Practical Methods of Filtering
1. Plan
Think ahead to protect yourself and your family.
Split Passwords
Use split passwords (husband/wife) for filter setups (and overrides) as well as administrator login accounts on your computers.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Break Time
Practice “App Fasting” – take a break from technology one hour per day, one day per week, one week per year.
Control Mobile Devices
Keep devices controlled at night and on Sunday. Put them all in the parent’s room or some other secure location.
2. Teach
Communicate your plans and make sure everyone understands.
Passwords
Make sure no traceable personal information is given out online. Explain to your family that passwords should never be shared with friends.
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.
Lead by Example
Children can easily tell when we don’t live what we teach. Your example means more to them than your words.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!