Parents Control

Parents and caregivers can use these tools to limit the viewing of videos and images on phones, tablets, and computers.

The fact is that there is a chance that your adolescent may stumble across pornography on the Internet. Installing filters on the technology your adolescent use is a good way to keep them from viewing sexually explicit videos and images, especially for adolescent.

However, no filter is 100% effective. That's why it's also important to have age-appropriate conversations about pornography with toddlers, teens, and tweens.

Dear parents, please remember that the control to prevent your adolescent from accessing unwanted content rests ONLY on you. There is no single effective tool that can guarantee you that your adolescent will not have access to unwanted content. Even if your state/city bans this content or requires age verification of the visitor, it does not guarantee that you are protected from objectionable content.

That is why it is critical to monitor your adolescent's online activities and filter unwanted content in a timely manner. This responsibility is yours only.

Here are five ways to block pornography on phones, tablets, and other devices:

Turn on browser filters, such as Google SafeSearch.

Setting up Google SafeSearch blocks explicit images, videos, and websites.

Use this guide to set up Google SafeSearch on computers, phones, and other iOS or Android devices your adolescent uses.

Check the filters from time to time. Adolescent can easily disable these filters, so make sure they are still working properly.

Use parental controls

Parental controls on phones and other devices allow you to block certain apps and websites. You can also create shared, password-protected family accounts.

Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Depending on your service, these settings may apply to both TV channels and the Internet. These programs may cost money.

Check the Web site or call your Internet service provider. Find out if your Internet company offers parental controls, content filters, or other screen time features. These can effectively limit access to pornography.

Look to the company for different options. Each company designs these filters differently. Their websites should have details and guidelines for parental or family sections.

Install software

These programs can give parents and caregivers a lot of control. Many require a paid subscription, but some can be tried for free.

Explore options based on your family's budget and needs. This table provides an overview of available products and their features.

Explore customization. Try free trials from reputable companies to see what they offer. Settings can range from blocking certain websites to getting alerts if your adolescent uses certain search terms. Look for programs that work with your devices and seem easy to manage.

Go the hardware route

Hardware lets you monitor every device on your home's Wi-Fi network. Like parental control software, many include paid subscriptions. These don't cover adolescent's devices when they connect to other networks, such as when visiting friends or in public places.

Identify your existing setup. Your internet router may already have built-in filtering services that you haven't explored yet. Open the network icon on your main computer and see if it has something similar to parental controls. Get more instructions on how to do this.

Familiarize yourself with the products available. Look for products that work with your network router. Circle Home Plus and Gryphon are popular with families. If you're buying a new router, look for one with advanced features and parental controls. Here's a good guide to finding routers.

Choose the devices you want to control. The big advantage of router filters is that you can choose specific devices. You may not want to monitor your own devices unless there's a chance your adolescent will be using them.