Most parental control/filtering apps are super easy to bypass. VPNs or proxies are some of the most common tools to do so. The device manufacturers (ie, Apple, Google, etc) never really worry about keeping kids safe when they release their devices until after there's uproar from parents. And even then, it seems they just give the problem lip service but never really try to make a solid solution. I question if the engineers at these companies who hold traditional values are able to speak freely without fear of being fired. My guess is they can't. So the likelihood that we can rely on these companies to protect our loved ones is basically 0.
This is where I'm grateful for solutions like Screenshot Accountability. In general it just works. There are still "other" loopholes, like if your child buys a cheap $30 phone from walmart Truple isn't going to be able to detect that. But in general it's been rock solid for the devices I have it on. I hear tons of parents express that they believe kids can "get around anything". The truth is, I don't think that's true. I think solid solutions like Truple really close those loopholes up.
Anyway, make sure to think twice before buying internet connected devices. Oftentimes the parental control features aren't added until a decade or so after the device is released. VR headsets are a key one. But for now, at least on Android/Windows, I'm super grateful to have Truple to keep myself and my loved ones safe online.
Can kids just get around Truple anyway?
#19 by strider at 12/17/2024, 12:16:04 AM
striverparentpornographyI just wanted to add for parents that see this. Even the devices that are marketed as a user not being able to get on an internet browser, like the PS5. There are easily accessed "backdoors" I googled how and a YouTube video popped up and I was able to get on a browser (to search whatever I wanted) by clicking a couple links. You can turn off your PS5 access to the internet it will still work but the user won't be able to "play online" on games. They'll only be able to do the offline portions. I unfortunately found this out after being told by my husband that you cannot access internet through the PS5 which isn't true. He's a gamer. And he definitely knew you could. I looked on the PS5 and couldn't see a way and left it at that. Unfortunately ONE Google search is all it took for someone that has no gaming consoles to get on the internet. He later admitted he had been on the internet on it.
by PurpleLily 128d 5h 52m ago
Did you ever find a way around the PS5 issue?
It’s annoying because unfortunately accountability apps don’t seem to be available on these platforms. Same with smart TV which is my main concern. I don’t want to have to stop him from playing games but I’m unsure what to do for these platforms..
It’s annoying because unfortunately accountability apps don’t seem to be available on these platforms. Same with smart TV which is my main concern. I don’t want to have to stop him from playing games but I’m unsure what to do for these platforms..
by Batman123 55d 15h 30m ago
We cut the internet to it entirely through the router. He can still play offline games.
My counselor helped me feel better about this decision. I'm not the one that put us in this situation he is. And no he has to be the one to suffer consequences and rebuild trust.
My counselor helped me feel better about this decision. I'm not the one that put us in this situation he is. And no he has to be the one to suffer consequences and rebuild trust.
by PurpleLily 55d 11h 8m ago
I've heard some people mention buying a cheap security camera and pointing it at the TV. You can get them for ~$30 or so. It's not prefect, but if you position it in a way where it can't easily be moved (without you being recorded moving it), it could be helpful.
by strider 55d 13h 56m ago
This is what we do, security camera was $20 on Amazon. I have it pointed at the tv. Prior to that, I would hide the power cord to the wifi router at night or take it with me when i left the house.
by prnkillslove 47d 9h 5m ago