Since the introduction of the first Internet filtering software in May 1995, a wide variety of software products are now available which give parents (or other users) the ability to block access to various categories of objectionable material. This software is easy to use and is available today to 100% of Internet-connected households.

Stand alone blocking software comes in a variety of forms, each offering somewhat different choices of content categories to be filtered. Some offer parents the ability to add or delete sites. These products range in price from free over the Net to $20 - $50 at retail software stores. Parents are advised ask questions and compare products to find the one that best suits their needs ( See our "Tips for Parents" page for more information).

The products listed below represent a sample of the tools currently available to parents:

• Cyber Patrol
• CyberSitter
• CyberSnoop
• The Internet Filter
• Microsoft Plus for Kids
• NetNanny
• NetRated
• Net Shepherd
• PlanetWeb
• Safe Surf
• Specs for Kids
• SurfWatch
• Times Up!
• Triple Exposure
• X-Stop