Whenever I’m speaking to parents and/or youth workers about matters related to our Digital Kids Initiative, I am inevitably asked for recommendations regarding blocking software or technologies that can keep kids from danger and danger from kids. I never know how to answer.
I’m not up-to-date on these things as new filters and work-around’s seem to be popping up every other day. My standard answer is this: “Ultimately, we need to equip our kids to serve as their own filters as a result of having hearts bent on doing the right thing. But I also realize that we do need to do whatever is necessary to protect our kids from online harm and provide for their flourishing. So, if you want to know about the ins and outs of the most current filtering technologies, check out the good and valuable work being done by our friends at Common Sense Media. I realize that we do need to whatever is necessary to protect our kids from online harm and provide for their flourishing.”
Earlier this week, Common Sense Media’s Caroline Knorr posted a helpful blog, “5 Ways To Block Porn on Your Kid’s Devices”, that I want to pass on to you all. Knorr writes. . .
Here’s the thing: Porn is all over the internet. You can’t totally get rid of it. Still, most parents want to do what they can to prevent kids from seeing explicit content. But here’s the other thing: You can set all the blockers, filters, and parental controls in the universe, and not only will your kids still see porn, you still have to talk to them about what porn is, why it exists, and why it’s not for them. In fact, using tech tools to limit adult content works best when combined with conversations that convey your values about love, sexuality, and relationships. (Get tips on talking to tweens and teens about internet porn.) Here are five ways to block porn as much as possible. . . (Click here to keep reading. . . ).