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Many internet service providers (ISPs) provide parental control software - most of which includes content filters which can block offensive content such as pornography.

The four big ISPs - BT, Sky, Virgin Media and TalkTalk - provide it free of charge (as part of their package), and give new customers a prompt so that they have to make a decision as to whether they want to use it or not.

Mother and daughter looking at laptop screen

Print this guide: What are parental tools?

Take a look at the parental controls section of the UK Safer Internet Centre website (there's a link to it at the end of this guide). It has more information about the software offered by the four big ISPs. There are four short videos which explain where you can find the parental controls, what they do, and how you can set them up.

UK mobile operators also provide free parental control software. Some of this is set up by default, but if you are not sure then contact your mobile operator and ask them.

There are parental controls available on a wide range of devices. Whether your child is using a games console, a tablet or a smartphone, it is likely that there are controls available for parents to use.

Content filters

Content filters are a key tool typically included in parental control software. They can help to reduce the chances of children coming across inappropriate content, such as pornographic and violent material.

Some filters allow parents to set different profiles for different children - so mums and dads can offer a more protective experience for younger children.

It's worth knowing that content filters can sometimes 'over-block', which means they can prevent access to content that is suitable for your child to see. Likewise, they can 'under-block' - allowing some inappropriate content to slip through the filter.

If you want to give your child access to a site that has been blocked, most filters will let you unblock a particular site. And filters can also allow you to add sites that were not previously on the blocked list.

Timed access, monitors and locks

Parental tools offer more than just filtering. If you've installed parental control software, you may find a range of tools on offer.

Some tools allow parents to set time limits to online activities. This allows the parent to restrict access to the internet, or to certain types of websites at certain times - for example to block social networking during homework time.

Other tools let you monitor your child's online activity - so, for example, you can see which websites they have been viewing and how long they were online for. Some more advanced parental control software even provides parents with reports on their child's social networking activity.

On-demand services - such as BBC iPlayer, 4oD Player, ITV Player and Demand 5 - offer a password-protected parental lock which can help protect children from viewing more challenging, grown-up content.

Take responsibility

It is important to note that parental tools are there to help - they don't provide a fail-safe solution to keeping children safe online.

For instance, content filters are better at blocking pornographic material than some other potentially offensive content. And, in any case, some of the risks facing children online are as a result of their own or other people's behaviour, such as cyber bullying or over-sharing information.

The best outcomes for children come from parental engagement and support.

Mums and dads need to talk to their children and make sure they know how to stay safe online. If their children are older, it's important for parents to talk to their children about acting responsibly online and being respectful to others.

Remember - the kind of parental tools outlined in this guide can be a very helpful resource, but they are not a substitute for knowing what your children are doing online and being there for them when they need you.

TV and Radio

BBC iPlayer

