What kids watch on the net has to be monitored by parents, but enterprising kids know how to crack the code and surf sites inappropriate for them. Japanese company Bandai is coming out with a solution targeting the 4-5 th graders (70% according to a survey) who use the Internet at home. The Key that they have developed when connected via the USB automatically logs on with a "kids mode" interface. This allows the kids to surf sites like Yahoo! where it logs only to the kids games section. Additionally the fan link links to recommended modified sites only. There is a "the toy box mode" as well. In this mode the children can experience playing games in a very different way. There is a message function that allows the children to communicate with their parents on the net.

The Bandai Kids Key will come out in a Mickey Mouse version. It will come out in Japan on September 14th and will cost 3,480 Yen or $30.