My daughter has become obsessed with Myspace and Facebook. She has to use her computer for her homework, so taking away the computer is not an option. I will unblock myspace and facebook as soon as she can prove to me that she can keep her grades up and and use the websites. Does anyone know of a way to block these websites on her computer. She has Windows Vista. We have tried to edit the host file, but it will not let me save it after editing. I do use the parental controls provided to block the sites, however she has found a way to bypass that as well. I have also blocked the websites in her internet options. Somehow she is bypassing these. Never underestimate the will of a teenager.
HowToBypass.com
Learn to Bypass blocked stuff!
There are many ways to accomplish this task, but first lets find out if you really want to completely block sites like these or if want to restrict access by children, or allow teens access and monitor their online behavior. The latter choice/option being the preferred way to go. You know as well as I do, if you make restrictions on teens or you stop them from doing something as a form of punishment they will find a way to undermine your authority. They will find a way or sneak online somewhere else. And the possible outcome could be very tragic.
Another option to help teens, is by becoming an active partner in the mySpace craze. Make your own profile find out what all the excitement is about and show them how you would surf and add friends and why you as a parent would also want to make correct choices and be safe (adults need to be safe also). Teach them how to use common sense and show each of your children the proper way to enjoy the Internet. It’s a great teaching moment!
Option # 1:
Source Code can be used to prevent objectionable websites but, there are some limitation. Also (you’ll need to know how to do some minor programming) but it’s simple enough, just follow the directions.
Option # 2:
Monitoring Software can be used to monitor online activity by using software to Record Emails, Chats, IMs, Web Sites, Programs Run, Keystrokes Typed, Peer to Peer File Sharing, Screen Snapshots – Plus – Offers Internet Access Blocking and Instant Notification Alerts.
Option # 3:
Blocking Software might be a Wise Choice that will protect your children, by completely blocking their use of objectionable websites. The software may also block some sites that could be used for homework.
Option # 4:
Logging Software monitors and logs all keystrokes while your children are online.
Blocking, monitoring, and logging what’s the difference?
A blocking program has the ability to automatically block most inappropriate sites. Most blocking programs along with their automatic blocking, will allow you to specify which sites you want blocked and which sites you want to allow. They should all be password protected to keep the kids out. Most blockers work well, although, the downside is that some can be a bit too restrictive. For instance, CYBERsitter (one of the most used) would never allow kids to upload pictures to their boards. Granted, this isn’t necessarily bad, but when given the ok, a child expects to be able to upload their photo(s), and expect CYBERsitter to allow them to upload. However, it won’t allow it, you’ll have to manually disable it and wait for them to finish, and then re-enable the software.
A monitoring program monitors web sites visited, applications used on the computer, like MSword or a game. Most monitoring programs also have a blocking function.
A logging program or key logger as they are called, simply logs all keystrokes made on your computer. Most, will also log incoming chat sessions and email. These programs, as far as I am concerned, are a must if you have kids chatting and using email. They will not stop bad things from happening, but they will log exactly what was said and when.
I understand this very well because I too face a similar problem with my son. Facebook is so addictive and time waster application, Anyways, as you said, these teenagers find a way out. Now coming to the point you said that you are not able to save the host file. This is simple…..
1, Click on start and type notepad in search box.
2. Right click on notepad which has been searched and Run as administrator.
3. Navigate to the host file and do the necessary changes.
4. Save the file as you normally do.
Thats it. For further clarification, you can contact me.
Your broadband modem may have settings to block particular sites/IP addresses. Parental control software is also an option. You can also install monitoring software to track what they are doing on the computer. As Oblivionguy said though, you can always get around filters. Dids do this in school to get around the filters there. It ends up being a constant struggle between school IT staff and students to keep ahead.
The simplest solution though is to move their computer into a common room where they will mostly be in line of sight of an adult in the house. My son’s computer was kept in the living room for a similar reason.
Theres really no way to block facebook or myspace compeltly.
If you block it, she can always use Proxy servers, or a number of other ways around. The best solution would be to only let her use the computer under supervision, or to not allow her access to the internet.
There are many free web filters, most of which will let you block selected sites, or even all social networking sites. For the first couple of weeks, monitor her browsing history, and block the (nobodycanstop.us etc.) sites that she uses to skirt the filter.
cancel your internet connection and tell her to go to the library for her homework.
otherwise get macafee internet security and set her security level to junior, that will block facebook etc
please dont take myspace away from her, all it is is a trend that teens do for fun an can talk to all buddys, nothin bad ,, we all do it
If you have a router that she connects off of you can go into the router configuration to block web content and pages.
evil, evil woman