KidRocket - Safe Web Browser for Kids

I was meandering around the internet last night (as you do) when I came across KidRocket... quite by chance. I can't believe I haven't heard about it before.. what a fantastic idea!!

It's a browser for kids, but unlike conventional browsers it effectively locks the internet out. Nothing can get in and nothing can get out apart from a small list of kid friendly sites that have been tested by KidRocket and have no 'outside' links. More information on the FAQ's here

What does this mean? Well it means that your children can only go to the sites that have been tested and approved by KidRocket. It means that you don't have to be constantly hovering over them and you can leave them to click and play to their hearts content. Although this doesn't mean that they don't need to be supervised, all young children should be supervised when using computers or any electrical equipment... but it does mean that you won't have your heart in your mouth every time they click.

The browser can be locked down, so it can't be minimised. Effectively banning the kids from all those interesting icons on your desktop.

There is also a small support forum for parents.

There are also learning tools on KidRocket., number flashcards (you can set the difficulty yourself) word and letter puzzles and colour games. Plus you can limit the amount of printing your child does... they do tend to get carried away with the print button.

KidRocket doesn't have a search engine (yet), but they do recommend W3kids.com Strictly speaking it's more of a collection of kid friendly sites under various headings.. so if you have a favourite then get it submitted.

I'm really impressed by KidRocket., it's free and it's safe and it is an ongoing project, so it can only get better.