TILT: Covenant Eyes

Things I Love Thursday: Josh and Covenant Eyes

Recently Josh and I had a discussion about the trouble that people can get into online.  Even though we have never had an issue with such matters, we are finally smart enough to realize that neither of us is above online sin.  I started crying as I grieved over how devastating p*rnography is to so many families.  We went to sleep ad Josh woke me up the next morning very excited to talk to me!  He had installed Covenant Eyes on both our computers so that we would have accountability to stay above reproach.  Whether it was respect  and love for me from our previous discussion and my obvious emotions regarding it or a simple desire to maintain integrity in a sickeningly grotesque online world, I have never loved my husband more.  Plus, Rebekah and Luke are growing up and before we know it, they’ll be pretty savvy computer users.  From predators to their own temptations, we’d like to protect them.

I have made a covenant with my eyes- Job 31:1

Josh came into contact with Covenant Eyes when he was pastoring at Stonebriar in Texas.  He had a partner and loved it.  So did I because I never worried.

• You are set up with an accountability partner who is sent a report every so often about what sites you have visited, how frequently, and any red flags or unknown sites.
• The reports are easy to read and are emailed directly to your partner and vice versa.
• You can set up either party as administrator.   In our case, the administrator is me.
• Each time I log into the computer, I have to log into Cov. Eyes, or I can stay signed in.  Either way, no one can use the computer without a record of where he or she went online.
• It only costs a few dollars a month.
• Added by Josh:  One bonus feature, which I’ve not yet tried, is the ‘filtering’ option (see last point under ‘pricing’). Beyond just having your internet use monitored by a partner, you can also add a family filter that automatically filters questionable content from ever appearing on the screen. When Rebekah gets old enough to get online, we will give the filtering a try

In the words of Covenant Eyes themselves…Here’s how it plays out:

• Pick your partner.
  Your Accountability Partner should be someone you trust and feel comfortable with, and who feels comfortable calling you out if you’re starting to go down sketchy paths, like a friend or mentor. Once you’ve picked that person, sign up for our service. If you’re not sure who to pick, don’t worry! You can always add a partner later. (Who should be my Accountability Partner?)
• Go online.
  That’s it. Just use the Internet like you normally do. While you’re online, CovenantEyes Accountability works in the background, recording and ‘scoring’ every site you visit. (What is a score?)
• Get a report.
  Once a week, your Accountability Partner will get a report listing the sites you’ve visited, and you and your partner can view these reports online at our Member Center at any time. (View a report.)
• Start a conversation.
  Now that your Accountability Partner has seen your report, he or she should feel free to talk to you about it. Together you’ll learn to use the Internet with integrity. (Get some resources.)

Covenant Eyes Accountability is available for XP, Vista, and 7 on Windows, and Tiger, Leopard, and Snow Leopard for Mac. We also offer Covenant Eyes Accountability for Windows Mobile 6 and 6.1, and a browser for iPhone and iPod Touch.

Pricing

• $7.99/mo. for the first username
• $2/mo. for each additional username (Why add usernames?)
• Add Filtering to a username or a Filter-only username to your account for just $1.50/mo. (You save $3.49/mo.)

In my own words, for just a few dollars a month, you can guard your integrity and feel confident about your spouse’s and children’s!

Related posts:

1. Tips for Making Good Choices Online {as a family}
2. Why the Internet is Full of Temptations
3. Tips for Avoiding & Dealing with Laptop Theft
4. Luke & His Eyes
5. TILT: iSanctuary