The internet is becoming more and more sophisticated every nano-second, and one area that never ceases to amaze me is the selection available for children. However, tightly woven into that golden field of online mind nutrition is a great deal of dangerous landmines just waiting for an young, unsuspecting click. Kid-safe browsers don’t replace adult supervision, and never will, but do much more than just protect your child. They have found the best of the best online, and made it fun and easy for you and your child to find healthy, online activities.
I found this list of kid-safe browsers on The Smart Bean along with about a week’s worth of great information for any homeschooler or parent that is involved with their child’s education. It’s an intelligent website full of quality resources and information to enhance the education of any age child.
So, what’s the difference between parental control software like Cybersitter and NetNanny and a kid-safe browser? Besides a chunk of change, parental control software simply censors pre-designated sites along with a varied selection of other controls specific to your computer. A kid-safe browser is full of pre-selected sites that have been deemed safe and appropriate for your child-and can usually be accessed from any computer.
According to Smart Bean, most kid-safe browser have the following features:
* The internet is restricted to a pre-approved universe of child-appropriate sites for games, entertainment, information and education
* Parents have the means to allow/restrict access to sites, and view details of their kids’ online activities
* Communication tools such as kid-safe email and chat, and safe social-networking communities for kids
* No advertising
Here is a list of free options that I’m looking forward to trying myself!
Buddy Browser – Safe, secure, and boasting no spyware or adware, all sites must be pre-approved by you. Kid-safe search and NO chat rooms. Fun tool bar icons for games, movies, sports, e-cards, music, etc. and educational learning channels for Science, School, Nature, Animals & more.
Glubble – offers more than just a kid-safe browser. A family photo sharing site and a way to connect your family online, Glubble is a wholesome, fun and safe “whole family” internet experience for families with children under the age of 12. Check out this informative video about how Glubble works.
Kido’z - Targeted at ages 3-7, Kido’z can be used without knowing how to read or write. While we still encourage adult supervision, this kid-safe browser boasts the ability to present content in one or more of 17 different languages at an “age-appropriate” level. The use of the new Adobe AIR platform is said to make this a richer experience, and is one of the most advanced platforms.
KidRocket – Complete with “time lock” for limiting a child’s time on the internet, it also includes email and printing controls as well. The newest version of KidRocket provides vocal prompts and new email options. Appears to have a smaller selection of available sites to choose from, there seems to be a more educational emphasis.
KidZui – Available as a stand alone browser, or a Firefox add-on, this is one of the more popular kid-safe browsers aimed at the sub-12 year age group. “Kids have the freedom to learn, play, search and discover over 2 million games, websites, videos and photos on their own. KidZui has the largest number of games, websites, videos and photos reviewed by parents and teachers anywhere.” KidZui sends a weekly email to parents that tells them what their kids are doing online and allows parents to set controls.
Have fun! Does anyone know of others that I should have mentioned? Any that you didn’t like? Thanks!
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I had no idea that browsers for kids existed! My daughter is turning 5 and already loves playing on pbskids and nick jr, but we worry about when she is a bit more ‘able’ to surf around. Great options – thanks for sharing!