In today’s digital world, time online is largely private time. For both adults and children, this can lead to a variety of temptations.

• Temptations of content: You may be tempted to watch a video online that you would never watch on TV with others in the room.
• Temptations of communication: You may type a harsh word online that you would never utter to someone’s face.
• Temptations of the clock: You may find yourself wasting more time than you planned on Facebook, chatting, or watching YouTube clips.

We may lose our inhibitions online because no one is watching us. And we may not see the connection between our online actions and their impact on others or even on ourselves.

This is why Internet accountability is critical for adults and children alike. By getting rid of the potential for secrecy, we bring our Internet use into the light of honesty and transparency.

I encourage you to talk to your family about the importance of Internet accountability. Filters may be good “parental controls” to keep your kids in line while they are under your roof, but more importantly, you need to teach them to become their own watchdogs online. Good parents will prepare their children to leave home as young adults prepared for a world without filters.

You may be interested in reading the following pamphlets from the company Covenant Eyes, which has been getting attention in recent articles in USA Today and other publications:

• Unfiltered: Protecting Your Family Online
• Accountable Kids: A Conversation Guide for Introducing Your Kids and Teens to Internet Accountability.

The reason I support the Covenant Eyes program is that it combines filtering with a system of accountability. It helps families escape the temptation by removing the secrecy of the Internet. Accountability software monitors browsing activity on computers, smartphones, and tablets and sends a report to an Accountability Partner of your choice. That accountability partner could be a parent, wife, husband, bishop, or friend. It bridges the gap between technology and relationships.

Learn more about how the Covenant Eyes program works and get a code for a 30-day free trial. If you order your trial today or tomorrow (June 15 or 16) using the code SAINTS, you’ll get a 60-day free trial.