Google’s SafeSearch, while not completely safe (depending on what you define as “safe”, that is) is certainly a great tool for helping to keep kids from viewing inappropriate material online, but it has suffered from being easy to unlock — even without a child actively trying to circumvent it.
That’s why Google has just announced an updated version of SafeSearch that requires a password in order to be removed.
The look of SafeSearch has changed, so when it’s engaged a set of big coloured Google balls are displayed top-right. This makes it easy for a parent or teacher to quickly see that it’s still engaged.
Of course, this is just one thing and won’t block dodgy sites on its own, but it’s a start.