Google lets parents lock in SafeSearch

Google's new SafeSearch page

(Credit: Google)

Google has long allowed parents a SafeSearch filtering setting that keeps kids from using the search engine to find inappropriate sites like those with explicit sexual images or text.

The problem was that kids could easily change those settings.

Starting Wednesday, however, the company is allowing parents to lock those settings to make it harder (though not impossible) for kids to bypass the settings.

To change the settings, the parent will have to log into his or her Google account and enter a password. Once the settings have been changed, the Google search engine will change in appearance to indicate that it's locked. The new page will have large balls in the upper right corner so that parents can see from across the room that their kids are on the safe search page.

The settings, which places a cookie on the machine, must be configured for each browser the child uses. If you set them only for Internet Explorer, for example, they won't restrict access from Firefox, Chrome, or other browsers. Also, according to a Google representative, the child can get around the settings by using the private browsing feature that is now built into the latest versions of Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Chrome. So, while this will keep kids from accidentally using Google for inappropriate searches, it will not deter tech-savvy kids who are determined to bypass the filters.

As I've said in other posts, filters are never a foolproof way to keep "tweens" and teenagers from inappropriate content. There are always ways to get around them, including using a different machine or mobile phone. Filters are effective for keeping young children from stumbling onto disturbing Web sites and they can be a deterrent to somewhat older kids who might have a momentary or casual interest in looking at material that their parents wish to block.

With all filters and controls, it's important for parents to think about how you use them to help teach your child to exercise self-control and critical thinking so that, eventually, they can safely use the Web without filters or adult supervision. Also, for very young children, say 5 and under, its remains a good idea to be with the child while he or she is online. Tools like Google's SafeSearch are helpful, but they are no substitute for close parental supervision, especially with young children.

Listen to Larry's interview about Google SafeSearch with Google's Scott Rubin

[Super2online]

I like the idea of showing large colored balls that can be seen from afar. This is a good first step on Googles part.

[Stormspace]

I'd like it if they'd do it by IP so I can set it for all the PC's in the house. I've tried openDNS but it interferes with the wifes VPN...

[biffhenerson]

Why would a good parent expose their children to the internet? It seems like some form of child abuse. If a parent purchased books on how to make bombs, and steal without getting caught, and also provided stacks of porn, some child and some adult, and some with animals and a nice thick stack of copies of term papers to cheat and call your own and gave them to their young daughter. Then lets throw in a camera and have her take some bad pictures of herself and share them with the boys gym teacher. How soon before the parent gets arrested and the kids taken away? Yet a parent can park a computer and webcam in the house and let the daughter surf the net freely and society seems to think thats its no big deal. Its educational. Why the double standard? Is that stuff bad or good? Im confused. Parents and the media are lazy and foolish on the topic of kids and the internet.

[JustSomeParent]

I think that filtering software is a little outdated anyway. It seems that no matter how many times these questionable sites are blocked, there is another equally bad web site replacing it. It?s almost like a never ending battle between smut peddlers and filtering software. I gave up on that a few years ago and moved to monitoring software. I use Spector Pro and it works very well. It records everything my kids do and when I combine Spector Pro with routine open discussions with my children, I have found the online experience with my children to be much easier to understand what, and why they choose to do the things they do. Sure, they know I am watching them, but I share those recordings with them so they can object or disagree with what I am trying to teach my children.
Thanks

[dirkrandal1]

I would think that kids shouldn't be looking at large balls either. Come on, Google. That's just sick.

[Ergates_the_Ant]

I think a better way to lock the safe search is to use K9 Web Protection. This will then apply to all users and all browsers on that computer.