WASHINGTON D.C. - With the introduction of each new media format or technology, a fresh debate develops concerning the potential negative effects it might have on kids. Some state that in order to protect children from potentially objectionable content, government regulation is needed. Others argue the fact that parents have many constructive alternatives. "There has never been a time in our nation's history when parents have had more tools and methods at their disposal to help them decide what is acceptable in their homes and in the lives of their children," concludes Adam Thierer, in his new Progress & Freedom Foundation Special Report, "Parental Controls and Online Child Protection: A Survey of Tools & Methods." This report and its themes will be discussed at the upcoming event hosted by The Progress & Freedom Foundation on June 20th.

In this special report, Thierer, a PFF Senior Fellow and Director of PFF's Center for Digital Media Freedom, explores the market for parental control tools, rating schemes, education efforts, and initiatives aimed at promoting online child safety. Thierer will provide an overview of the current state of the marketplace for parental control tools and online safety efforts. Following his opening remarks, a panel discussion will follow featuring experts from numerous industry sectors. Along with Adam Thierer, they will walk through the many tools and methods available to parents today. Television, cable, movie, video game, wireless, Internet and social networking controls and safety efforts will all be discussed.

In his report, Thierer argues that "the current state of parental control tools and online child protection efforts is also important because it has a profound effect on the legal and regulatory status of many modern media providers or various types of speech and expression." He notes that "the courts have largely foreclosed government censorship and placed responsibility over what enters the home squarely in the hands of parents." That is why parental control tools and methods are more important than ever before and need to be inventoried and evaluated as Thierer has done in his new book.

The event, "Parental Controls and Online Child Protection: A Survey of Tools & Methods" will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 20th in the Ballroom of the National Press Club. A light breakfast will be served. Those wishing to attend can Register Online. General questions can be addressed to Brooke Glass at 202-289-8928 or bglass@pff.org. Media inquiries can be addressed to Tori Katz at 410-466-0049 or tkatz@abelcommunications.net.

The Progress & Freedom Foundation is a market-oriented think tank that studies the digital revolution and its implications for public policy. It is a 501(c)(3) research & educational organization.