Use an Internet filter.
There are many Internet filters that you can buy or download that will prohibit you or members of your family from opening any questionable sites.
Take advantage of search engines' built-in filters.
Many search engines give you the option of choosing a "safer" search when using their services. For example, Google offers safe search filtering that you can toggle on or off at the Advanced Search page. This goes for all image searches too.
Don't guess the address of a Web site.
This is probably the number one way that people get into trouble. If you are not absolutely sure what the URL of the site you're looking for, input the term instead into your favorite search engine.
Never click on sites that seem questionable.
When in doubt, don't click. If the site description, title, or URL seems in any way "off" to you, find another site that is more reputable, especially when using that site in a research capacity. Evaluate a website carefully to see if it meets certain criteria for believability, integrity, and credibility.
Choose your searches carefully.
If you're searching for something that is perfectly innocent, but could be construed as inappropriate, think of different ways to frame your search so there are no unpleasant surprises. Read Top Ten Search Tricks to learn how to refine your searches more efficiently.
Use approved websites.
There are many search engines and search directories that have extremely high standards when it comes to including sites in their indexes. You can trust these sites to only offer information that is credible and safe:
- The Best Reference Sites
- The Best Kids Sites on the Web
- The Top Twenty Government Websites
- Question and Answer Search Engines
Make Web safety a priority.
It only takes a few seconds for an unwary Web searcher's safety and privacy to be compromised on the Web. Use the following resources to guard yourself online:
