Schools and parents may choose to block certain websites that they deem inappropriate for children. Public libraries and other public computers may also block questionable sites. Sites can easily be blocked using Internet Explorer settings or by downloading special software programs. Unblocking them is not easy, unless you are the computer's administrator.

Function
Schools typically block websites with adult content as well as social networking sites like MySpace or Facebook. It is also common for many schools to block all websites except for a handful that they intentionally allow, such as encyclopedia sites or other websites students can use for research. Parents use blocking tools or software to keep children from accidentally (or intentionally) accessing pornography or other harmful websites. Public libraries block similar sites, since minors have access to their computers.

Types
Internet Explorer comes with "Parental Controls." These settings allow an administrator to access websites and set time limits. The administrator can also allow or block specific games and programs. To access "Parental Controls," open Internet Explorer. Click "Tools" and then "Internet Options." Go to the "Content" tab and click the "Parental Controls" button. Websites can also be blocked using special software.

Considerations
If you own a website, it would behoove you to learn whether schools or content-controlling software programs block your site. One way you may find out is by people viewing your site. If they have tried to access your site elsewhere and were unable, they might let you know via email or on your contact page. There are also site-monitoring services that will let you know if schools, businesses or even countries have censored your site.

Warning
If you are a school administrator, parent or even an IT for a business who wishes to control the content viewed by students, children or employees, most blocking programs work well. However, as with any technology, people have found ways to circumvent these blocks. One way that computer users achieve this is by using proxy sites. These websites are not typically blocked by content controlling software. These sites offer a portal to other websites that is undetected by blockers.

Prevention/Solution
You may decide to specifically block certain websites known to be proxy sites. You will find a link to one such list in the resource section of this article. Checking the history of each user on a regular basis to look for suspicious sites is another option. However, many computer users know to delete their history on a regular basis, particularly if they are visiting sites they should not visit. Another option is installing a "keylogger" program, which will record keystrokes typed by the user. These programs allow you to monitor activity without being detected.