If your kids are old enough to be online, you have to have some safeguards in place on your internet connection.
But which ones? And how many? And where do you start?
When you start looking at options, it can be overwhelming and a little confusing.
What’s the difference between filtering and monitoring
Let’s start with the fundamentals of what these tools do.
Filtering software or services act just like any other filter: they remove the stuff you don’t want to get into the system. Oil filters and air filters keep junk out of your car’s engine. Internet filters keep the junk out of your home.
The type of junk that gets filtered differs with each program. Some will filter spam from getting into your inbox, or pop-ups and malware (malicious software of all kinds) from damaging your computer’s systems or files.
Some filters will also filter content, preventing sites that offer pornography, gambling, hateful and racist language, or even gaming. These filters are often customizable (at least the premium versions) to allow certain things in and keeping others out.
While most of these filters have a cost (either one-time or a monthly fee), OpenDNS is a good, free option, though it does require a bit of tech setup.
Monitoring software and services keep track of activity. This might include websites visited, social media activity, device “on” time or location, or any number of other things that can be tracked.
Monitoring systems often have an accountability feature that sends reports to the people of your choosing. x3watch is one example of a straightforward accountability app, allowing a user to install the monitoring software on a device, then assign an “accountability partner” to receive a regular email with any suspicious activity. This could just as easily be installed on a child’s device, and the parent would be emailed.
While I’m listing these two (or three) activities as separate, I should note that most of the big names in reputable online safety actually do both filtering and monitoring. CovenantEyes, Qustodio, SafeEyes, NetNanny, K9Protection, Norton Family, and many others offer packages (usually the premium ones) that will keep out the bad stuff and record and report activity.
What am I looking for?
Here are just a few considerations:
Accuracy
How well do the filters actually catch the bad stuff without blocking all the good stuff? This can vary widely among programs, so you’ll want to do your homework. With the ones listed above, NetNanny and Qustodio seem to rank the highest in this category, according to a number of review sites.
Cost
Would you rather pay a one-time cost or a monthly fee? Before you answer that quickly, you’ll need to consider the total cost (one-time purchase fees are getting pretty steep), and what you get in terms of updates. Monthly service fees are usually for a web-based system, and may update often and without you having to lift a finger.
Single use or a package
Some programs offer licenses for each device, while others offer bundles or a “total home” license for use on any device in your family. Consider the number of devices you need to protect and the features you need to protect them.
Operating systems
Most programs can be installed on both PC and Mac. Some will work for Android (through an app you install on the device). Fewer will work on iOS. None can be installed on a Chromebook or a gaming system. Look carefully at the features and compatibility of each program, keeping in mind the types of devices in your family.
Ease of use
Take into consideration not only the setup of the program, but the maintenance and use as well. Will you need to download and install something on each device, or is this something you set up on your router? Are there lots of tutorials provided by the company for setting up and using the software? How difficult is it to manage and monitor each device?
I like free stuff, because I’m a cheapskate. I’m also a geek. So, installing the free OpenDNS for filtering and the free version of x3watch for monitoring and accountability doesn’t scare me too much. But you have to assess your own tech comfort level, too, when deciding on a filter/monitor.
Where do I install it?
Something we’ve been assuming so far is that you will purchase, download, and install this software on each device in your home. There are some disadvantages to this.
It takes time to do all that setup and you need access to each device. Installed programs are easier to tamper with and bypass–if you are a resourceful kid. You need to make sure that software is updated on all machines (or at least the package takes care of automatically updating each device’s installation.) And any new devices that come into the house will need the same treatment. (Merry Christmas to you!)
Another family of internet filters actually filters at the router level. In other words, the blocking and monitoring happens before everything hits each device in the first place. These tools can still monitor and control individual devices (i.e. limiting internet access to the kids’ devices after a certain time), but they often require only one setup.
These tools are almost always a monthly fee (although OpenDNS is either free or a one-time, low annual fee). One of the considerations, too, is that the setup is sometimes more technical, requiring the user to mess around with some router settings. Some routers come with pretty robust filters and parental controls, too. You might already have these on your existing router.
A huge advantage, however, is that filters at the router level filter and monitor everything. We have three Chromebooks in our house, so a router-based filter would protect those devices where software can not be installed. This would include gaming systems, too, as well as any other device that someone brings into our house and accesses our wifi.
(Router Limits seems to be a promising service in this router-based arena. Watch the blog for a review in the near future.)
Your Turn
Fortunately, the tools exist to help us protect our kids when they are online. Unfortunately, the options can get pretty complicated.
Do your homework. Check out review sites and comparison charts. Sign up for a one-month free trial (many of them do this.) Talk to others about their experiences.
