Resources for Individuals

Take control of your digital environment with personal filtering solutions and accountability tools.

Taking the first step is commendable

Taking Control of Your Digital Environment

Whether you're looking to establish healthier internet habits, reduce exposure to inappropriate content, or create accountability for yourself, you've taken an important first step. Personal filtering and accountability aren't about restriction — they're about freedom: freedom from compulsive behaviors, unwanted content, and digital distractions that don't align with your values.

This page provides practical, respectful guidance for individuals who want to take responsibility for their digital wellbeing.

Why Personal Filtering Matters

Personal filtering and accountability serve several important purposes

Prevention

Reduces accidental exposure to unwanted content

Support

Provides structure when willpower alone isn't enough

Accountability

Creates healthy transparency with trusted individuals

Peace of Mind

Removes constant decision fatigue and temptation

Values Alignment

Helps your actions match your principles

Choosing Your Approach

There are three main approaches to personal internet safety. Most people benefit from combining multiple approaches.

🛡️ Filtering

What it does: Blocks access to inappropriate content

Best for: Prevention and removing temptation

Examples: DNS filters, browser extensions, software filters

Strength: Works passively in the background

👁️ Accountability

What it does: Reports your internet activity to a trusted person

Best for: Creating transparency and support

Examples: Covenant Eyes, Accountable2You, Truple

Strength: Adds relational component and support

⏱️ Time/Access Limits

What it does: Restricts when or how long you can access certain content

Best for: Managing usage time and breaking compulsive patterns

Examples: Screen Time, Cold Turkey, Freedom

Strength: Addresses overuse and time management

Getting Started: Step-by-Step

Assess Your Situation

Be honest with yourself about:

  • • What devices do you use? (Phone, computer, tablet, gaming console)
  • • Where do you struggle most? (Home, work, mobile)
  • • What times are most challenging?
  • • Do you need filtering, accountability, or both?

Start with Quick Wins

Implement easy solutions first to build momentum:

  1. DNS filtering on home WiFi: 15 minutes to set up, protects all home devices
  2. Browser extensions: Install filtering extensions like BlockSite or StayFocusd
  3. Built-in controls: Enable Screen Time (iOS) or Digital Wellbeing (Android)

Address Your Weakest Point

Most people have one device or situation where they struggle most:

  • • Smartphone struggles: Prioritize phone filtering and accountability apps
  • • Late-night browsing: Implement time restrictions or screen time limits
  • • Private browsing: Use software that blocks incognito mode

Add Accountability

Consider adding an accountability partner or service:

  • • Choose someone trustworthy who will be supportive but honest
  • • Set up regular check-ins (weekly or bi-weekly)
  • • Use accountability software that sends reports automatically

Make It Difficult to Undo

The best filtering systems have accountability even for the settings:

  • • Have an accountability partner hold admin passwords
  • • Use services that require waiting periods to disable filtering
  • • Set up notifications if filtering is disabled

Recommended Solutions

For Basic Protection (Free Options)

  • Network DNS: CleanBrowsing or OpenDNS (free, 15-minute setup)
  • Browser: BlockSite, StayFocusd, or LeechBlock extensions
  • Mobile: iOS Screen Time or Android Digital Wellbeing (built-in)

For Comprehensive Filtering ($)

  • Computer: Qustodio, Net Nanny, or Covenant Eyes ($10-15/month)
  • Mobile: Covenant Eyes, Accountable2You, or Truple ($10-15/month)
  • Network: Circle Home Plus or Firewalla ($10-20/month or one-time purchase)

For Maximum Accountability

  • Best overall: Covenant Eyes (filtering + accountability + AI detection)
  • Alternative: Accountable2You (similar features, different pricing)
  • Budget option: Truple (accountability without filtering)

Pro tip: The most effective solution is layered protection. Combine network-level DNS filtering (catches everything) with device-specific software (adds accountability).

Device-Specific Guidance

Smartphone Protection

Phones are often the hardest to protect because they're always with you:

  • • Install accountability app (Covenant Eyes, Accountable2You)
  • • Enable built-in parental controls (Screen Time or Digital Wellbeing)
  • • Remove social media apps if they're problematic
  • • Set time limits on browsers and app categories
  • • Use grayscale mode to reduce phone appeal

Computer Protection

  • • Set up admin account separate from daily user account
  • • Install filtering software (Qustodio, Net Nanny, Cold Turkey)
  • • Use browser extensions for additional protection
  • • Configure DNS filtering at router level
  • • Place computer in public area of home if possible

Tablet Protection

  • • Enable guided access (iOS) or screen pinning (Android)
  • • Set up as child device using family sharing
  • • Install accountability software
  • • Remove problematic apps

Building Healthy Digital Habits

Technical solutions are important, but lasting change requires habit development:

Replace, Don't Just Restrict

  • • When you block time on devices, plan alternative activities
  • • Develop offline hobbies and interests
  • • Invest in relationships and community

Understand Your Triggers

  • • Notice when you're most vulnerable (bored, stressed, lonely)
  • • Develop healthy responses to those emotional states
  • • Remove environmental triggers when possible

Celebrate Progress

  • • Track days or weeks of success
  • • Share victories with your accountability partner
  • • Be patient with yourself — change takes time

Seek Support When Needed

  • • Consider counseling or therapy if struggles persist
  • • Join support groups (online or in-person)
  • • Be honest with trusted friends or mentors

Common Questions

What if I live with others who don't want filtering?

Focus on device-level solutions rather than network-wide filtering. Install filtering software on your personal devices, use your own user account with restrictions, and consider a separate filtered WiFi network just for your devices.

Can I trust accountability partners with my reports?

Choose accountability partners wisely. They should be mature, trustworthy, and supportive rather than judgmental. Many people choose clergy, counselors, mentors, or close friends. Some accountability services allow you to see what will be reported before it's sent.

What if I work in tech and need unrestricted access?

Set up separate work and personal environments. Use a work computer/account without filtering, but protect your personal devices. Consider accountability software that allows work-related access but monitors personal browsing.

How do I prevent myself from disabling my own filtering?

The most effective approach is having someone else control admin passwords. Alternatively, use services with built-in accountability for setting changes, waiting periods before disabling, or notifications when filtering is modified.

Ready to Get Started?

Browse our step-by-step guides to implement filtering and accountability on your devices.

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Accountability Apps Guide