My young daughter wants to start using email and I am happy to let her, but would like to keep an eye on her incoming messages. Do you know of any reputable software that could be used to monitor the emails? We use Outlook Express and web-based mail.
Nigel Badrick

Jack Schofield replies: There are a dozen or so programs that can be used to filter a child's internet use and block unwanted actions. See http://internet-filter-review.toptenreviews.com/ for a tick-list that shows the capabilities of 10 of the best known examples. However, no net-filtering program is foolproof, and may also block many useful sites.

It might be a better idea to try one of the email services designed for children, such as KidMail (www.kidmail.net) or ZooBuh (www.zoobuh.com). Safe2Read (www.safe2read.com) offers up to 10 email addresses with a range of blocking and monitoring options.

Most services offer a free trial period. For older children, I like Bluebottle.com for its challenge/ response system: this blocks spam without putting it into a spam folder where it can still be read. Bluebottle works with standard POP3 email programs such as Outlook Express, Thunderbird and Eudora, and can also be accessed via the web.