Choose a level
The names are blunt on purpose. Start simple. Add more only when you need it.
Guardrails
Built-in controls first. Best if you want a clean setup with exact menu clicks and no extra software.
Open Guardrails → Level 2Friction
Add family-safe DNS, browser limits, hosts-style blockers where appropriate, and more annoyance.
Open Friction → Level 3Lockout
Use a trusted person, separate admin control, router enforcement, and tighter recovery rules.
Open Lockout →If Guardrails still gets bypassed, move to Friction. If you need another person to hold the reset path, move to Lockout.
Platforms
Each device gets its own path. Start with the level that fits, then tighten it if the first pass is not enough.
iPhone / iPad
Screen Time, web content limits, app install restrictions, and trusted-person passcodes.
Android
Family Link, Chrome filters, SafeSearch, Play approval, and browser cleanup.
Windows
Microsoft Family Safety, Edge filtering, account separation, and stricter browser control.
Mac
Screen Time, content restrictions, app controls, and locked-down account use.
Linux
Hosts, DNS, firewall rules, immutable file tricks, and account separation.
Router / gateway
One filter for the whole home. Best when you want the network itself to say no.
What to do first
- Pick the level that matches your actual risk.
- Set the built-in controls first.
- Remove easy bypasses.
- Bring in a trusted person where recovery matters.
- Only add third-party tools after the native tools stop being enough.
Resources
Official docs first. The exact menus change, but these links are the best starting point.
Trusted person setup
This is what makes the lockout real. If you can still reset everything alone, the setup is too soft. Read the Trusted person page for the handoff details.
FAQ
Short answers before you start.
Where should I start?
Start with Guardrails. It gives you the built-in controls first. If that still gets bypassed, move to Friction. If you need someone else to hold the recovery path, move to Lockout.
Do I need third-party software?
No. Native OS tools should come first. Third-party tools are a backup layer when the built-in options are not enough.
Can this work for adults too?
Yes. The whole point is to make self-bypass hard. For adults, the trusted person model matters even more because you are trying to stop yourself from undoing the block on impulse.