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Practical Methods of Filtering

1. Plan

Think ahead to protect yourself and your family.

 

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Split Passwords

Use split passwords (husband/wife) for filter setups (and overrides) as well as administrator login accounts on your computers.

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Keep Computers Public

In your home, keep the computers always in a public place, avoid laptops and smart phones or other portable devices with internet connections.

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Age Limits

We recommend not giving smart phones or other portable devices with internet connections to children under 18. Remember, once you start, you won’t be able to go back.

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Avoid Wifi

If there are portable devices in the house, only allow a hard wired connection in the main public area of the home (not a wireless connection).

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Sunday Deliveries

If purchasing online, look for an option to request no Sunday deliveries.  Instructions for making this request on Amazon.com may be found here.

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Break Time

Practice “App Fasting” – take a break from technology one hour per day, one day per week, one week per year.

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Control Mobile Devices

Keep devices controlled at night and on Sunday. Put them all in the parent’s room or some other secure location.

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2. Teach

Communicate your plans and make sure everyone understands.

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Passwords

Make sure no traceable personal information is given out online. Explain to your family that passwords should never be shared with friends.

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Sunday

When children are young, consider teaching them to put all portable devices  in the parents’ room to avoid the temptation of using them on the Lord’s Day.

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Lead by Example

Children can easily tell when we don’t live what we teach. Your example means more to them than your words.

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Think Ahead

Instruct your children with the future in mind – eventually they will be moving away, and you want them to understand the reasons behind what you are teaching.

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Share Your Side

Show your children what you can see with the monitoring apps. Let them know how it works, so they are comfortable with it, and don’t feel like they’re in jail.

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They Still Print Books

While common information is available quickly on the internet, more detailed and organised information is still readily available in books. Show your children how to use an encyclopedia instead of Google.

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3. Monitor

Watch for changing situations and intervene as necessary.

Social Media

If your child has a social media account (not recommended for children and teenagers), be aware of what they are posting or viewing online.

Listen

Spend time with your children — know what they are doing. Talk with them and ask them to show you how their devices work.

Multiple Email Accounts

Be aware of multiple email accounts: some children keep two email accounts, one the parents know about and one they don’t. Make sure the account they show you is the one currently being used.

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Browser History

Although it’s a good first step, don’t depend on browser history — it can be easily deleted or modified.

Peer Pressure

Be aware that children are easily influenced by their peers. Research their real needs before immediately accepting the statement “every one else has it!”

Communicate

Regularly talk to your child’s teachers and other parents. It’s easy for children to share ways to get around the well-meant safeguards – make sure you share with other community members the information you have as well!

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