The internet is filled with many videos, pictures, and blogs, as well as movies and more. By doing a simple Google search, it’s possible to locate everything you’d like to know. However, regardless of how useful it is, however, it may result in your kids coming upon content that they don’t want or shouldn’t be exposed to. This article will help you decide the need to keep track of your internet usage, and also the best filters to use for families. For more related articles visit Comlink Internet which is one of the best internet providers in Florida.

Should Parents Monitor Their Kid’s Internet Usage?

Internet parental controls provide the best way for you, as a parent, to ensure that your children aren’t watching material that’s not appropriate for them to watch. By monitoring parental access you can choose what’s appropriate for your children’s age and then restrict access to it according. There are advantages and disadvantages to the restriction of internet access.

Pros

  • You can protect your child’s data. Personal information is easily compromised, particularly when children are young and aren’t sure of what’s intended to be kept safe. By enforcing parental control, you’ll be sure that your child’s data is secure.
  • You can stay away from the dreadful virus. Accessing unstable or unsafe websites or downloading applications can cause viruses to be spread on your device. You can prevent this by utilizing parental control.
  • You can limit the time spent on screen. Limiting screen time is essential to a child’s development. Encouragement of less use of devices and more developmental activities can benefit your child. Also, limiting screen time can ensure you’re not running out of data!
  • It is possible to block inappropriate content. Inappropriate content is extremely easy to access in the online world. You can stop your child from getting exposed to content that isn’t appropriate for their age by surveillance by parents.
  • You can block harmful messages. For a child, it’s easy to get lost manipulated, and exposed to inappropriate content from online predators. By ensuring that you are a responsible parent you can aid your child to avoid such interactions.

Cons

  • The child you are raising may not feel respected. Children frequently express displeasure or anger at parental controls which can restrict their freedom and can make them feel that you aren’t completely trusting them. This is particularly true for older children.
  • It can cost the user money. Some internet control applications charge a fee monthly or even yearly. It can be expensive. Free versions might not provide everything you require and you should consider the costs when choosing parental control.
  • It could be lengthy. Some parental control software requires you to search through all content that was visited. In addition, you might want to look through all web access or content access to determine exactly what content was watched. This can require a lot of time.

How Do You Set Up Parental Controls?

There are a variety of ways to set up parental control. Selecting the most effective internet filter for families can be a challenge and therefore it is essential to research each option and choose the one that is the best option for your household.

  • Through your account or browser. Your internet browser usually has an option to enable parental controls. When using Chrome and your child’s account, sign up for an account for their child’s Google Account. With Family Link, you are capable of navigating through the websites to block and also select to select “Try to Block Mature Sites”. This blocks access to many unsafe websites removes the possibility of using Incognito mode and permits you to choose websites and contents that need to be blocked. Additionally, you can look at all activities. Windows is similar to Windows in that you can make a child’s account that blocks adult content as well as restrain other content.
  • In conjunction with the router. Some routers grant users the capability through the router to configure and enable parental controls. But, based on the router you are using, you’ll have to make use of a different system to enable this feature for the router. Software like OpenDNS permits you to set up parental controls via your router. This will prevent your child from circumventing any parental control because your router can be more restricted in terms of access.
  • Utilizing a third-party application. Third-party software is usually preferable. Third-party software can be downloaded to your PC and is typically capable of monitoring internet access across all devices. However, they can be challenging and may be limited, depending on the program.

Best Internet Filters for Families

Paid Internet Filters

  • McAfee Safe Family. For $7.99 per month, you can restrict usage, track inappropriate content across a range of devices, and offer online security. But, it could cause your internet to be slow, and technologically-savvy kids may be able to bypass the program.
  • Norton Family Premier. For $49.99 per month, you can restrict usage, monitor content, and block harmful content across a variety of devices. If you own a Mac it isn’t compatible and it has very limited monitoring of social media.
  • Qustodio. For $39.95 per month, You can block content and apps on any platform including mobile devices, restrict usage and also keep track of content. It’s also simple to navigate. However, those with a technical background may be able to navigate the platform too (a simple VPN can help) It’s also no monitoring of social media.

Free Internet Filters

  • OpenDNS. OpenDNS integrates directly with your router. The free version gives you almost everything you need to manage your internet’s parental controls. With this option, it is possible to monitor every device, including mobile devices, limit use or block websites and content, and get reports on the content you’ve accessed. It’s however longer-lasting since the reports you receive include every page that has been accessed and they aren’t user-specific which means it is impossible to determine who specifically has accessed the content.
  • Kaspersky Safe Kids. Kaspersky Secure Kids is yet another excellent alternative that is free. It allows for extensive monitoring of content and websites restricting access and limiting usage and warnings for access to content that is not appropriate. However, it’s not suitable for iOS devices, or monitoring of social media sites.

Choose the Best Internet Filter for You!

The most effective web filters that are suitable for family use aren’t always easy to pick. There are many factors to consider when choosing the most effective internet parental controls, however, our guide can aid you in choosing the most suitable. For the most reliable internet get in touch with Nomad Internet and guarantee that your family will never need to be without internet no matter the location!