Also blocks viral YouTube clips on other sites

Trying to keep kids away from suggestive or vulgar videos on the net is an increasing challenge both for parents and the "filtering" software they often rely on for their child's computers. Like other filter makers, Safe Eyes has recently updated its self-titled software for Mac to version 3.6 to address the issue, albeit with a twist -- along with the option of just blocking all YouTube videos, Safe Eyes also offers selective filtering, offering tighter controls than YouTube's own voluntary flagging system but leaving "safe" videos both on the site and linked to other sites available for display.

Safe Eyes' YouTube filtering work with embedded YouTube clips on blogs, emails, Facebook and other sites, so that "viral" videos that are widely shared can be screened no matter where they appear. While no actual pornography is allowed on YouTube, suggestive and risque videos often appear, along with clips that feature adult language.

The filters in the program screen YouTube videos on a clip-by-clip basis, though parents can block YouTube videos outright if they desire. The program also allows blocking of objectionable websites, chat messages, P2P programs and social networks as well as regulating how much time children are allowed to spend on the net. Parents can receive instant alerts when kids try to access blocked sites.

Safe Eyes 3.6 is a free update for existing users. The program works by subscription, $50 per year for up to three Mac or PC computers. The software also syncs with Safe Eyes Mobile, a $20 iOS device version. The Mac version requires OS X 10.4.1 or later.

by MacNN Staff