About the Selected Resources on "Joshua's Hyde N' Seek" page and Filters
The Subject Directories and Search Engines recommended on Joshua's Hyde N' Seek page were selected on the basis of their appropriateness for children, age 5 - 12, in terms of ease of use, as well as the content, coverage, and currency of their databases.
The suggested search engines employ various filters that are either "built-in" or include a feature that allows the user to employ a filter as an option. For example, Ask Jeeves for Kids first searches a database of selected sites and then conducts a parallel search filtered through SurfWatch; Searchopolis uses the Bess database to eliminate adult and other objectionable material. If you would like to conduct a non-filtered search, please ask the librarian for assistance.
Note: Filters can reduce, but not totally eliminate, material that users may find offensive or objectionable and may, at the same time, block access to legitimate and useful resources.
There are a number of good online resources with information about kids' safety and the Internet, including:
A nationwide campaign to educate families about safety and use issues on the Net.
An informational pamphlet by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Interactive Services Association.
A site for kids and parents to learn together about the Internet, from the American Association of School Librarians (AASL)
An educational site on Internet safety with Web sites and Internet tools for families to discuss Internet use and behavior. Information and links for filtering software. Links for kids and families.
An introduction to the Web and the Internet for families by the American Library Association
A large guide to many aspects of family Internet use and safety, from the Children's Partnership.
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