Porn Filtering and Accountability Software
Statistics tell us that 90% of boys and 60% of girls will view pornography before the age of 18, with the average age of first exposure for boys at around age 12. It’s never too early to start protecting yourself from exposure. We thought it would be nice to provide a list of programs that exist to stop the spread of pornography usage and prevent pornography addiction.
Web Filters:
(A web filter is a program specifically made to block certain websites, tags, and keywords)
K9 Web Search – is a customizable web filter that is capable of filtering out things like language, gambling, racism, malware/spyware, and pornography. The website itself boasts that it has blocks set up for over 70 different categories. It’s password protected and keeps a report of various sites that are visited on the computer/phone the program is installed on. Best part, it’s absolutely FREE.
Net Nanny – is a web-blocking program used to block sites containing pornography, profanity, and can even help cut down on cyber-bullying. The program also features a time management feature that allows you to set what time each day the internet is accessible. This program also allows parents to check on the social media websites of their children and their children’s friends. You can also set up an alert system that will email you when your child visits an inappropriate website. All this and more comes standard, but it’ll cost you a good amount with a 1-year, one computer license starting at $40.
Web Reports:
(A web report is a program that isn’t meant to block websites. Instead it records any questionable websites and sends them to email addresses of your choice in order to make accountability easier)
Covenant Eyes – is a web report program that has very simple, organized, easy to read reports. These reports are customizable meaning you can set the frequency with which you receive a friend’s report. Covenant Eyes also has a rating system on each report that tells each accountability partner if they should scan through the report or if the report looks good. One of the best features of this program might be that it can’t be uninstalled without notifying your accountability partners. A personal account runs you about $9 a month and a family account costs $13 a month. It’s important to note that this program can also filter web content.
X3 Watch – is the web report program that I actually use right now. It is a web report program that logs any questionable websites and sends them to two (or more if you have the paid version) email addresses of your choice. There is both a free version and a paid version. The free version generates weekly reports, allows you to email two accountability partners, and can be installed on your PC/Mac and cellphone. The paid version ($7 a month or $65 a year) includes all those features as well as additions like instant alerts and uninstall notifications, 10 accountability partners, a web blocker and customer support.
If you know of any other products designed to protect against pornography viewing or create accountability tell us about them in the comments below. This wasn’t meant to be an exhaustive list. For more information on these websites click the name of each program. Regardless of the software you choose to use, know that you are taking a great first step to helping your friends and family overcome pornography.
