As I have said countless times, a layered approach is the best way to protect children from harmful internet content. The base layer should be controlling DNS, something that is fairly simple to do for the devices that use your home router. This post about Whole Home Protection goes into much more detail, but DNS uses the internet “phone book” […] Read more
Filed in : Parental Controls, Router Filtering
CleanBrowsing was started by parents in the technology industry who appreciated what OpenDNS was doing for families but saw the need for some additional features. This quote from their website perfectly describes the problems with so many of the filtering solutions offered: “This project was started by a group of engineers and security professionals, that were also concerned parents unable to […] Read more
Filed in : Parental Controls, Router Filtering
I have always recommended DNS control at the router as a first layer of parental control protection in the home. See previous post about Home Network Filtering. DNS control is also good for individual devices when they are away from your home network. You can set the DNS servers for each individual network that the device uses, but then you […] Read more
Filed in : Gaming, Parenting in the Digital World, Social Media
Regardless of what games, apps, or social media you allow your kids/teens to have, too much of anything can have negative effects. Some of these negative effects can be depression and isolation which can have tragic results. Watch for warning signs. It is important to make an HONEST assessment of your kid’s personality and social interactions. Do they have friends? […] Read more
Filed in : Android, Apple, Products
On May 8th Net Nanny® rebranded their Zift mobile protection application to Net Nanny® 10. That was probably a good branding decision since Net Nanny® has been a leader in this space for years and the name “Zift” lacked product explanation. Tom’s Guide, which named Net Nanny® 10 the best parental control application for iOS, has updated their detailed review […] Read more
Filed in : Parental Controls, Parenting in the Digital World, Router Filtering
Protecting children from online threats isn’t easy, but parents often make it more difficult that it needs to be. Implementing safe technology in your home starts with making safe technology the number one priority for all technology related purchases. Since the majority of what we do with technology involves the internet, that is where we have to start. EVERY SINGLE […] Read more
Filed in : Parental Controls, Products, Router Filtering
The router is the part of the home network that all other devices go through to connect to the internet. Typically it is connected to either a cable modem or DSL modem connected to your internet service provider. In most homes today the routers provide wired and wireless connectivity. So any device that has to use that router to get […] Read more
Filed in : Parental Controls, Products, Router Filtering, Safe Browsers
Parents need to understand that when we put technology into our kids’ hands we also need to accept responsibility for protecting them and that there might be costs associated with that. However, some of the best ways to protect your family devices are free. I always recommend a layered approach to protection and these free options also happen to be […] Read more
Filed in : Pornography Concerns
Fight The New Drug explains porn addiction and why pornography is so destructive. They provide resources that cover how porn affects brain chemistry, relationships and prosperity. Take a look at it and share with the people in your life. Dangers of Pornography – Fight the New Drug […] Read more
Filed in : Parenting in the Digital World
Dr. Jeane Twenge, Professor of Psychology and author, was a guest on a recent episode of the Laura Ingraham Podcast. She shared good information about the effects that social media and phones have on our kids. They also discussed some practical solutions and age appropriate considerations for use. Click below to listen: Link to Podcast […] Read more