Porn Free Radio

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In Episode 3, we talk about dumb smartphones, Master Locks, and other stories about limiting access to porn. Little things can go a big way in breaking your addiction to porn.

Doing what it takes to get pornfree takes sacrifice. This week, I told about the best internet filter I ever had. A Master Lock and double hinge hasp on my office computer cabinet. It lasted 2.5 years without a single breach. Now that solution worked in 2001 but we need to come up with some other ideas.

The first thing you need to do is “Know Your Enemy.”  Hint: the enemy is you. You are the best person to determine where there are weaknesses in your life are with porn. Is it your work laptop, your XBOX One, your PS4, iPad, your smartphone, or something else?

Here’s a short list of ideas in the episode:

• Set parental controls or child locks on all your devices. Working with your wife, roommate, or a trusted friend have them set a password for your device and then you pick what should be turned off.
• On the TV, block MA programming and any channels that are unsafe for you.
• On the XBOX, Wii, PS4, block Internet, Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime etc.
• On your smartphone block everything you need to keep safe. There is no shame in having a dumb smartphone.
• On your home computers here are some suggested filters:  Covenant Eyes (Accountability and Filtering),  K9 Web Protection, and Safe Eyes (SafeEyes and K9 are discontinued)
• To filter your home network, I recommend OpenDNS. May require a router if your cable service does not allow changing your DNS.
• If you need a router I have had good luck with ASUS. Try ASUS Dual-Band 3 x 3 AC1750 Wi-Fi 4-Port Gigabit Router.
• Pro tip: if you’re having trouble with your work computer ask your boss or IT admin for a filter (or enterprise filter.)

Remember a filter is like a fence that has a No Trespassing sign on it. It’s a reminder of the boundary that you should not cross. It is not a wall with a moat behind it.

Other ideas from this podcast:

• Consider creating time boundaries for internet use. Either limit the amount of time online a day or hours of the day that are safe for you.
• Some filters like OpenDNS can turn off the internet from 10PM-6AM if you want.
• Look to eliminate mindless surfing on TV, Internet, and Social Media. Instead time shift good shows with your DVR, subscribe to podcasts, or safe blog feeds.
• I also have had good luck with the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite (the black and white ones) instead of an iPad or Kindle Fire.

Burn the boats! Don’t leave any backdoors open.

UPDATE: Since I posted this episode, I became a Covenant Eyes affiliate. If you sign up through this link or the banner below you will get 30 days free.