Now that our kids are getting a little older (oldest is 7) and getting better at using technology (tablets, SmartTVs, streaming boxes), we're realizing we should probably get moving to minimize kids exposure to objectionable content and also get a better feel for what they are exposed to when we can't be right by their sides. Don't get me wrong, I know they will still be exposed to stuff (outside the home at the very least) at some point and we have started discussions with them about what they might come in contact with. But I feel like this should be done in tandem with some safety measures. I wanted to get feedback on what you all have done in your homes and maybe get feedback (if you're familiar with the following)

• Overt parental control routers/add-ons (Circle, Gryphon) vs Routers that happen to have parental controls (Netgear Orbi Mesh router with a parental control service available for purchase)
• Dedicated filtering services that may use things like VPN
• Filtering software (our experience with this has not been great to be honest)
• DNS Service

I realize some of these can and are utilized together, but just wondering about folks' experience with these.  I realize that it just may not be feasible for products out there, but having something that is easy to setup and use is important.  I am tech savy, but the older I get, the more I'd prefer something to "just work" without having to tinker a ton to get it set up.  My wife is not as tech savy and gets frustrated even more easily than I do.  Again, maybe for the protection I'm looking for, tinkering and getting the setup just right is just a given, but I figured I'd put that preference out there.

Thanks in advance!