Start here. What filtering/monitoring software are you using, and what has your experience been? Share with the ParentingDigital community in the comments below.
I was very pleased to find this web-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.
If you’ve been looking for a way to unlock your full mental potential and attract wealth effortlessly, Billionaire Brain Wave might just be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for!
You are my breathing in, I have few blogs and very sporadically run out from to brand : (.
Good day very nice blog!! Man .. Excellent .. Superb .. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds additionally…I’m glad to search out a lot of useful info right here in the put up, we’d like develop more techniques on this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .
I truly enjoy looking through on this website , it has got good posts.
Very interesting topic, regards for posting.
Rattling good information can be found on blog.
I’ve been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this website. Thanks, I’ll try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your website?
Mitolyn is a cutting-edge natural dietary supplement designed to support effective weight loss and improve overall wellness.
I just couldn’t leave your website before suggesting that I really loved the usual info an individual provide for your visitors? Is gonna be back incessantly to inspect new posts.
I was recommended this website by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty. You’re wonderful! Thanks!
Thank you for sharing excellent informations. Your website is very cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this website. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found simply the info I already searched all over the place and just couldn’t come across. What a great website.
The Ice Water Hack has been gaining popularity as a simple method to aid weight loss. After reading about its potential benefits, I decided to give it a shot and see how it worked for me. Here’s what I found!
ProDentim is a chewable oral probiotic supplement formulated with a unique mix of probiotics, prebiotics, herbs, and nutrients.
I was suggested this website by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my difficulty. You are incredible! Thanks!
Generally I do not read article on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do it! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thanks, very nice article.
Some truly nice and utilitarian information on this internet site, too I conceive the design holds great features.
Awsome site! I am loving it!! Will come back again. I am bookmarking your feeds also.
The Salt Trick is a natural technique that involves using specific salts, such as Blue Salt, to enhance male performance
Just wanna state that this is extremely helpful, Thanks for taking your time to write this.
The root of your writing while appearing reasonable at first, did not sit well with me personally after some time. Someplace throughout the paragraphs you actually were able to make me a believer but just for a very short while. I nevertheless have got a problem with your leaps in logic and you might do well to fill in those gaps. In the event that you actually can accomplish that, I would definitely end up being amazed.
Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging to get that “perfect balance” between usability and visual appearance. I must say you have done a awesome job with this. Also, the blog loads very fast for me on Chrome. Excellent Blog!
Can I simply say what a reduction to seek out someone who really is aware of what theyre speaking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know the best way to carry an issue to gentle and make it important. More folks have to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more widespread since you undoubtedly have the gift.
you are really a good webmaster. The web site loading speed is incredible. It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. In addition, The contents are masterpiece. you have done a magnificent job on this topic!
I truly enjoy looking through on this web site, it holds superb content. “One should die proudly when it is no longer possible to live proudly.” by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche.
It?¦s truly a great and useful piece of information. I am satisfied that you just shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
whoah this blog is excellent i love reading your posts. Keep up the great work! You know, a lot of people are hunting around for this information, you could aid them greatly.
I used to be very pleased to seek out this internet-site.I wanted to thanks in your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely having fun with each little little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to check out new stuff you weblog post.
Right now it appears like WordPress is the preferred blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
Thanks for all your efforts that you have put in this. very interesting information.
At Nursing Professionals Certifications Online, we are dedicated to providing accessible, convenient, and high-quality medical certification courses to healthcare professionals worldwide. Our platform is designed to meet the evolving needs of medical professionals seeking to enhance their skills, expand their knowledge, and advance their careers. Do you have problems passing your exam? We provide medical students with certificates, licenses, questions, and answers and upgrade previous scores for Prometric exams. #ECFMG #MCAT #SCFHS #MSNCB #OET #DHA #NLCEX #HAAD #MOH #MRCGP #MCAT #OMSB #SMLE #USMLE #QCHP #NHRA #DHCC #AMC #MRCS #MRCOG. You can obtain the above certificate and license online without attending the exam. Provide leaked questions bank and answers before the exam date. You can also upgrade your previous results. Study materials and tips are available for your upcoming exam dates. Chat on WhatsApp with +971 56 954 4538
You are a very smart individual!
Appreciate it for this post, I am a big big fan of this web site would like to continue updated.
I do agree with all of the concepts you have offered to your post. They’re very convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are too short for newbies. May you please prolong them a little from subsequent time? Thank you for the post.
Lovely just what I was looking for.Thanks to the author for taking his time on this one.
Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. It extremely helps make reading your blog significantly easier.
I’ve been browsing online greater than three hours these days, yet I never found any fascinating article like yours. It is pretty price sufficient for me. In my view, if all website owners and bloggers made just right content material as you probably did, the net will probably be a lot more useful than ever before.
