Lots of kids have or want an iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad -- including my kids.  These devices are very popular for games, music, videos, and much more. They are feature-rich and have Wi-Fi access.

Many parents wish to manage their child's web surfing and usage on these devices rather than granting unbridled access. Apple offers a few built-in parental controls options.  None of them give you the ability to filter Internet content; however, Net Nanny will soon solve that challenge.

Net Nanny for iOS (Apple) devices will be available in March 2013.  Net Nanny for iOS is a Web browser that replaces the Safari browser.  If you choose to use Net Nanny for iOS to control your child's web browsing, we suggest you do the following on your child's device.  Note that these steps must be taken because of the configuration and design of the iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad.

First, purchase and download Net Nanny for iOS from the iTunes Store.

Next, to ensure you've got Internet content filtering controlled with the Net Nanny browser, enable Restrictions with a Passcode.  Go to Settings > General > Restrictions > Enable Restrictions. Enter a 4-digit Restrictions Passcode (then re-enter your passcode).

Third, disable the Safari Browser to remove unfiltered access to the Internet.  Go to Settings > General > Restrictions > Tap "off" for Safari.  If your child uses the Net Nanny browser, she will be protected while surfing the Web.

Now, to prevent your child from installing apps or another browser, go to Settings > General > Restrictions > Tap "off" for Installing Apps. This action could prevent your child from trying to use another browser that does not provide Internet filtering protection.

Finally, to prevent your child from deleting apps, go to Settings > General > Restrictions > Tap "off" for Deleting Apps. This action prevents your child from deleting the Net Nanny browser app. If a child deletes Net Nanny and if Safari is turned off and if Installing Apps is turned off, she will have not have Web access.

One other parental control consideration is to shut off YouTube. In Restrictions, you can disable the YouTube app.  Younger children will undoubtedly stumble across inappropriate videos on YouTube. Go to Settings > General > Restrictions > Tap "off" for YouTube.

We look forward to assisting parents in the management of Web access and usage when Net Nanny for iOS releases.