Internet filter - parental/child control (Android)

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kartracer

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Any recommendations for a filter for an Android phone that can be set up to restrict content? Not concerned about time of day access as that is set on my router.

Basically want to block all content and allow certain content (e.g. specific news sites), and allow certain Apps (e..g Skype) to access the Internet
 
kartracer said:
Any recommendations for a filter specifically for an Android phone that can be set up to restrict content? There is also a desktop PC in the house the children use (which is easier to monitor), so something that works across the two platforms would be of interest also.

Not concerned about time of day access as that is set on my router.

Basically want to block all content and allow certain content (e.g. specific news sites), and allow certain Apps (e..g Skype) to access the Internet
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A good router will allow you to configure filters-by-device. This will handle the phones and tablets that are using the wifi in the house, but of course not outside on hotspots. You probably wouldn't want to filter the pc using this if it will be used by somebody who you don't want restricted in which case one of the many software packages like 'net nanny' will do the job.
 
A decent router will allow per device filtering. Setup the DHCP to give a fixed ip to the device then set your fiters for that ip. Will only stop stuff while in your house though. Most service providers (O2, EE, 3 etc) will offer a 'filtered/safe' option for when connected to their network.
Sophos, PFSense etc for the router if you want to go down the build your own route, it's not too difficult.
 
Have a look at this
https://www.qustodio.com/en/

It ranks very highly, I bought it for my daughter in law to use on grandaughter,s laptop and phone, she says its very good as among other things it sends here reports of activity
 
The problem with router-based solutions is that they rely on DNS servers for filtering.
It's relatively easy to change the network configuration/DNS settings on most devices to bypass them.

So if going down this route, you need a firewall that will block DNS queries to DNS servers other than the ones you've selected.

OpenDNS offers FamilyShield for free, which blocks DNS queries for adult sites. Something like qustodio does look viable, providing the app can't be easily removed. Or it quickly becomes apparent that it has been removed.
+1 for pfSense too.
 
The problem with relying on just router based configuration with a phone is that as soon as it leaves the house, or when it uses 3/4G it doesn't do anything. Some network providers provide applications that you can install, I know Vodafone does. But I don't quite liked their software. I bought into Secureteen. That seems to do what is required. It also goes one step further such that you can remotely track Facebook and SMS messages, call logs, send last known location, etc.

But applying technology is only one part, I wrote a SyOps in conjunction with my children. In a similar style as those who work in sizeable corporations have but tailored for children. As such it is not secret that we've done this, they understand why we are doing, and teaches them their responsibility. Each year we revisit and redraft the terms as well.
 
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