Protection Methods
Choose the right filtering and safety solutions for your needs. Internet safety works best with a layered approach.
Internet safety works best with a layered approach. Combine network-level protection (affects all devices) with device-specific controls (targeted protection) and software solutions (additional features and accountability).
🌐 Network-Level Protection
Filter content at the router or ISP level to protect all devices on your network. Best for: Baseline protection, covering all family devices automatically.
DNS Filtering
Block inappropriate content at the network level using filtering DNS servers like OpenDNS, CleanBrowsing, or NextDNS.
Router Configuration
Configure your home router to implement filtering, access schedules, and device management.
Firewall Setup
Advanced network protection using hardware or software firewalls for granular control.
Guest Networks
Create separate, filtered WiFi networks for children or guests with different security levels.
📱 Device-Level Controls
Use built-in parental controls and features on phones, computers, and other devices. Best for: Specific device protection, especially mobile devices that leave the house.
iPhone & iPad Screen Time
Use Apple's built-in Screen Time features to filter content, limit apps, and manage usage.
Android Digital Wellbeing
Configure Android's native parental controls and Google Family Link for comprehensive protection.
Windows Family Safety
Set up Microsoft Family Safety for content filtering, screen time, and activity reporting.
macOS Parental Controls
Enable Mac's built-in parental controls and Screen Time features for filtering and time management.
Gaming Consoles
Configure parental controls on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and other gaming systems.
Smart TV Protection
Limit and filter content on smart TVs, streaming devices, and media players.
💻 Software Solutions
Third-party applications that provide filtering, monitoring, or accountability features. Best for: Additional protection layers, accountability, and detailed reporting.
Content Filtering Software
Comprehensive filtering applications like Qustodio, Net Nanny, or Norton Family for multi-device protection.
Accountability Software
Monitoring and accountability tools like Covenant Eyes, Accountable2You, or Truple for transparency.
Browser Extensions
Lightweight filtering and productivity extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
YouTube Restrictions
Enable Restricted Mode, use YouTube Kids, or implement third-party YouTube filtering solutions.
Search Engine SafeSearch
Enable SafeSearch on Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, and other search engines.
Recommended Combinations
For maximum effectiveness, combine multiple methods. Here are proven approaches:
🏠 Basic Family Protection
- Network: DNS filtering (OpenDNS or CleanBrowsing)
- Devices: Built-in parental controls on each device
Cost: Free | Time: 1-2 hours total
🛡️ Comprehensive Protection
- Network: DNS filtering + router-level controls
- Devices: Device parental controls
- Software: Filtering software (Qustodio or Net Nanny)
Cost: $10-15/month | Time: 3-4 hours setup
👤 Individual Accountability
- Network: Personal DNS filtering
- Devices: Self-imposed restrictions
- Software: Accountability app (Covenant Eyes or Accountable2You)
Cost: $10-15/month | Time: 1-2 hours setup
Quick Comparison: Network vs Device vs Software
| Feature | Network-Level | Device-Level | Software |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protects all devices | ✓ | ✗ | ✓* |
| Works outside home | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free options available | ✓ | ✓ | Limited |
| Easy to set up | ✓ | ✓ | Varies |
| Detailed reporting | Basic | Basic | ✓ |
| Time management | Limited | ✓ | ✓ |
| App control | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
* With multi-device license