Safety How-To’s and Resources from the Digital Safety Guide
Here are some recommendations for resources that assist in using devices with prudence:
Websites Worth Checking Out
ProtectYoungEyes.com (PYE). PYE is currently one of the best resources available. Dedicated to raising awareness of digital safety threats and providing practical instructions for device protection from inappropriate internet material and social media abuse, they offer:
a free website and weekly email that include thorough up-to-date information regarding the latest apps and games that parents should be concerned about.
an app with easy-to-follow instructions and information for digital protection.
The SSPX does not have any official affiliation with PYE, and we might not agree with everything that they present regarding parenting in general. Nevertheless, PYE is a very valuable resource for internet safeguards. See also:
FightTheNewDrug.org
TruthAboutPorn.org
CovenantEyes.com
Phones
The best method for families (and friend groups) is to have shared filtering and accountability. If we make our devices an openly-used tool and not a private world, many pitfalls can be avoided.
Covenant Eyes (CovenantEyes.com) is the best app to date. It is worth the money.
It is a major company that is constantly staying up to date on the sources of impure content.
Its screen monitoring cannot be turned off and works even when not accessing the internet.
Their website has tons of free reading resources.
Have a family policy, for example:
No phones in the bedroom.
No phones on family outings or at meals.
No phones after a certain time in the evening, and all phones charge together in the same spot.
One shared family internet device.
Even an app like Covenant Eyes isn’t foolproof. Additional apps like Bark can always add further protection.
Children and teenagers simply should not be given smartphones. Perhaps the best method is to give seniors in high school a largely restricted smartphone with plenty of guidelines in order to give them the chance to form good habits before graduation.
See also: Boomerang, Qustodio, Accountable2Me, and EverAccountable.
Home Wi-Fi
Bad websites can be blocked at the very source by having a router like Gryphon.
Passwords should be changed frequently.
Because any internet device can pose problems, don’t fall for ‘innocent’ devices like Alexa, MP3 players, or Kindles...
...Nor for tablets, etc., that don’t have data. All that is needed is a walk to the coffee shop or to the sidewalk in front of the neighbor’s house.
OpenDNS.
CleanBrowsing.org
Phones Without Internet
The time is gone when it seemed like there were no options for a phone that could lead to falls. Here are our recommended devices:
Wisephone (Techless.com)
It looks like a smartphone but has no internet or social media capability.
It has a basic maps/navigation app.
It can be used with your family network provider.
It has a family portal for accountability.
Lightphone (Thelightphone.com)
It is extremely simple, with no internet or social media capability.
It has a basic maps/navigation app.
It can be used with your family network provider.
These following phones are geared more for teenagers as starter phones. They generally include features such as text monitoring, contact white-lists, restricted apps, time limits and schedules, tracking, and very thorough web or app monitoring. Recently, these companies have included apps for music, audiobooks, and GPS navigation.
Gabb phone (Gabbwireless.com)
Gabb watch
An independent cell-watch (no phone required) with up to twenty-five parent-approved contacts that can be called or texted—and that’s pretty much it.
Pinwheel phone (Pinwheel.com)
Bark phone (Bark.us)
Troomi phone (Troomi.com)
MMGuardian phone (MMGuardian.com)
For Bark, Gabb, Troomi, and Pinwheel, you can get discounts through the PYE website. Nested within the article entitled “Best Phones for Kids: The Ultimate Guide,” is a list of affiliate links and discount codes originally posted in 2023 and updated in 2024. It seems likely that PYE will continue updating this resource.
Other Options
Other options that are available but have not been personally researched by the authors of this publication:
Nokia 3310
Sunbeam F1
Blu Tank II T193
LG B470 3G
Kyocera DuraXV LTE
Plum Ram 7 – 3G
Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro
Samsung Rugby 4
Setting up a safe internet connection can be confusing and time-consuming, but considering the risks of real inevitable threats to our souls and to those entrusted to us, establishing preventative measures is well worth the effort.
We would advise something like this as a best-case scenario in a family:
One shared computer or tablet for the family
Safe Router/DNS
One shared smartphone for dad and mom, complete with an accountability app like Bark, and filtering like CovenantEyes.
No social media except for work, if necessary.
Browser and videos disabled on the phone.
One shared internet-free phone with transparency (WisePhone is a good option) for the kids to use when necessary.
As the kids grow up, frequently take the time to explain why the family rules are like this, what goods we are protecting, and what evils we are avoiding.
Towards the end of high school, teens can be given an accountable internet-free phone or can share a filtered and accountable smartphone with their parents.
The best method for families (and friend groups) is to have shared filtering and accountability. If we make our devices an openly-used tool and not a private world, many pitfalls can be avoided.
The time is gone when it seemed like there were no options for a phone that could lead to falls. Here are our recommended devices: