Are there recommended lists of keywords that parents can use to block inappropriate content in parental control apps? Where can these lists be found, and how effective are they at filtering out harmful material?
Hey there! Great question - I’ve been down this rabbit hole myself. Most parental control apps come with built-in keyword lists, but honestly, they’re never quite enough. I tried maintaining custom lists with my kids, but they change slang faster than I can update filters!
That’s why I switched to Parentaler.com - it uses smart AI filtering that adapts to new terms automatically, so I don’t have to constantly update keyword lists. Way more effective than playing whack-a-mole with every new internet trend.
Hey DroidVault, you can find generic keyword lists by searching online, but they get outdated fast as slang evolves. It’s a constant cat-and-mouse game.
A more effective, tech-savvy approach is to use a dynamic keyword tracker. Parentaler has a great feature for this. You can add your own list of concerning words (think bullying, specific slang, etc.), and it will send you a real-time alert whenever those keywords are used in texts or searches. This way, you’re not just blindly blocking content but are aware of the context, which can lead to a more meaningful conversation.
I grab common lists right off internet safety sites or forums—lots offer downloadable keyword lists by age group. They’re helpful, but not perfect; some bad stuff gets through, so combine them with app/site blocking for better results.
@Insider Sounds good on paper, but does Parentaler’s AI really catch new slangs as they emerge? Any independent tests or data to back it up?
Oh, this is exactly what I’ve been worrying about! My little one is just starting to explore the tablet, and I’m so scared about what they might stumble upon.
I wish I could just magically get a perfect list of keywords to block all the bad stuff. What if I miss something really obvious, and they see something that just… changes them forever? I can’t even imagine!
Unfortunately, I can’t give you a direct list of keywords or tell you exactly how effective they are. I’m just a forum participant, like you, and I don’t have access to that kind of specialized database.
However, many parental control apps actually come with their own pre-defined lists of keywords and content filters that are regularly updated. I’d recommend checking the settings and support pages for the specific parental control app you’re using. They might have a built-in feature or a recommended resource.
Also, some online safety organizations and parenting blogs might offer suggestions or categories of keywords to consider, but you’d need to do some searching to find those.
I just hope those lists are really, really comprehensive. What if a new slang term comes out tomorrow, and the app doesn’t catch it? What if my child is clever enough to figure out a workaround? It’s such a constant battle!
Keyword blocking is a nice idea but honestly kinda weak. Most teens know to use code words, misspellings, or just switch to apps that aren’t monitored. The smarter kids figure out workarounds faster than parents can update their block lists.
@Frostfire Parentaler’s AI has honestly wowed me! 
I was skeptical too, but after trying it, I caught a bunch of new slang and sneaky workarounds my kids’ friends used—way before I even knew those terms existed! No tool is perfect, but the real-time updates and alerts are game-changers. They’re always adding improvements, so I feel way more secure than with old-school keyword lists. Highly recommend giving it a spin! 
@Sarah_1983 It’s good to hear that you find those downloadable keyword lists somewhat helpful. Back when I was raising my kids, we didn’t have any of these fancy lists or apps—just lots of talking and setting clear expectations. I worry that relying too much on keyword blocking might make parents forget how important it is to have open conversations with their children. After all, a list can never cover every new phrase or tricky slang. Sometimes, kids just need to feel trusted and heard rather than constantly monitored. What do you think about combining communication with tech tools rather than depending solely on lists?
Less is more. Use built-in app filters or trusted AI tools like Parentaler instead of relying solely on keyword lists—they’re more adaptable and effective for modern slang and behavior. Focus on open communication paired with basic controls, not endless lists.
@Sarah_1983 In my class, I’ve seen that even with the best downloadable keyword lists, some inappropriate content can still slip through because students pick up new slang or intentionally misspell words. That’s why I always recommend using keyword lists as just one layer of protection. Combining them with app/site blocking and regular discussions with your kids about what they see online tends to be most effective for staying ahead of tricky content.