Web Safety Tips
Protecting yourself and your family online requires a layered approach. Below you'll find practical, actionable steps — from quick settings changes to comprehensive device management. These tips complement your WebChaver screen accountability and help build a safer digital environment.
Safe Search & Content Settings
Most search engines and video platforms have built-in safety settings. Enabling these is one of the simplest and most effective first steps:
- Google SafeSearch: Go to google.com/preferences and turn on SafeSearch. With a Google account, you can lock this setting so it cannot be easily changed.
- Bing SafeSearch: Go to Bing settings and set SafeSearch to “Strict.”
- YouTube Restricted Mode: Scroll to the bottom of any YouTube page and enable “Restricted Mode.” For family accounts, this can be locked via Google Family Link.
- DuckDuckGo: Go to Settings > Safe Search and set it to “Strict.”
Tip: WebChaver's filtering service (powered by Covenant Eyes and CleanBrowsing) can enforce SafeSearch automatically across all browsers on the device.
DNS-Level Filtering
DNS filtering blocks inappropriate websites at the network level — before content even reaches your device. It works across every device on your network and is an excellent complement to WebChaver:
CleanBrowsing
Free DNS with three filter levels. The Family filter blocks adult content, VPNs, proxies, and enforces SafeSearch.
DNS: 185.228.168.168
OpenDNS Family Shield
Free, pre-configured DNS from Cisco that blocks adult content. No account needed.
DNS: 208.67.222.123
Set this up on your router to protect your entire home network, or on individual devices. For detailed instructions, see our Additional Filtering Options page.
Device & Account Security
A secure device is the foundation of safe browsing. These steps protect against both external threats and unauthorized changes to your safety settings:
- Keep everything updated: Enable automatic updates for your operating system and browser. Outdated software is one of the most common security risks.
- Use strong, unique passwords: Use a different password for every important account. A password manager makes this practical.
- Enable two-factor authentication: Turn on 2FA for email, banking, and other critical accounts. This protects you even if a password is compromised.
- Create separate user accounts: On shared computers, give each family member their own account. This lets you apply different restrictions per person.
- Lock the admin account: Family members (especially children) should use standard accounts so they cannot install software or change security settings.
- Use a modern browser: We recommend Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox — both update automatically and support the add-ons described below.
Family & Parental Controls
Modern operating systems include powerful built-in parental controls. Use these alongside WebChaver for layered protection:
Android / Chromebook
Google Family Link — manage apps, screen time, device bedtime, location, and enforce SafeSearch.
iPhone / iPad / Mac
Apple Screen Time — set content restrictions, app limits, downtime schedules. Access via Settings > Screen Time.
Windows
Microsoft Family Safety — web filtering, app restrictions, screen time limits, and activity reports.
Remember: Parental controls are most effective when combined with accountability. WebChaver adds a human element by sending activity reports to a designated Chaver — creating responsibility beyond just technical restrictions.
Mobile Device Safety
Smartphones and tablets present unique challenges because they are always with us and can connect to any Wi-Fi network:
- Install WebChaver/Covenant Eyes on all devices: Our monitoring covers Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Chromebook. See our Mobile Devices page for platform-specific details.
- Disable app sideloading (Android): Go to Settings > Security and make sure “Install unknown apps” is turned off for all apps.
- Require approval for app downloads: Use Family Link (Android) or Screen Time (iOS) so new apps need your permission.
- Review app permissions regularly: Check which apps have access to your camera, microphone, contacts, and location. Remove anything unnecessary.
- Disable or restrict the built-in browser: If you use a filtered browser, consider disabling Chrome or Safari to prevent unfiltered browsing.
- Incognito/private browsing: Newer versions of Covenant Eyes include built-in protection against incognito mode. Keep your app up to date.
Recommended Browser Add-ons
These free extensions add extra layers of protection and productivity to your browsing:
uBlock Origin — Ad Blocker
Blocks ads, pop-ups, and trackers. Makes browsing faster and cleaner. Many inappropriate ads are blocked automatically.
Social Media & Messaging Safety
For those who use social media or messaging platforms for work or community purposes, these steps reduce exposure to unwanted content:
- Tighten privacy settings: On every platform, restrict who can see your profile, message you, and tag you.
- Disable Explore/Discover feeds: These surface content from accounts you don't follow and can include inappropriate material.
- Turn off video autoplay: Prevent unexpected content from playing as you scroll.
- Limit notifications: Fewer notifications means fewer reasons to compulsively open apps.
- Use web versions when possible: Browser-based access means WebChaver can monitor the activity. Many apps bypass browser-level protections.
- WhatsApp: Disable “Media Auto-Download” and restrict who can add you to groups (Settings > Privacy > Groups > My Contacts).
Need Help? You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone.
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