Complete Guide to Internet Filters for Families: Blocking Harmful Content

When it comes to protecting our families from the dangers of online pornography, having reliable internet filtering software is essential. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We’re going to look at some great internet filter options for Christian families, offering protection without breaking the bank. These tools act as an external safeguard to help protect our children while we also work on developing the internal filters necessary to make wise choices.

1. Covenant Eyes

Covenant Eyes is one of the most popular choices among Christian families. It provides internet filtering and accountability features. Covenant Eyes works on multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. One standout feature is that it sends accountability reports to a designated person, such as a parent or accountability partner, creating a system of oversight. For families looking for faith-based internet protection, Covenant Eyes is a trusted option.

Price: Starting at $16.99/month for individuals and families.

2. Net Nanny

Net Nanny is known for its user-friendly interface and robust features. It allows parents to filter out harmful content, including pornography, on multiple devices. The software also provides real-time alerts, blocking inappropriate material while giving parents full control over what their children can and cannot access. Additionally, it has time-management tools that allow parents to monitor and manage screen time effectively.

Price: $39.99/year for 1 device, or $89.99/year for up to 5 devices.

3. Bark

Bark offers comprehensive coverage for protecting your kids from harmful content online, including pornography. One of the unique things about Bark is its advanced monitoring capabilities. It not only filters content but also monitors texts, emails, and social media accounts for harmful interactions or inappropriate content. The app sends alerts to parents if suspicious content is detected, which allows for proactive conversations with children.

Price: $14/month or $99/year for families.

4. Circle

Circle provides families with a seamless way to manage their child’s internet usage by setting filters, tracking activity, and setting time limits. Circle lets parents customize filters based on each child's age, blocking access to inappropriate websites, including pornography. It can be used to monitor all devices connected to your home network and has the flexibility to be used on mobile devices outside of the home.

Price: $9.99/month for the Circle Home Plus subscription.

5. Qustodio

Qustodio is a versatile and comprehensive parental control software that helps families block harmful content, including pornography. It allows parents to track their children’s activity online and set boundaries on internet usage. A bonus feature is its location tracking and panic button, which makes it particularly useful for families with older children who may be using mobile devices more independently.

Price: $54.95/year for 5 devices.

6. Kaspersky Safe Kids

While primarily known for its security products, Kaspersky offers an affordable parental control solution with Safe Kids. It provides content filtering, app controls, and location tracking. While its interface may not be as polished as other options, it’s budget-friendly and provides the essential tools needed to monitor and protect children from harmful online content.

Price: $14.99/year for unlimited devices.

7. OpenDNS FamilyShield

If you’re looking for a free solution, OpenDNS FamilyShield is a great option for families on a budget. It works at the network level, meaning that it blocks inappropriate content across all devices connected to your home Wi-Fi. It’s simple to set up and doesn’t require individual device installations, making it a great basic-level tool for homes with younger children.

Price: Free.

Conclusion

Each of these internet filtering tools serves as a vital external filter, offering essential protection for your children in a world full of online dangers. However, external tools alone aren’t enough. It’s important to combine them with open conversations, biblical understanding, and prayer to guide your children. For more on this topic, listen to our podcast on Protecting Children from the Dangers of Pornography, and check out our Porn-Proofing Our Children Webinar with Hillary Morgan Ferrer for additional insights.