Parental Controls for the Home Computer

I would like to know if you can recommend some sites that offer free parental control software. I've tried to block content through my control panel but it is difficult to decide what programs to block, is there a easier way like the v-chip for TVs that block sites by rating?
With the kids home for the summer and friends and older relatives in and out of the house I want to feel more confident allowing unsupervised use of the computer.

Thanks for your help.
Marsha

Dear Marsha,

Officer Miller and I were just talking about this topic. We've come across these very informative references.

1)The McAfee Survey Youth Online Behavior Guide
http://us.mcafee.com/en-us/local/docs/SocialNetworkinge-guide.pdf

2)The Girl Scouts of Nassau County Critical Issues page

http://www.gsnc.org/criticalissues/SextingandCyberbullying.asp

3) IKEEPSAFE.ORG http://www.ikeepsafe.org/iksc_about/

to help parents understand some of the programs out there.

We know how important it is for parents to be involved in what information kids are posting online as well as just who kids are speaking to.

We hope this helps give you some helpful tips and we will continue to send you informational resources as we come across them.

P.O. John Miller
C.G. Jo-Lynn Tripp