Who are we and what is the purpose of our existence?: ChildSafe International is an International, independent, organization that has multiple purposes for it's existence but the primary is to put the Bite Back into the Fight for greater security and safety in all forms of media. This is accomplished by educating the public, parents, businesses, libraries, and schools about the issues we address.   This is accomplished by empowering the public, both in the general public and online, to make informed decisions in their use of the Internet, Electronic Entertainment, and other media, where both family members and companies could be placed at risk.  Our efforts are accomplished through a joint and unified effort of people from many nations across the globe. Whether an individual or a corporate professional group, everyone plays a part in the evolution of our efforts as each year passes. Everything we experience in life stems from a freedom of choice. At CSI, we respect freedom of speech and of press but at the same time recognize that what may be acceptable to one person, may not be to another. We have a code of ethics which is an established standard across the globe.

We choose to work together to accomplish our task of educating and increasing public awareness for greater security and safety in all forms of media through a variety of methods. We have provided a bulleted list for you of some of our methods for you in the space below.

• Internet public awareness campaigns.

• Educating school administrators, librarians, general business establishments, and  consumers how to configure their browsers to use content filtering.

• Newsletters both online and hard copy print.

• Brochures placed in Libraries, Schools, and other public locations.

• Radio and Television announcements.

• Public Service Announcements.

• Alliances with other organizations that work together with us to increase public awareness.

We strive to create a major incentive for web developers, companies, schools, libraries, and general users to label the content of their site and get their web sites PICS rated and ICCS™ certified under the iWatchDog™ Program.  This works to provide an environment of web sites across the globe that when a user sees the iWatchDog™ or ICCS™ certification logo, they recognize that it is a web site that has no offensive content within.

Admittedly, though, PICS filters do have one weakness. They can do only two things with unlabeled content; Allow it or Block it. Because so much of the web is presently unlabeled, PICS filters allow parents to bypass filtering of unlabeled sites while continuing to filter labeled sites, but what then is the point? Since most is unlabeled, most would pass unchecked. If parents enable PICS to filter labeled sites and block unlabeled sites, most get blocked. Even though the parent can allow the viewing of unlabeled sites with a password, because the vast majority of Internet content is unlabeled, that too gets old fast.

The iWatchDog™ Licensing Program

The iWatchDog™ Licensing Program is designed to provide a globally recognized and consistent standard to define web sites of non-offensive content.  The iWatchDog™ Licensing requires a web site to have the content rated by a content rating system which is  ICCS™ certified under the iWatchDog™ Program, and then must hold an authorized iWatchDog™ seal which is valid for a period of one year from point of approval for license.

Rating of a web site's content is purely voluntary but in order to gain approval and licensing under the iWatchDog™ Program, there is no exception to the rule.  The web site content must be rated by an ICCS™ Certified rating system.  At present there are only two rating systems that are licensed and certified by the ChildSafe International™.  They are SafeSurf, (ICCS Certified) and ICRA.  

A very important factor now is that because of the iWatchDog™ Program and ICCS™ Certification being globally recognized and accepted, online commercial businesses are now finding the certification to be a value added item that improves the value of their business web site in the eyes of the consumer.

A major concern that comes to the mind of people is that because labeling is voluntary, there is always the potential for abuse and deliberate misrepresentation of content. It is because of this fact that we do checking of the META tag in the HTML code of a web and compare it against the actual content within the site.  If the content is different than the META tag implies, the application for licensing is denied and the applicant is given opportunity to correct the discrepancy.  As a secondary security measure, we do periodic spot checking of licensed web sites to ensure the content is remaining consistent with the META tag and that there is no offensive content within the web site.  We expect web site creators to label their content appropriately and do not tolerate any violation of regulations for licensing.

Terms and Conditions

Our Terms of Use and Content Policy are clearly defined and strictly enforced. We have established a standard which is followed by many and encourage other web developers to review our terms of use and content policy in the development of their own.

Support By Our Users

Your support of this site by using it regularly and recommending it to others will help us in putting the Bite back into the Fight for online safety.  Just as in our own households, we have a God given right to protect those under our care, and to choose what enters our homes and schools via the computer. We have the right to expect accountability from web site owners for the content they publish online and that they should label it consistent with the labeling of their content which is posted. We call upon YOU to help us continue our efforts to make the Internet a ChildSafe™ place.

User Feedback

A question which often comes to mind with people is: "What exactly do people have to say about ChildSafe International, (CSI), and the CSI Web Site?"  Well, to answer that question, why don't you read for your self..

I think this is a fabulous site for everyone. I too promote child safety on my website and would love to be a part of your Community..- Joanne Romano

The High Standards upheld here through Faith & Determination, are truly destined for success. You're doing a wonderful Job promoting Sites for the Children of the World who will be our future Leaders and need to be able to determine what is morally right in order to create a better Haven for All. God Bless... - Cole France

There are very few sites that are safe for children to visit. This site seems like a very safe place, and I wouldn't hesitate to let my children browse through it. - Cindy

ChildSafe International (CSI) Staff

ChildSafe International was first envisioned by Rev. James Fisher and Rev. Todd Orwell in 1974, as a neighborhood watch program which had a variety of activities for latch key kids, to keep them out of danger while waiting for their parent(s) to get home. ( Rev. Orwell, 1929-1996 went to be with the Lord in 1996),  There was a vision of taking their dreams to a global reach, with it evolving as the risks and dangers to children which are so prevalent also evolve.

Since Rev. Fisher and Rev. Orwell took up the task of making their vision a reality, many have come, and many have gone, each sharing their own part of their God given talent to help make the current vision ever stronger. Today, CSI has offices and representatives around the globe, working as an integral part of a positive and productive effort, to make a difference in safety and security for children, families, and business.

ChildSafe International staff are dedicated to their labors and strive to continue making the ChildSafe International web site and all associated sites, an ever changing place in order to keep up with the changes that occur every day of our lives. 

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