online and sometimes in the real world. In any case, the result is at least psychologically devastating and potentially physically dangerous.

Pornography

Often the sexual predators’ goal is to obtain child pornography. There are innumerable websites for obtaining such illicit material but getting it directly from the child can be an aim. Pornographers are also often interested in supplying their wares to kids; sometimes for monetary profit but more often to open sexually oriented discussions and eventually, seduction.

When researching internet filter software, you’ll often hear that no program can be a substitute for an involved, caring parent. That statement is absolutely true but the programs can be great tools in effective parenting. We’ve rated the best such software and found Net Nanny Parental Controls to be the best option overall. CYBERsitter and Safe Eyes are also excellent choices.