First, let’s tackle the issue of blocked sites. There are many reasons that certain sites are blocked:

• the country you reside in can block specific sites for political reasons
• the school you go to does not allow anything but educational sites
• your workplace restricts sites for security reasons

However, there are times when you need to get to a site, for whatever reason. There are a few simple methods you can use to unblock blocked sites.

NOTE: Violation of most terms of use by corporations can be grounds for immediate termination; in addition, universities and schools have rules that prohibit non-educational use of the Web. Use these methods at your own risk.

Next, let’s look at the issue of blocking specific sites. Perhaps you don’t want your children to be visiting sites they shouldn’t, or you’d like to be able to keep distractions to a minimum while you are working. Here are a couple resources you can use:

• A Practical Guide to Kids Safety Online. Every parent wants their kids to be safe online, right? Of course! Use the following tips to insure your kids safety on the Web.

  Online Kids Safety Tips

  • • Be involved. What are your kids doing online? Who are they talking to? There’s too many scary statistics out there. Don’t let your kids be one of them.
    • Be prepared. Lay out clear boundaries of where your child is allowed to go on the Web. If you feel it’s necessary, you can install internet filters.
    • Be educated. This might be common knowledge for adults, but most kids don’t know that they are not supposed to give out personal information out online. This includes emailing, using chat rooms, IM-ing (instant messaging), or anything else that asks for any kind of personal information.
    • Be there. It’s not enough to give out rules and reg’s; make surfing the Web a fun, family activity.
    • Be critical. More kids than ever before get most of their homework help online.
    • Be informed. Get a copy of your kids’ school use policies for the Web. Make sure that it’s something you’re comfortable with.
    • Be visible. Where is your computer? Is it hidden away? If your kids use the computer on a regular basis, make sure that it’s in a public place to make checking up on what they are doing easier.

  Kids safety on the Web should be a key component of every family’s house rules. Instilling appropriate boundaries for Web use will save you a lot of heartache in the long run, and make the Web a safe, educational, and yes - fun! place to be.

• How to Avoid Questionable Sites: Here’s the scenario: you’re searching for something innocent on the Web, and along comes something definitely NOT so innocent.