As a 33yo we grew up in the times when internet was new and parents were not aware of the dangers. I mean the things that were available is probably the reason I'm so effed up today.
Now as a father of 11yo and 13yo boys, each of which have a cell phone, I would like to know how other fathers are keeping their kids safe on the internet.
Currently I use the Google family app which restricts certain sites automatically and I can block sites like tiktok and YT so they don't watch brain rot crap, and app downloads need to be requested. But this seems less ok as they get older and need to spread their wings a bit. They are very intelligent boys who do exceptionally well in school but don't seem to understand (or want to understand) the negative effects of brain rot content or other dangers of the internet. I've tried to trust them with certain leniency but they have always taken advantage. Maybe that's my own fault.
Do I give them free reign and hope for the best or do other father's have some better advice they would like to share. I just want what's best for them without keeping them under lock and key.