Resources for Parents
Comprehensive internet safety guidance to protect your children online with age-appropriate filters and family strategies.
Why Internet Safety Matters for Families
In today's digital world, children have unprecedented access to information and communication. While technology offers incredible learning opportunities, it also presents risks that parents need to understand and address.
Effective internet safety isn't just about blocking content — it's about creating a healthy digital environment that combines technical protections with open communication, education, and age-appropriate boundaries.
Getting Started: Your First Steps
Protecting your family online can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do everything at once. Start with these foundational steps:
Assess your current situation
Make a list of all devices your children use — phones, tablets, computers, gaming consoles, smart TVs.
Choose your protection strategy
Decide between network-level filtering (protects all devices), device-level controls (protects specific devices), or a combination of both.
Start with the easiest wins
Enable built-in parental controls on devices and set up basic DNS filtering on your home network.
Have age-appropriate conversations
Talk with your children about why these protections exist and what healthy internet use looks like.
Review and adjust regularly
As your children grow and technology changes, revisit your approach every few months.
Protection by Age Group
Different ages require different approaches. Here's a general framework:
Young Children (Ages 5-8)
- • Heavily restricted, curated content only
- • Direct supervision during all screen time
- • Kid-specific apps and platforms (YouTube Kids, PBS Kids)
- • No social media or messaging
- • Time limits: 1-2 hours per day maximum
Preteens (Ages 9-12)
- • Filtered content with some educational freedom
- • Supervised social media (if any) with parental oversight
- • Check-ins before and after screen time
- • Gaming with age-appropriate ratings
- • Time limits: 2-3 hours per day with breaks
Teenagers (Ages 13-17)
- • Filtered content with increased autonomy
- • Social media with clear expectations and boundaries
- • Open conversations about online risks and experiences
- • Accountability rather than just restriction
- • Flexible time limits based on responsibility
Types of Protection
Modern internet safety requires a layered approach. Here are the main categories:
Network-Level Protection
DNS filtering and router settings that protect all devices connected to your home WiFi.
Device Controls
Built-in parental controls on phones, tablets, computers, and gaming consoles.
Software Solutions
Third-party filtering software and monitoring applications for additional protection.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: Kids bypassing filters
Solution: Use multiple layers of protection (network + device + app level). Combine technical controls with conversations about why protections exist. Make bypassing filters a serious family rule with clear consequences.
Challenge: Age-appropriate content varies by child
Solution: Create separate user profiles or accounts for each child with age-appropriate settings. Many platforms (Windows, iOS, Android) support multiple child accounts with different restriction levels.
Challenge: Balancing protection with trust
Solution: As children mature, gradually shift from restriction to accountability. Use monitoring and accountability software that creates transparency rather than just blocking. Have regular conversations about their online experiences.
Challenge: Different devices need different approaches
Solution: Start with network-level DNS filtering for baseline protection across all devices. Then add device-specific controls for phones and tablets that leave the house.
Challenge: Keeping up with new apps and platforms
Solution: Establish a family rule that new apps must be approved before installation. Use device management features to control app downloads. Stay informed through resources like Common Sense Media.
Recommended Solutions for Parents
Based on ease of use, effectiveness, and family-friendliness, here are our top recommendations:
Best for Beginners
- DNS Filtering: CleanBrowsing or OpenDNS Family Shield (free, easy setup)
- iPhone/iPad: Built-in Screen Time controls
- Android: Google Family Link
- Windows: Microsoft Family Safety
Best Comprehensive Solution
- Network + Devices: Circle Home Plus or Bark
- Provides filtering, time limits, and monitoring across all devices
- Monthly subscription required but covers the whole family
Best for Maximum Protection
- Combine DNS filtering (network level) + built-in device controls + monitoring software
- Creates multiple layers that work together
- More complex to set up but most effective
Ready to implement protection?
Browse our step-by-step guides for your specific devices and needs.