AOL UK this week
became the first ISP in the UK to offer children their own
“Kids Only” Internet accounts within a customised surfing environment.
Aimed at children from age 2 (yes, AOL gets them surfing at just
two years old) to 12, the accounts provides a safe online experience,
with easy-to-use parental controls. No special software is needed.
“Kids Only is like a walled garden with all the excitement of an
adventure playground — so kids can still explore the Internet,
but without the risks of unfiltered access,” said Alan Griffin,
group editor for the Kids Channel.
The content available to children using the Kids Only accounts
is extensive, including information about TV, films, music, sports,
games, and competitions. Ask-A-Teacher enables kids to send emails
to qualified teachers and receive replies within 24 hours.
There are specially hosted chat rooms and message boards where
users can congregate, plus an email system, and Web searching
via Kids’ AOL Netfind, AOL’s dedicated kid-friendly search engine.
“We know that over 65 per cent of all AOL UK households have children,
so the demand for kid-specific content and features is significant,” said
Alan Griffin.
“By attracting the best content partners and developing the most
sophisticated tools we have created a service that is attractive and
fun for kids and reassuring for parents.”
