The Anti-Defamation League has released a new software program that filters out Internet hate-speech sites and promotes discussion between parents and children about what hate speech is, which groups are promoting it and why it is harmful.

Touting the ADL HateFilter as a "child's crossing guard on the Information Superhighway," the group announced the product during its 85th annual national convention.

The software blocks Internet access to sites deemed anti-Semitic, racist and/or extremist based on site reviews by ADL staff members.

The filter also includes links to the ADL's Web site so parents and children can learn more about the groups being blocked. A password function allows those sites to be viewed under parental supervision.

The ADL software uses filtering technology created by the Learning Company, Inc., which also produces the Internet filtering software CyberPatrol.

The ADL HateFilter can be previewed for free for one week. It sells for $29.95, including three months of site list updates from ADL and CyberPatrol.