KidDotComs™ (http://kiddotcoms.com)
Everything starts when a parent or caregiver creates an account. A profile is created for each child, and the parent selects from the reviewed websites the desired ones to add to the child's profile. The parent or caregiver then makes it easy for the child or children to reach the profiles in the browser. There are several recommended options with demonstration videos on KidDotComs to walk adults through the process. Once set up, the child is simply taught how to access their unique profile. Simple colors, text, and graphics are used which allow children as young as two years old to use the system. The child feels empowered with the new ability while still being safely directed and focused in their activity.
What Makes KidDotComs Unique?
KidDotComs is unique because most child-safe sites are geared towards older children with strong reading and web skills. Many other services take an approach that prevents the parents from using the computer as they want and need.
Some of the benefits include:
* Simple for Tots – Children as young as two can successfully use KidDotComs. Simple graphics, colors, and text with large click areas make getting started easy for even the younger users.
* No Special Software – Doesn't require any special installed software. It is used with your preferred browser.
* Portable – It can be used while on vacation, visiting family, or from other computers.
* Multiple Ways to Use – There are several ways to integrate it into the family and into the computer.
* Doesn't Do Too Much – It remains focused on providing a simple-to-use service and doesn't attempt to be all things to all people.
* Reviews and Recommends Other Software – The staff searches out and recommends additional software to protect the computer and the child.
* Educational Resource for Parents – The blog (http://blog.kiddotcoms.com) is a free educational resource for parents.
KidDotComs does not prevent children from visiting websites. The creator of KidDotComs, Mark Ericksen, explains it this way, “As a parent, I wanted a solution that wouldn't get in my way of using the computer. My goal is to make it easy for children to visit parent approved websites. Another goal of KidDotComs is parent education. We recommend excellent free and purchased software that give parents the desired level of control for their family and their children.”
When discussing how to protect children from inappropriate content, Mark Ericksen elaborates, “There are many content filtering solutions available that perform that function very well. We didn't set out to replace those solutions. In fact, there are some excellent free solutions that give parents a lot of control and reporting ability that we recommend. I believe the 'right' solution will vary for families with children of various ages and abilities.”
The Name Came From Kids
When asked where the KidDotComs name originated, Ericksen explained, “The KidDotComs name came from our first users (my kids) asking to use it. They wanted to get to their favorite 'dot com' websites. The websites were all for kids so the children would say, 'I want to play the kid-dot-coms.' We heard that phrase so often we just started calling it that too.”
For more information, please visit http://kiddotcoms.com.
About KidDotComs
KidDotComs was created in 2008 by parents of young children who set out to serve themselves and other like-minded families by giving parents the tools and knowledge needed to make informed and appropriate decisions for their families. In early 2009 KidDotComs opened to the public. Today KidDotComs continues to support families by offering services, reviews, demonstration videos, parent computer education, and software recommendations to aid parents in selecting what is appropriate for their children and their family.
