Most manufactures offer window opening control devices(WOCD). These are simple devices that are a more advanced sash limiter commonly found on vinyl windows. You could also put something in jamb of the window or a security type grate to the inside or have heavy duty screen installed or a combination of any if these. I most often use a WOCD hardware and sometimes in combination with a heavy duty screen. Some vinyl windows.

First - if you don't install the handles on the lower sash they can't be opened very easily. The other solution is to cut a length of 1x2 pine and wedge it between the top of the bottom sash and the inside of the window.

I am starting to sound like a shill for Marvin but their new next Generation double hung has that feature. Because it is a keeper-less lock, both sash operate independently. You can open the top sash and the bottom is locked in place. I mentioned this is another post. It is a new window so not everyone may have knowledge of it ( i learned this from that post).

I have two boys, six and three, and wood double hung windows. We use the top for ventilation on the second floor windows which are over twenty feet up. Since we've been refinishing, we don't have hardware on the windows for the most part, but they cannot open even those that have handles. If they were newer and vinyl they might be slipperier and I suppose I'd consider buying an after market lock, or jamming a stick in there (very effective).

Suction cup window guards... these work great. Easy, safe, effective.

http://www.amazon.com/Parent-Units-Window-Guardian-Stopper/dp/B00081H75C