K–12 IT admins face a complex reality: students are learning on Chromebooks, iPads, Windows desktops in computer labs, Macs in video classes, and even BYOD devices (not to mention all the devices on guest Wi-Fi networks). Every one of these devices needs to be filtered to ensure CIPA compliance and student safety.
The problem? Most web filters just aren’t built for the sheer breadth of devices and situations. They rely on outdated categorization lists, clunky hardware appliances, and can’t keep up when 1:1 devices go home. The result is visibility gaps, inconsistent policies, and a whole slew of extra headaches for IT teams.
That’s why districts everywhere turn to Securly Filter, the first cloud-native web filter designed specifically for K–12. With innovative technology that works across every device and network, Securly ensures that students are always protected, no matter where or how they connect.
With Securly Filter, managed devices like Chromebooks and Windows laptops are covered through a lightweight browser extension that applies policies at the user level and provides real-time visibility wherever the student logs in. That takes care of your district-owned fleet, both on and off campus.
What about the devices you don’t manage? True CIPA compliance means leaving no device behind. To tame the “Wild West” of unmanaged personal devices and guest connections, Securly Filter extends a seamless shield of protection through specialized filtering options. Let’s break down how it works.
Visibility and Control Over BYOD and Guest Devices
Picture this: a student brings their own laptop from home and connects it to the school Wi-Fi. Because it’s a BYOD device, your filter can’t enforce the same protections or provide the same visibility you have on managed devices.
The challenge: Most cloud filters work best on managed devices, and cover guest and BYOD devices with blunt, one-size-fits-all DNS filtering, or expensive and difficult to scale appliances.
The solution: Securly closes that gap with selective SSL decryption and proxying through unique SmartDNS technology that gives IT admins visibility without agents, appliances, or agitation. You gain:
- User-level reporting even on unmanaged or BYOD devices.
- Selective proxying that balances privacy and control while keeping traffic compliant.
- Consistent filtering without straining bandwidth or requiring extra hardware.
With Securly Filter, BYOD is BTYWD (Better Than Your Wildest Dreams).
Seamless filtering for shared iPads
Imagine a cart of iPads used by different classes throughout the day. A third grader uses one in the morning, a kindergartner picks up the same device in the afternoon, and your web filter has no idea who’s who.
The challenge: In classrooms where students share iPads, especially in lower grades, traditional web filters can’t distinguish between users. That means inconsistent policies, spotty reporting, or requiring young kids to log in each time they pick up a device.
The solution: Securly Filter enables user-level filtering and reporting on iOS devices without requiring logins. Securly’s patented SmartPAC technology lets all the hard work be offloaded to the cloud, meaning you never have to worry about OS or software updates breaking things. It also means:
- Accurate filtering and reporting for shared devices in labs or carts.
- Policies that follow students wherever they use an iPad.
- No burdensome authentication steps for younger learners.
With Securly, iPad deployments stay flexible and secure, without creating extra work for teachers or IT.
Extending Protection Into the Home
It’s the end of the school day. A student takes their Chromebook home to do homework. Parents often feel blind to what their child is doing online once the device leaves campus.
The challenge: As anyone who’s run a 1:1 program knows, sending school devices home can be scary. Once those devices are at home, parents and guardians need visibility and control. Traditional filters don’t address family engagement, leaving schools to field requests they aren’t equipped to manage.
The solution: With Securly Home, included with Securly Filter, parents gain a controlled extension of the filtering environment for school-owned devices at home. Through a parent-facing app, they can:
- Customize filtering by allowing or blocking categories and specific sites.
- Monitor student activity through a real-time feed of searches and browsing.
- Manage screen time by pausing the internet instantly or setting schedules.
- Receive alerts for concerning behavior like searches related to self-harm or bullying.
And the best part? Their control and visibility is totally customizable by the school. For IT admins, this reduces parent support tickets and empowers families to participate in digital safety, all without adding additional configuration or device management overhead.
The Bottom Line
Every district faces the challenge of filtering across a patchwork of devices, operating systems, and networks. With solutions designed for BYOD, iPads, and Chromebooks/Windows devices, Securly Filter is purpose-built to let IT admins filter any device, anywhere—without gaps or added complexity.
Ready to see it in action? Schedule a demo today to close the coverage gaps in your district.