Parental Device Filters & Blockers

What Every Parent Needs to Know

The digital world is part of everyday life—but it also brings risks, especially for children and teens. As parents, one of the most important steps you can take is setting up filters and blockers on your child’s devices to protect them from harmful online content, especially pornography.

But what’s the difference between a filter and a blocker? And which tools are right for your family?

Let’s break it down.

Filters:
A filter screens or limits access to specific types of content based on categories or keywords. Filters work by scanning web traffic or search terms and allowing or denying content based on what’s considered appropriate.

Example: A filter might allow your child to search for “animal pictures” but block  results for “adult content.”

• Blockers:
  A blocker completely prevents access to certain websites, apps, or features. Blockers are often used to lock down access to specific platforms or prevent changes to parental settings.

Example: A blocker might entirely block access to YouTube or prevent your child from installing new apps without approval.

No single tool is perfect—but layering protections is key. A good starting point:

1. Use device-level filters (like Apple Screen Time)

2. Add Wi-Fi-level controls to protect devices in the home

3. Consider a monitoring or accountability app like Bark or Covenant Eyes for extra protection and transparency

4. Most importantly—have open conversations with your kids about online safety, trust, and boundaries

Resources to Help You Get Started

• Apple Screen Time Setup Guide »

• Google Family Link for Parents »

• Covenant Eyes (Accountability Software) »

• Bark Parental Monitoring »

• Net Nanny Overview »

Need More Help?

If you’re overwhelmed by the options or not sure where to begin, we’re here for you. Contact us at [insert email] and we’ll help you create a digital safety plan that fits your family’s values and needs.

Choosing What is Right for Your Family!

The Difference Between a Filter and a Blocker

There are several kinds of tools you can use depending on your needs and your child’s age:

1. Device-Level Controls (built-in settings)

• Apple Screen Time (iPhone/iPad/Mac)

• Google Family Link (Android/Chromebooks)

• Microsoft Family Safety (Windows/Xbox)

✅ Pros:

• Free and built-in

• Can manage time limits, block websites, and track usage

• Easy to set up on individual devices

⚠️ Cons:

• Kids may find ways around them

• Limited customization or depth

• Settings don’t always sync across all platforms

2. Wi-Fi Router Controls

• Circle Home Plus

• Gryphon Router

• Eero Secure

✅ Pros:

• Controls every device on your home network

• Filters by category and device

• Set “bedtime” hours or screen-free times

⚠️ Cons:

• Doesn’t cover cellular data (only works on Wi-Fi)

• Initial setup can be technical

• More expensive upfront

3. Third-Party Parental Control Apps

• Bark – Monitors texts, apps, and web activity; sends alerts

• Net Nanny – Filters content, tracks activity, blocks apps

• Qustodio – Offers detailed reports, screen time limits, and real-time tracking

• Covenant Eyes – Focuses on accountability through monitoring and reporting

✅ Pros:

• Deeper insight into your child’s activity

• Accountability features, alerts, and flexibility

• Some offer monitoring beyond just filtering

⚠️ Cons:

• Subscription costs ($5–$15/month)

• May require installing on every device

• Kids may try to disable them

Types of Filtering and Blocking Tools