For most of us, the primary reason we install accountability and filtering software on our computer and devices is pornography – how can we protect our kids from it? What can we do to keep ourselves out of trouble? Is there someone in the family with an undetected problem?

But not every device problem deals with dirty pictures. A lot of times, our particular problem may be totally innocent under different circumstances. Yet, in the wrong time or place, we or our kids might be misusing our technology.

We found that the same software that tracks pornography use can clue you in to other things that need attention … for example:

They’re online when they should be doing something else. We realized one of our teens had been using his computer well after midnight—much more than once. His log showed he wasn’t going anywhere he shouldn’t, but he was online when he should have been asleep … which explains why he was so sleepy during school!

They should be working but they’re off in “the dark playground.” That’s what one blogger calls it when you sneak off to have online fun during work or school hours. If you finished your work first, you could relax with some guilt-free entertainment … but when you steal the time from something else, you’re in “the dark playground.” Have you ever caught a new Facebook post from a child who is “doing homework” in another room? Ahem.  Accountability tracking helps you have a more factual conversation about their work habits!

They might be nibbling on a baited hook. Maybe your child’s not looking at porn … but you notice he’s been reading the cheerleader pages on his favorite football site. Umm … those are the wrong stats, son. That’s a good time to talk about the world’s attitudes toward women, the way advertisers attract men’s eyes, and where “innocent” temptations can lead.

They might be hanging out with sketchy characters. Unfortunately, a lot of websites which deal with traditional masculine interests like sports, hunting, gaming, and car repair, attract a wide range of readers who often don’t share your values. Your teen may have permission to be on those sites, but he needs to be aware that some in those communities are promoting lifestyles that he’d regret – and sometimes, those forums may offer enticing images on their sidebars and user avatars, or provide a hunting ground for predators.

Different needs at different ages

Blocking and filtering programs are great help protecting the younger kids, but our teens need to be learning to discern and then choose wisely. And that means more than just, “Avoid porn!” It also means being good stewards of their time, knowing when it’s time to work or time to sleep, and when to be on guard. Software like this is a great tool to foster those conversations – and maybe, to prove a point, sometimes!

Our family uses Covenant Eyes accountability and filtering software – we’ve had it for over ten years! We particularly like that reporting is super-easy. Everyone has a separate account and you can tell at a glance whether there is a problem or not.

Too many families wait for “a perfect solution,” and put off getting accountability. Instead, put some kind of protection on your systems today. CLICK HERE and you can try Covenant Eyes for 30 DAYS FREE. (Use our affiliate link and you help support this ministry, too – thanks!)

Your friends,

Hal & Melanie

For information on what to do if porn is the problem, download our workshop, Shining Armor, and check out the resources here.