As parents, teachers, or caregivers we want to make sure that our children are capable of using technology, but we do not want them to be exposed to adult content any younger than necessary. However, search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and Bing, do not ask for an age when sitting down to search. It is our responsibility to ensure that they do not accidentally stumble upon something not age-appropriate. With that said, many of us do not know where to turn for safe browsers for children. Let’s explore a few of the available browsers for children and how they may be beneficial to users.
Familiar Web-browsers
The most popular web browsers are Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge (Microsoft’s new browser). These are designed with adult users in mind. This does not mean that they provide adult content in terms of pornography, explicit language, or violent images exclusively, but they do not readily filter these things out if the search returns such results. Children do not always understand that their searches will sometimes return results they were not expecting. These results can come from innocent searches. These web-browsers are not to blame. They just are not designed for use by children. Blaming them would be like blaming Maybelline for making cosmetics that irritate a child’s skin. They are not designed for children. Here are some that are designed with children in mind.
Types of Browsers:
Whitelists
These work on a database of safe sites for children. Whitelists will only allow children to reach websites that have been considered safe by browser developers. Parents do not have to add websites or other information to filter the browser.
Adult Driven
The responsible adult or parent can create their own whitelist of websites that the children are allowed to visit. This can be helpful if a school required research site is filtered out by other sites whitelists.
The Search Engines
ZAC Browser
Technically ZAC was designed for children with Autism, but it can be beneficial for many children, especially those with motor skill concerns. ZAC Browser works on an icon system and a whitelist. Children can only use the icons available and closing, right-clicking, and other functions are limited or disabled. This is because many new users and students with motor dysfunction accidentally close browsers and right-click when they mean to left-click. Parents of very young kids might want to try this browser if they are trying to introduce the internet to children who may benefit from a more pictorial browser.
Kiddle
Kiddle has an interface that mimics Google. It is powered by Google Safe search as well. This works just like a search engine and is not a browser separate from Chrome, Firefox, or any other. Parents also need to monitor restrictions outside this page. If parents see a page result that they feel is inappropriate, they may flag it and explain why in the form that accompanies the flag.
Kidsearch
Kidsearch also acts like a typical search engine, but it limits the sites that children can access. The videos are monitored to be safe for children and will not allow all YouTube videos to be accessed. Games and learning websites can also be accessed from the main page. Children can interact with the page and modify their searches to show images, music, or even cool facts.
Kidtopia
Kidtopia also acts like a search engine, but its whitelist is very limited. Children will only be able to access sites approved by Kidtopia’s team of teachers and educators. They will find valuable help with the information they may be studying in school or find interesting, but teachers, parents, and caregivers can rest assured that they will not have access to inappropriate sites.
The Browsers
Kidsplorer
Kidsplorer acts like Internet Explorer (or Microsoft Edge) but is tailored for children. Like other kid-friendly browsers, they cannot access inappropriate sites, but Kidsplorer also adds the prevention of accessing things on the rest of the computer. They will also be limited on-screen time if parents activate this feature. This browser is not free. It will cost $29.99. Many parents feel that is a small price to pay in order to feel their children are safe.
Buddy Browser
Buddy Browser is more than a browser; it’s also a social network for children. While all kids may not want social media, this browser will allow a safe place for your child to interact with friends without the fear of them being exposed to people, images, and websites that are dangerous.
Other Considerations
Do not forget that while Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari are geared toward adults, they can be limited, and you can add parental controls. You are not limited on your options. There are other ways to keep children safe such as keeping the computer in a shared space so that you can monitor their behavior, locking the computer so that they cannot access it before allowed times, or helping with searching. We know that these things are not always possible, so the peace of mind that comes with kid-friendly browsers, websites, and search engines are helpful.
Keep library sites in mind as well. They often have more kid-friendly materials and reviews on new materials. Internet safety begins as soon as children start to use computers, phones, or devices. Model good behavior and talk to your children about expectations and what to do if they receive search results that they know are unacceptable. Sometimes this is just an accident and they need to know how to react. Keep up the great parenting!
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