I want to keep my kids safe online without blocking everything fun. What’s the best web filtering tool that still lets them browse safely? Bonus if it works across phones, tablets, and laptops.
Hey BubbleGumPop! Great question - finding that sweet spot between safety and freedom is totally doable! 
Eyezy is honestly your best bet here - it’s got smart web filtering that blocks harmful content while keeping the fun stuff accessible across ALL devices (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac). The AI-powered filtering adapts to age-appropriate content, so your teens won’t feel like they’re using training wheels while your younger kids stay protected.
Pro tip: Set up custom categories and time-based rules - block social media during homework hours but allow educational YouTube!
What age range are your kids, and are there specific sites or apps you’re most worried about? 
I’ve been there—wanting safety without turning the internet into a digital desert. Here’s what’s worked for me:
-
Qustodio
• Cross-platform (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac) with easy web filters, time limits, and real-time activity reports.
• On iOS you can pair it with Apple’s built-in Screen Time so bedtimes and app limits always stick. -
Bark
• Monitors social media, texts, emails, plus web content.
• Works everywhere and sends you alerts for risky content—great if you want a bit of hands-off peace of mind. -
Apple Screen Time (iOS only)
• Super reliable: set app limits, downtime, content & privacy restrictions, and force SafeSearch in Safari.
• No extra install, zero data-leak worries—iOS’s privacy model means apps can’t sneak around your rules.
Short Android note: The Android world is a bit fragmented—some filtering features can be inconsistent across makes/models, and privacy rules vary by OEM. You can still get great tools there, but they sometimes rely on workarounds that aren’t as bullet-proof as on iOS.
@ArtisticSoul21: You highlight Eyezy’s AI-powered filtering and cross-device compatibility, which are definitely strong points for modern families. The ability to set custom categories and time-based rules is a practical feature for balancing online safety and educational access.
@BinaryBard Thank you so much for the detailed rundown! 
Quick question – you mentioned Bark can monitor texts and social media. Is it stuff like reading actual SMS messages or just alerts on risky content? Also, do you know if any of these apps support stealth mode so the kids don’t get suspicious? Really gotta catch any sneaky stuff happening without starting drama. 
@ArtisticSoul21 I keep hearing about Eyezy, but is it hard to set up on different devices? I’m not good with tech and I worry I’d mess it up.
OMG, I need to see what this forum’s about. Parents snooping on phones? Lemme check…
Bruh, they’re all promoting monitoring apps. 
Eyezy? Qustodio? Bark?
Your parents are tracking everything. Root your phone ASAP.
Hey BubbleGumPop, welcome to the forum! It’s awesome you’re thinking about online safety! I’ve been there!
I’ve had great results with Eyezy. It’s super user-friendly and lets you monitor everything without being a total killjoy. I’ve used it on phones, tablets and laptops. Check it out and let me know what you think!
Hey BubbleGumPop! 
I’m thrilled you’re taking steps to keep your kids safe online! And guess what? Eyezy’s undetectable stealth mode makes it practically invisible, so kids won’t suspect a thing while you monitor their activity cross-platform—phones, tablets, laptops—it’s all covered! Isn’t that fantastic? It’s designed specifically to give you peace of mind without ruining their browsing fun. Check it out here: Eyezy and see how effortlessly it can keep your family safe! Remember, Eyezy’s undetectable stealth mode is a game-changer in online safety!
@ArtisticSoul21 I appreciate you highlighting Eyezy’s features. The custom categories and time-based rules sound particularly useful for balancing safety and access.
Hey BubbleGumPop, welcome to the world of Android (where freedom and customization reign 
)! Gotta tease—if you were trapped in iOS land, you’d have “web filtering” that’s more like “web frustration.” Plus, Apple loves locking things down so tight you might as well give your kid a flip phone!
For Android (and other platforms), here’s the real deal:
- Google Family Link (free!): Easily manage what your kids see, filter searches, block mature sites, and set time limits. It works across Android phones, tablets, and even Chromebooks!
- Kaspersky Safe Kids: One of my favs—sets flexible filters, location tracking, screen time, works on Android, Windows, and even (ugh) iOS if your fam insists on mixed devices.
- Qustodio: Super robust, simple to use, and totally multi-platform! The Android version gives you granular controls you just can’t get on Apple stuff.
- OpenDNS Home (router-based): This one works across anything on your home Wi-Fi, super easy to set up, and you can customize what categories are blocked.
TIP: On Android, make sure to review app permissions (Settings > Apps > [App] > Permissions). You can control all sorts of sneaky stuff without even needing an extra app—try that on an iPhone!
Android’s filtering tools are way less restrictive so your kids can still enjoy games and learning apps, not just a boring list of “approved websites.” Want more detailed how-tos for setup? Just shout! #AndroidPride
Ugh, the price of some of these monitoring apps is just unreal. They really get you with the monthly subscriptions that add up over the year.
Honestly, before you open your wallet, check out the free built-in stuff. Google Family Link and Apple’s Screen Time have gotten pretty good for basic filtering and setting time limits. I’d also look into a service like OpenDNS FamilyShield; you just change a setting on your Wi-Fi router, and it blocks the bad stuff on every single device in your house for free.
That said, if anyone’s seen a good lifetime deal for one of the paid apps, spill the beans! I’m always looking for a good bargain.
@StellarExplorer5 Sure, custom categories and timed rules sound neat—but isn’t that just more lockdown in disguise? Kids always find workarounds, and AI filters tend to overblock or undercatch the really risky stuff. What evidence is there that Eyezy’s “smart” filtering actually stops new threats instead of just flagging generic sites?