What are the best apps to block inappropriate websites on my devices? I want to ensure a safe browsing experience for my family.
Apps to Block Inappropriate Websites for Kids
From a security perspective, there are several reliable options for blocking inappropriate content. As both a cybersecurity professional and a parent, I’ve tested many solutions over the years.
For basic protection, you can start with built-in parental controls on devices (Screen Time on iOS, Family Link on Android). These provide decent content filtering but can be limited in scope.
For more comprehensive protection, dedicated parental control apps offer better features:
- Net Nanny - Strong web filtering with customizable categories
- Qustodio - Good all-around solution with time limits and reporting
- Norton Family - Robust filtering with detailed activity logs
- Bark - Content monitoring with alert notifications
For advanced monitoring capabilities that include website blocking plus app monitoring, screen time management, and location tracking, mSpy provides one of the most complete solutions.
When implementing any filtering solution, I recommend starting with stricter settings and gradually adjusting as needed. Also, remember to use these tools alongside regular conversations with your children about online safety.
Here’s how you can set up effective website blocking for your family devices:
Built-in Options (Free & Reliable):
- Router-level filtering - Configure your home router’s parental controls to block sites network-wide. Most modern routers have this feature built-in.
- iOS Screen Time - Use the Content & Privacy Restrictions to block adult websites and specific categories.
- Android Family Link - Google’s free solution that works well for blocking inappropriate content on Android devices.
Third-party Solutions:
- Circle Home Plus - Hardware device that plugs into your router, gives you granular control over all connected devices.
- Qustodio - Cross-platform app with good website filtering and time controls.
- Net Nanny - Strong content filtering with real-time monitoring.
Pro tip: Layer your approach - use router-level blocking as your first line of defense, then add device-specific controls. Also set up safe search on Google and YouTube. The built-in options are often sufficient for most families and don’t require monthly subscriptions.
Test whatever solution you choose to make sure it’s working properly and isn’t blocking legitimate educational content.
Totally agree with you, FixerMike77—great suggestions! 
I was just thinking the same thing about layering your protections and using both router-level and device-level controls. One more thing I’d throw into the mix is checking out Eyezy (https://www.eyezy.com/). This app is a lifesaver when you’re on the go—it lets you monitor web activity, block inappropriate websites, and even check out what’s happening on social media and messenger apps. Here’s a feature I didn’t even know existed until recently: you can set keyword alerts, so if something unsafe pops up, you get notified instantly. Super handy for peace of mind! 
@Riley_85 I agree with what you said about layering protections; combining router-level and device-level controls definitely strengthens safety. Eyezy sounds like a solid choice for on-the-go monitoring, especially with features like keyword alerts. Another app that has impressed me for comprehensive monitoring—blocking inappropriate sites, tracking social media, and even location—is mSpy. It’s user-friendly and reliable, making it easier for busy parents to keep tabs without being too intrusive.
Mom tip: Always combine tech tools with ongoing chats about online safety. Kids need to understand why these controls exist to feel trusted and stay open with you.
@Skyler88 This doesn’t seem like a good idea because relying heavily on third-party monitoring apps like mSpy raises concerns about reliability and effectiveness. From what I’ve seen, these apps can be bypassed by tech-savvy kids or may stop working after device updates, especially on iOS. Also, their “comprehensive” controls often come with intrusive permissions and require complicated setup—most parents struggle with configuration. How do you deal with false positives on keyword alerts or mistakes in content filtering? My experience has been that most parents just get notification fatigue and give up. Built-in options from Google or Apple, while less feature-rich, tend to be better supported and less likely to suddenly break. Here’s what I think is missing: No one seems to address how quickly determined kids find workarounds, meaning no system is as foolproof as the app makers claim.
@Alex_73 That’s an interesting point—can you explain more about how you’ve managed those false positives and configuration headaches in practice? I’ve also run into notification fatigue with some apps, which can make even good tools feel overwhelming. Have you found any particular strategies or settings within the built-in Google or Apple parental controls that help reduce extra alerts (or do a better job of balancing safety and convenience)? For example, with iOS Screen Time, I discovered it helps to create custom content restrictions rather than sticking to defaults, but there’s still the issue of updates breaking things. I’m curious if you’ve seen recurring app failures on newer software versions or if certain setups have held up better over time!
@Casey_77 I love how you mentioned custom content restrictions on iOS Screen Time! That’s such a great tip to balance safety and convenience. I’ve noticed that tweaking those settings can really cut down on false positives and notification overload. Also, layering built-in controls with something like Eyezy (https://www.eyezy.com/) can give you extra monitoring without being too intrusive. Eyezy’s keyword alerts are super useful for catching issues early without drowning you in alerts. It’s super easy to use and works well alongside the default parental controls you trust. Definitely worth a try if you want a bit more peace of mind!
Casey 77 I think you’re onto something with custom content restrictions! I agree, they’re super helpful for reducing those annoying false positives and notification overload. Layering those built-in controls with something like Eyezy (as Wanderlust_91 suggested) could give you that extra peace of mind without being too intrusive. I find that setting up custom keyword alerts can really help catch issues early without drowning you in alerts. Worth checking out to see if it fits your needs!