The Online Mom's CHOICE Award – KidZui

Let's face it, installing and maintaining parental controls can be a bit of a hassle. You need to remember a bunch of different passwords and logging in and out for each user can get old in a hurry. Then there are the subscription issues. If you change computers or are staying at a friend's house, you are suddenly back to square one.

Wouldn't it be simpler if there was a separate Internet for kids? Well, that's exactly the idea behind KidZui, the recipient of The Online Mom CHOICE Award for Internet safety.

Launched back in early 2008, KidZui is a free Web browser, search engine and online playground for kids ages 3 – 12. Think of it as the Internet with training wheels. Kids can visit their favorite web sites, get help with homework, watch videos, play games, and even have some limited interaction with their friends.

At the last count there were over 2 million web sites, videos, games and photos on KidZui, with more being added all the time. And all the content has been reviewed by parents and teachers, so you know your kids can surf independently without the risk of stumbling across anything inappropriate.

When locked down, KidZui prevents kids from closing the browser, downloading files, or opening any other applications. Not only do you not have to worry about them accessing any adult content but you can also rest assured that they won't accidently delete the family albums or lose the tax returns!

KidZui allows kids to construct an avatar – called a Zui – and earn points for exploration and discovery. They can tag content and share it with parent-approved friends. They can see other kids online but there's no chat, no written text and no e-mail.

Amazingly, KidZui is free! After a simple registration procedure, download and installation takes about 30 seconds. Although there is an enhanced KidZui Plus option for as little as $3.33 a month, the KidZui Basic package includes all the important features. Once installed and set-up, KidZui is activated by clicking the "K" logo on the desktop.

For parents, KidZui provides that rare digital world combination of entertainment, educational content and peace of mind!

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