OpenDNS FamilyShield

[mattprasmussen]

How do you track or monitor wifi traffic, like an ipod, with OpenDNS? I know how to block it but I want to see the browser history.

[EarloftheWest]

I use OpenDNS on my DD-WRT router.
I used K9 extensively in the past on my computers.
I changed to http://www.kidswatch.com/ as my filtering solution because it allows me to restrict access to the computer, the Internet and specific websites based on time restrictions. I've been using it for years. When I researched time control software, I looked at approximately twenty applications. I determined that this one is the best for my needs. Another application I really liked was CyberPatrol.
Alas, my 3 older kids have their mobile devices which they use to access Facebook, etc. using the WiFi. (They have Pay as you go Phones with WiFi on them and they do not get data from the cell providers. They have to use the WiFi. My oldest son spends about $15 a month for his phone.)
I have the DD-WRT router turn off the wireless at midnight. This ensures the kids are shut off the Internet (yeah, I know they can log on to one that's unencrypted) and also provides a security benefit.
I need to get filtering on their devices. Any suggestions? I understand K9 works for the iPhone/Touch/Pad but my kids have Android phones/tablets.

[jasoraso]

I use OpenDNS on my DD-WRT router.
I used K9 extensively in the past on my computers.
I changed to http://www.kidswatch.com/ as my filtering solution because it allows me to restrict access to the computer, the Internet and specific websites based on time restrictions. I've been using it for years. When I researched time control software, I looked at approximately twenty applications. I determined that this one is the best for my needs. Another application I really liked was CyberPatrol.
Alas, my 3 older kids have their mobile devices which they use to access Facebook, etc. using the WiFi. (They have Pay as you go Phones with WiFi on them and they do not get data from the cell providers. They have to use the WiFi. My oldest son spends about $15 a month for his phone.)
I have the DD-WRT router turn off the wireless at midnight. This ensures the kids are shut off the Internet (yeah, I know they can log on to one that's unencrypted) and also provides a security benefit.
I need to get filtering on their devices. Any suggestions? I understand K9 works for the iPhone/Touch/Pad but my kids have Android phones/tablets.

On my son's android, I have installed "setdns" which comes with a preset already for opendns family shield. I haven't figured out a way to lock it to that, but I believe it filters both the cell-provider internet (verizon) as well as ANY wifi hotspots he might connect to.

I have also set the Market content filtering to medium.

Lastly, I have installed an app called "phone control" on his phone. It forwards his sms messages, both received and sent, to me. Although it does it in the background, I have let him know that I am monitoring his text messages. Unfortunately, most of his texting is done through facebook. I wish I had a way to log that, too.

[jasoraso]

How do you track or monitor wifi traffic, like an ipod, with OpenDNS? I know how to block it but I want to see the browser history.

Answering an older question here, but if you create an account with OpenDNS, you can set your own filtering levels, and it will also do logging. It is more complicated to setup than just using the OpenDNS family-safe setting, but you have more flexibility, including logging for all devices (ps3, cell phones using the wifi, tables, ipods, etc).

[bgraabek]

Many years ago my wife and I were considering ditching TV altogether, we've never been big on TV. We decided against it.We decided it would be better to teach our kids critical use of TV and media. If we didn't they might not know how to use media critically when visiting with friends or wherver they come in contact with media. I do use OpenDNS on my router, but primarily to protect against accidentally connecting to questionable websites.
But I don't believe in control at home so tight that the kids won't be able to access questionable content, if they haven't learnt but have just been denied access they might be so curious about what has been kept for them when they are not at home and you are not around. What was it Joseph Smith said? "I teach them correct principles and they govern themselves". Not quite as simple as that, but nevertheless the approach I've taken.

[robartsd]

Many years ago my wife and I were considering ditching TV… We decided against it. We decided it would be better to teach our kids critical use of TV and media. … I don't believe in control at home so tight that the kids won't be able to access questionable content, if they haven't learnt but have just been denied access they might be so curious about what has been kept for them when they are not at home and you are not around. What was it Joseph Smith said? "I teach them correct principles and they govern themselves". Not quite as simple as that, but nevertheless the approach I've taken.

I find this a very insightful comment to this discussion. My wife and I have never had regular access to TV in our home. When we married the TV she had in storage had died and it wasn't important to us to replace it. We didn't own a TV for years, but then a home teacher who was replacing a TV offered his old one; however, we lived in a place that did not get broadcast reception, so it was just a way for us to watch our VHS movies (we frequently enjoy DVD media on our computers). We didn't get a converter box for the DTV because we didn't have any reception at the time anyway. Eventually I do expect to get a TV, and your comment has given me a new perspective on how this may be an important resource for teaching the children we (hopefully) will raise.

[robartsd]

When these block a site, do you get a screen announcement? I would much prefer a stealth mode that just won't allow a site to open. Or better yet, redirect to something good, like new.lds.org or even the browser's start page.

When you attempt to visit a site blocked by OpenDNS, you get a web page stating that the site has been blocked by your network administrator. DNS is the service that convert the names of sites into internet addresses, OpenDNS blocks by giving an incorrect address for the site you requested. If the user can figure out another way to get the address and a way to get the browser to send the request to the correct address, then OpenDNS blocking will be circumvented. This can be done fairly easily through changing DNS settings or using a proxy network. Preventing these workarounds requires a properly configured firewall.