The problem with letting the kids use the computer, apart from the sticky fingers is making sure they don’t see anything that is not age appropriate.

You’re sat with them looking at bmx videos or cartoons on YouTube, then the phone rings/door goes/sibling falls over,  you come back and he’s clicked on the handy next video suggestion….

Here’s where this great little piece of software comes in, it is called Kido’z, not a great name but a really good program,

It is a free program you install on your computer (works on Mac and PC) and creates a method for viewing only pre screened child friendly websites and YouTube videos.

To start off with you visit the Kido’z website (see the Kidoz link at the bottom of this page) and click the download link

Next you will be prompted to install Adobe Air and the program, Adobe Air is safe it’s a bit like flash player.

There wil be a pop up box asking if you want to open or install Kidoz, just click Install or open (install on PC, Open on a Mac)

Once running you will get a screen like this

Click continue and you’ll have to fill in some details, this will create your parental control account, I personally use the free account. there is a premium paid for version, which has some extra games etc.

Once the account has been created, you can login and you child can start using the program, it has a large number of websites already on there, all of which have been carefully checked so you can relax.

They also have YouTube videos these are arranged in channels, there is a classic cartoons channel also a Sesame St channel

One of the best points for me is the ability to add websites or YouTube content that know or have pre checked, this is good for 6 year olds to keep them interested and also add sites like CBBC game. To do this you’ll need to click on the login at the top left hand corner with the program

The next screen you’ll need to select ‘add a new website’

You’ll need to give it a title, and then copy and paste the web address into the next box, choose if you want to share it, then press save.

When you return to the childs screen there will be a button for my websites

There are loads of other features in the parental control such as password protecting the exit button, blocking any approved sites ect

It works on a Mac or PC,

I would say this is aimed at the under 10′s market, though a version for teenagers would be useful.

With all internet usage by children my general advice is to have the computer situated downstairs in a communal space, so you can keep an eye on it.

www.kidoz.net

November 2011: An Update on this post, recently Kidoz have changed their policy with the free edition after the trial, the cost is now £25 a year or £37.50 for a lifetime licence 

Gildas Jones

Computer support for Mac or PC, Business or Home in the Bristol area 0800 955 78 78

www.dialageek.co.uk