Good write-up, I am regular visitor of one¦s site, maintain up the excellent operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
My wife and i felt absolutely joyous Jordan could finish up his researching because of the ideas he obtained out of your web page. It is now and again perplexing just to choose to be giving out secrets which other folks could have been making money from. And we also do understand we need the website owner to thank because of that. All of the explanations you made, the easy site menu, the relationships your site help to promote – it’s got all excellent, and it’s really making our son in addition to our family know that this matter is amusing, and that’s rather important. Thanks for all the pieces!
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.
An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
Super-Duper website! I am loving it!! Will come back again. I am taking your feeds also.
Hi! I’ve been reading your web site for some time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Porter Tx! Just wanted to tell you keep up the fantastic work!
Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your blog. You have some really great articles and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please shoot me an email if interested. Kudos!
I am often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information.
I am impressed with this internet site, rattling I am a big fan .
I would like to thnkx for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I am hoping the same high-grade blog post from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings quickly. Your write up is a good example of it.
Very interesting topic, thank you for posting.
PrimeBiome is a dietary supplement designed to support gut health by promoting a balanced microbiome, enhancing digestion, and boosting overall well-being.
I’ve learn a few excellent stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much attempt you place to make such a fantastic informative website.
Hmm it looks like your website ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any helpful hints for first-time blog writers? I’d genuinely appreciate it.
This blog is definitely rather handy since I’m at the moment creating an internet floral website – although I am only starting out therefore it’s really fairly small, nothing like this site. Can link to a few of the posts here as they are quite. Thanks much. Zoey Olsen
Hello my family member! I want to say that this article is awesome, great written and come with approximately all vital infos. I would like to peer more posts like this.
Sweet site, super style and design, really clean and utilise pleasant.
I?¦ve been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or weblog posts on this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this website. Studying this information So i?¦m glad to exhibit that I have a very excellent uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed. I most without a doubt will make sure to do not omit this web site and give it a glance on a relentless basis.
I do believe all of the ideas you have offered in your post. They’re really convincing and can definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are very short for novices. May you please lengthen them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.
I am perpetually thought about this, appreciate it for posting.
I feel this is one of the most important information for me. And i’m happy studying your article. But want to commentary on some basic things, The website style is great, the articles is in point of fact nice : D. Good process, cheers
I am glad to be a visitant of this pure blog! , thanks for this rare information! .
obviously like your web-site but you have to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very bothersome to inform the reality then again I’ll certainly come again again.
When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
There is noticeably a bundle to know about this. I assume you made certain nice points in features also.
I keep listening to the news broadcast lecture about receiving boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the best site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i find some?
I don’t even understand how I stopped up here, however I thought this publish was good. I don’t recognise who you are but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger when you are not already
Cheers!
You got a very good website, Gladiola I detected it through yahoo.
When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
Its fantastic as your other posts : D, thankyou for putting up. “Experience is that marvelous thing that enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.” by Franklin P. Jones.
Keep working ,great job!
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!
Thanks for the blog post, can you make it so I receive an email every time there is a new update?
Its great as your other content : D, thankyou for posting. “Age is a function of mind over matter if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” by Leroy Robert Satchel Paige.
Aw, this was a very nice post. In thought I want to put in writing like this moreover – taking time and precise effort to make an excellent article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and on no account appear to get something done.
I’m still learning from you, while I’m trying to achieve my goals. I definitely enjoy reading everything that is written on your site.Keep the information coming. I enjoyed it!
Hi my friend! I want to say that this article is awesome, nice written and include almost all significant infos. I’d like to see more posts like this.
I found your blog web site on google and test a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the superb operate. I just further up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Searching for ahead to studying extra from you later on!…
I was suggested this website by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my problem. You’re incredible! Thanks!
Hello very nice site!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I will bookmark your site and take the feeds also?KI am happy to search out so many useful information here in the publish, we’d like develop more techniques on this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Would you be fascinated with exchanging hyperlinks?
I really like your writing style, wonderful info, regards for putting up :D. “Your central self is totally untouched By grief, confusion, desperation.” by Vernon Howard.
Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way to much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!
I enjoy your writing style truly loving this internet site.
Spot on with this write-up, I truly think this website needs much more consideration. I’ll most likely be again to read rather more, thanks for that info.
Hello, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam remarks? If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can advise? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any support is very much appreciated.
Wonderful beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept
Would you be considering exchanging hyperlinks?
I appreciate, cause I found just what I was looking for. You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
you have a great blog here! would you like to make some invite posts on my blog?
I’ve read a few good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how a lot effort you put to create any such excellent informative website.
