What is adult site blocking?
Adult site blocking is a feature within NordVPN’s Threat Protection suite that is designed to filter adult-content websites. You can enable this feature in the NordVPN mobile app with just a few clicks.
The feature doesn’t require installing any additional tools or software because it’s already built into the NordVPN app. Just turn it on, and the feature will automatically block content meant for mature users.
Best of all, you can enable it on multiple Android and iOS devices with the same NordVPN account. Whether it’s your phone, your child’s personal device, or a shared family tablet, this tool gives you control over what the people you share your account with can access online.
Mobile devices are central to our daily lives, and protecting users from unwanted content is more important than ever," says Domininkas Virbickas, product director at NordVPN. "Our new feature empowers users to take control of their browsing experience, whether they're protecting children on shared devices or simply want to avoid accidentally accessing inappropriate content themselves.
Why should you use adult site blocking?
NordVPN’s adult site blocking is an important tool for parents and guardians who want to improve their family’s safety online.
Protect your children from explicit content online
Studies show that early exposure to adult content can lead to problems like low self-esteem,1 decline in mental health,2 poor academic performance,3 and premature sexual activity.4 NordVPN’s adult site blocking can help you reduce these risks by preventing your children from accessing harmful adult websites altogether. Creating a safer internet for kids starts with the right tools.
Shield your family’s devices from malware
Adult websites are hotspots for cybercriminals. Many of these sites intentionally host malicious ads, fake download links, or harmful software designed to infect your devices.
Hackers target these sites because they attract heavy traffic and often have weak security measures that make spreading malware easy. By blocking these websites, NordVPN’s adult site blocking can help protect your family’s devices.
Reduce exposure to dangerous ads
Adult site blocking is part of NordVPN’s Threat Protection suite, which also includes an ad blocker. These tools work together to protect your family by blocking harmful websites and filtering out dangerous ads, like pop-ups and banners that carry malware or lead to phishing scams.
NordVPN’s ad blocker may also help block misleading ads that promote mobile games with exaggerated features or visuals that don’t reflect the actual product. These ads may pressure young players to download these fake games and spend money on excessive in-game purchases. Families may experience frustration and unexpected expenses because children often do not understand the financial consequences of these clicks.
Prevent risky interactions with strangers
Adult websites can be dangerous for children because they sometimes allow strangers to contact users through unregulated chatrooms or comment sections. These strangers may use these platforms to engage with children in harmful ways. By stopping access to adult websites, NordVPN’s adult site blocking directly prevents kids from accessing places where risky interactions with strangers could happen.
How to enable adult site blocking on iOS and Android devices
Activating adult site blocking on mobile devices is easy. The interface on both iOS and Android devices is the same:
- 1.Open the NordVPN app (log in if you need to).
- 2.Tap “Threat Protection” (the shield icon at the bottom).
- 3.Turn on “Threat Protection” by either tapping “Turn on” (top image) or using the "Threat Protection" toggle (bottom image).
- 4.Turn on the “Adult site blocking” toggle.
And you’re done — the adult side blocking feature is up and running!
How does adult site blocking work?
When you connect to the internet through NordVPN, all your traffic is routed through a secure VPN server. Adult site blocking uses DNS filtering to detect and block flagged domains before they can load on any device where the feature is enabled. Turning this feature on across all your mobile devices ensures a safer browsing experience for your family without requiring constant adjustments or manual input.
Block adult content with a trusted VPN
NordVPN has consistently prioritized user safety with features like Threat Protection and dark web monitoring. The adult site blocking feature toes the same line by offering parents, guardians, and everyday users a way to navigate online spaces more safely.
We've designed this feature to be both powerful and simple," says Virbickas. "Users maintain full control and can easily disable the blocker whenever they want. The goal is to prevent accidental exposure to adult content, whether you're handing your phone to a child or simply browsing yourself. It's about giving users the choice to browse more comfortably without stumbling upon content they'd rather avoid.
Turn on adult site blocking to take a step toward a safer, cleaner internet.
Take control of your family’s online safety today
FAQ
References
1Chandel, P., Thesni, A., and Kalonia, N. (2024). Impact of pornography on self-esteem and body image: A review article. ATSK Journal of Psychology, 4(1), 8–13.
2Adarsh, H., and Sahoo, S. (2023). Pornography and its impact on adolescent/teenage sexuality. Journal of Psychosexual Health, 5(1), 35–39.
3Beyens, I., Vandenbosch, L., and Eggermont, S. (2014). Early adolescent boys’ exposure to internet pornography: Relationships to pubertal timing, sensation seeking, and academic performance. The Journal of Early Adolescence, 35(8), 1045–1068.
4Lin, W. H., Liu, C. H., and Yi, C. C. (2020). Exposure to sexually explicit media in early adolescence is related to risky sexual behavior in emerging adulthood. PLOS ONE, 15(4)
