This isn't something I created or came up with, rather it is something I found that we use in our household.
It is called "The Ultimate Kids Internet" or "TUKI" for short. It is an internet browser for kids.
In our house we have been blessed that we all have our own computers, (except for "K" of course). Having a husband that likes to build computers has made that possible.
The older 2 have a computer station set up in the school/rec. room which is attached to the office where the adults computers are.
Everything is right out in the open and I can check in freely. But in reality I can't stand over both shoulders constantly. I wanted something to block inappropriate sites for when I wan't right next to them.
I searched the internet for filters and kid friendly programs, and that is when I came across TUKI. We had unsuccessfully tried Net Nanny, her concept was great, but she had many failures....sites she was supposed to block would come through when I tested it...and I found it to be unreliable. The other programs were costly and their interfaces weren't always easy to follow.
TUKI is an internet browser and filter built into one, and it is completely parent controlled and FREE. It is so easy to use. There are different browser designs you can choose from there is "Noah's Net" geared more for the younger kids, there is a "sports themed browser" that my 10 year old son just loves, and my daughter (12) uses the ladybug themed browser.
With TUKI - you set up a list of sites your kids can visit. If you have more than one child the settings can be customized per child. There is also an animated character that pops up from time to time with tips and or reminders that you can set. EX: I set mine to remind my kids they must brush their teeth before getting on the computer, and "remember to do your chores" etc....
You have soo much flexibility and control over what is available on this program. Nothing takes the place of adult supervision but this helps tremendously.
If there is a website they come across that they want to visit and it isn't on the list an alternate page with a policeman figure comes up that tells them that site isn't on the approved list and they need to get a parent to approve the site.
There is a paid service which I have purchased because my daughter is approaching her teen years (4 more months!!!) and really wanted/needed email. Using TUKI 's paid service she can have email, but I set up a "buddy list" - that means that only email from the buddy list addresses will come through. It is just great! No spam and she can email her grandparents, and a few of her friends. She can also get her email notices from the local library, etc.
It works wonderfully for us!
(Disclaimer: I like this program so much I did join their affiliate program. If you want to bypass my links you can read about TUKI at childrenseducationalnetwork.com)Labels: Works for Me Wednesday |
We use TUKI too!