Fantastic website. A lot of useful information here. I’m sending it to a few pals ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks in your effort!
so much excellent information on here, : D.
There is perceptibly a bunch to know about this. I consider you made some nice points in features also.
Pretty great post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to mention that I have truly loved browsing your weblog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I am hoping you write again soon!
I wish to get across my admiration for your kind-heartedness for people that really want help on this one area. Your personal dedication to passing the message along ended up being rather good and have surely allowed girls just like me to reach their pursuits. Your entire valuable facts entails much a person like me and even more to my office workers. Best wishes; from each one of us.
Great amazing issues here. I?¦m very happy to peer your post. Thank you a lot and i am taking a look ahead to touch you. Will you please drop me a mail?
Thank you for sharing with us, I believe this website truly stands out : D.
I have not checked in here for some time because I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend
Good web site! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. I’m wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your feed which must do the trick! Have a great day!
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Good post. I learn something tougher on totally different blogs everyday. It should at all times be stimulating to read content from other writers and observe a little something from their store. I’d favor to make use of some with the content on my blog whether or not you don’t mind. Natually I’ll offer you a hyperlink in your internet blog. Thanks for sharing.
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great. I do not know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger if you are not already
Cheers!
As a Newbie, I am always searching online for articles that can benefit me. Thank you
Great V I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs as well as related information ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task..
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.
We use OpenDNS for filtering and were able to setup the router DHCP to give the OpenDNS addresses for the DNS services. It at least doesn’t leave the floodgates of trash open.
We have chosen not to monitor either, but we have told them that if we have specific worries about something we will look through their phones. (hasn’t happened yet)
My kids are not of the age where I have needed to start this, however if you are solely relying on OpenDNS you will be saddened when you find out how easily it can be defeated. I think there needs to be the filtering for the accidentally times and the monitoring to pick up the slack for the filter. Unfortunately I have not come across one single option that I was not able to defeat. I guess what I am getting at, is no one should just assume that because of the software installed on there devices or the filtering installed at the router level that there home is safe. Unfortunately no single item, and sometimes multiple items are fool proof.
You both make very good points, and you illustrate a critical thing we parents need to keep in mind.
The filter isn’t enough.
We need to throttle and filter to some extent. But sitting back, breathing a sigh of relief that you’ve just solved the whole “keeping kids safe online” is fool-hearted.
Thanks, gentlemen!
Ooohh, very contentious. I don’t filter because I know that they will find stuff, inadvertently or deliberately. And I would prefer them to find porn and other stuff at home so that we can talk about it, when it pops up (pardon the pun!). I believe that it is more important to have conversations about what you can find on the internet. And monitoring doesn’t fit in with my values – I see it as spying but then I do see the value of it for older kids when they stop talking. But then it depends on your definition of monitoring and how you go about it.
You make a great point about monitoring potentially being equal to spying, Cath. Which is why I didn’t include any true “spying” apps.
I’m okay with monitoring, as long as there is a conversation that goes with it. When it’s done in a silent, sneaky manner, all you are doing is eroding trust.
Cory, We actually have just started to allow our kids to go down the block to a park without an adult present (This is Huge more me :-)). But I told my kids that they better behave because I will check on them randomly. So far I have only checked on them once, but I did it without them seeing me. When they got home I praised them for there good behavior in a specific instance, so they knew I saw it. They now ask every time if I saw them ;-). I think this can be taken to the digital world as well. We always see monitoring as a negative thing, how about use monitoring as a positive, they will make there own conclusions that if you can see the positive things they are doing you can also see the negative. thoughts?
We used to use K9 web protection – it seemed to work well. Our kids seem un-filterable, due to our lack of parental control. My husband has two daughters, and I have a son. There are devices flying all over the place, at their other homes to ours, etc. Even if we filter ours, they can do as they choose, elsewhere. So. Many. Devices. My son has eight devices (laptop, phone, roku, tablet, and gaming). And EACH girl has six, that I know of (not as many game systems). For the girls, only one of their devices stays at our house – the rest come and go. For my son, it’s about 50/50. Not to mention their friends… My point is that filtering our children anymore is impossible. Now that they are middle school / high school, there is a wide range of sites that the filter always has to be told to let in to the system. And if we filter here, but not over at the other parents ‘, guess where our children will spend their time? At the “hassle free”, not “embarrassing ” house.
filtering is an interesting topic. My husband’s ex wife was into “monitoring” for awhile, which created a lot of drama and slut shaming of a 16 year old girl. I really don’t recommend monitoring, for sure. Fostering good relationships, honesty, and common sense are usually the best “monitor”. It’s the only way to come close to “filtering the regular daily life” of one’s child.