If you don’t use content filtering software, you are naive or foolish.
If you don’t use content filtering, you are either naive or a fool!
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That’s the gist of what Pastor and counselor Brad Hambrick said recently in a podcast interview I did with him on the topic of “Christian Families in a Sexualized World.” He went on to explain.
- If you think you don’t need content filtering, or that your kids won’t get into bad stuff on the internet – YOU ARE NAIVE.
- If you know the possibility is there and don’t do anything to prevent it – YOU ARE FOOLISH.
I can’t agree more.
But content filtering should be used out of wisdom, not panic
Christians should be the most peaceful and confident people on the planet. We serve the sovereign and almighty King of the universe. We have nothing to fear.
There is no reason to panic… not even about the dangers the internet holds. You and your children are safe in the arms of the LORD.
HOWEVER,
The LORD uses a variety of means to provide His protection to you… and one of those is His instruction to live wisely. So it is out of wisdom and not panic that we should consider measures like content filtering software. In this post I’ll be unashamedly recommending Covenant Eyes as the service of choice. At the end of the post I’ll tell you why.
The truth is that there are very real dangers the internet brings, and we don’t want to be naive or foolish.
4 reasons your family needs content filtering or accountability software
1. Video sharing sites
YouTube is the 2nd largest search engine in the world (second to Google, which owns YouTube). And YouTube is not the only video sharing site out there. Though many of these sites have content guidelines that prohibit users uploading pornographic or offensive content, there’s still a lot of wiggle room in terms of what is deemed pornographic or offensive. It’s not only easy, but VERY easy for members of your family to find tantalizing things on these sharing sites. Things that could bring temptations that you are better off without.
2. Social Networks
Social networks are a great thing. I love my Facebook account because of the people from years gone by with whom I’ve been able to reconnect. But part of the sad truth about that is that it’s more and more common for improper relationships to begin over social networks. It’s not the fault of the social network, it’s the fault of a person who dove in with no accountability. Social networks are also a context where people can easily portray themselves to be something they are not. Predators can pose as teens. Teens can pose as adults. And none of that is good. The simple truth is that it can be hard to tell who is genuine and who is not.
3. Gaming
Online gaming is huge… really huge. From Words with Friends to Halo, the varieties of online games seem endless. While there’s nothing wrong with the diversion of a game, there is something drastically wrong when the amount of time spent in a fantasy world begins to eclipse the amount of time spent in the real world. Wisdom demands that we monitor our time online to ensure that right priorities are not being pushed aside for the sake of lesser ones. And some folks in your family may need a little accountability along that line from time to time.
4. Pornography
This is the issue most of us think of when we think of filtering or accountability software… and for good reason. The plague of pornography is spreading across the world thanks to the internet. The issue is becoming more and more significant among teens. Check out this info-graphic about teens and porn from the folks at Covenant Eyes…
Content filtering and accountability software is available for most modern devices
Covenant Eyes provides content filtering and accountability software, for computers and most mobile devices. By using it you can take effective measures to protect your family, be on guard, and open the door to meaningful conversations about these important issues.
That’s where you want to end up… talking about all these issues openly, honestly, and in light of the calling and purpose Christ has for your family.
I can’t stress how helpful these kinds of intentional steps can be in helping those who are struggling and preventing those who are not from ever beginning the struggle.
What steps do you take to avoid these danger spots of the internet?
(all links to Covenant Eyes in this post are affiliate links)
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My oldest is only 4, so this is something I need to start thinking about within the next few years. As I’ve considered it, it seems like internet filtering is only part of the equation. For one, I’m worried that my children would be smarter than I was on the computer and figure out how to disable it. Secondly, there’s going to be plenty of opportunities at friend’s houses or at school. So I think while content filtering is wise, it needs to be coupled with a lot of other weapons.
@Loren Pinilis Agreed Loren… this is only part of the strategy. Before all of this comes a continuing stream of conversations, which accountability or filtering software only supplements and in some cases, makes possible on an ongoing basis. My kids are smarter than me on the computer and can figure out how to get around things like this… but if I’ve worked hard at cultivating an honest, open relationship with them prior to that, that is much less likely to happen. The issue of access at friend’s houses is the same… your relationship with them will be paramount in what they feel comfortable viewing or participating in when they are away from you. Sounds like a good blog post… what do you think?
I use CE in combination with OpenDNS Family Shield. I find this combination to work quite well because the filtering from Family Shield covers all devices that connect to the Internet through my router. In addition, I’m always reminding my children that the computer is tool that needs to be used responsibly. My kids aren’t allowed to just “check out” a website until either my wife or I have vetted it first. Also, no devices that connect to the Internet are allowed in their rooms. BTW, your article says you’d list 6 reasons and there are only 4. 😉
jwilkers – thanks for chiming in! I appreciate you sharing the resources you’ve found helpful. It’s good to know that you’re being diligent with your family’s internet uses. And thanks for the correction on the post… it’s fixed now!