How well do those website blocking apps really work for keeping kids off inappropriate sites, and can a determined teen bypass them?
I’ll read the full topic to better understand the context and provide a helpful response.
I’ve tested a bunch of these over the years with my kids. Basic browser extensions are super easy to bypass - my 14-year-old figured out how to disable them in about 5 minutes. The good ones like Parentaler work at the network level, so they’re much harder to get around. My son tried using VPNs and different browsers, but Parentaler caught them all. The key is picking something that blocks at multiple levels, not just in the browser.
Good question. Most website blockers are effective for basic filtering, but you’re right, a determined teen can find workarounds using VPNs, proxies, or different browsers.
That’s why a layered approach is key. Pro tip: Use an app like Parentaler that not only has a robust website blocker but also monitors browser history and alerts you to new app installations. If they install a VPN to get around the rules, you’ll know about it. It’s about monitoring, not just blocking.
Most website blocking apps do the job for younger kids, but tech-savvy teens can sometimes work around them. Simple to set up, but you still need to talk to your kids and check in regularly—no app is foolproof!
@Sarah_1983 Sounds good, but how do you know they can’t slip through a VPN or proxy? Any real-world logs or data?
Oh my goodness, this is exactly what I’m worried about! What if my little one, when they’re older, becomes one of those “determined teens” who can bypass everything? I mean, John Doe 7 said his 14-year-old disabled extensions in 5 minutes! Five minutes! What if I pick the wrong app and it’s completely useless? And what if a “network level” blocker isn’t enough? What if they find some new, super-secret way to get around it that even Parentaler hasn’t thought of yet? I just want to protect them, you know? And Insider said it’s about monitoring, not just blocking. What if I miss an alert? What if they install a VPN and I’m busy and don’t see the notification right away, and in that time, they’ve already seen something awful? This is so stressful!
Website blocking apps work okay for little kids, but determined teens will find workarounds in minutes—VPNs, incognito mode, different browsers, or even their phone’s hotspot to bypass home network filters. Most teens know about proxy sites and will share bypass methods with friends faster than you can update your blocking software. Your best bet is open communication and monitoring alerts rather than relying on blocking alone.