I came across this program, called “Hector Protector”, created by the NetSafe Programme of New Zealand. It's to “help keep kids safe online”. What does this program actually do? It puts an image of a dolphin on-screen. Kids who run into materials that frighten them should click the dolphin. At that point, a congratulations message and picture of a dolphin fill the screen, protecting the poor child. The idea is that kids can do this and then run and find their parents or teacher to help them with the bad things on the computer.

Are kids these days really so helpless that they need a bloody dedicated program just to hide a window? I've been using computers since before I can remember. I never needed a system to hide stuff from me. I was on BBSs since I was 8 or 9 or something. Hell, when I was 13, my friend and I ran a BBS, complete with an “elite” section of programs, images, etc. He even worked as a sysop for other places, checking out all uploads and adding descriptions. He didn't need a stupid program to keep him safe. Why is it that kids now have turned into (or people think they are) such wussies when it comes to computers and networks?

Also, what's wrong with “If you see something wrong, minimize the window and go get help.”? Are kids going into such a bloody panic they need a damn dolphin there to click on? They're so offended and frightened they can't hit the minimize button? Also seems like a missed opportunity to teach keyboard shortcuts (say, Win+D). Or, what's wrong with just standing up and going to get help?

I'm not against helping kids deal with things. But technology isn't the answer. That's what parents and teachers are there for. Providing crutches like this? Please.

And... what happens when kids stuble across bad animations of Hector doing things he shouldn't? Won't this confuse and scar kids even more? Or what happens if kids happen to stumble upon some dolphin + redhead footage? Just think how many kids' lives are been wrecked by trusting hector, only to find he scares them later!