Review Filtering Methods
Policy-Based Filtering
Policy-based filtering applies through the GoGuardian app or extension installed on a managed device. It follows the student regardless of location — on campus, off campus, or at home — based on the active filtering context for their session. Use policy-based filtering when:- Your district manages student devices with GoGuardian installed
- You need YouTube-level controls: channels, videos, keywords, categories, and playback settings
- Filtering should follow the student off campus or at home
- Different students need different filtering rules at the same time
DNS Filtering
DNS filtering applies at the network level. It covers any device that connects through a filtered network — including BYOD, guest, and unmanaged devices — without requiring the GoGuardian app or extension to be installed. Use DNS filtering when:- Your district hosts guest or BYOD networks that need filtered access
- You need a network-level baseline for unmanaged or personal devices on campus
- You want to supplement managed-device filtering with coverage that applies regardless of device type
DNS filtering does not support YouTube-level filtering rules such as channel, video, keyword, or playback settings. Use policy-based filtering for those controls.
Understand Custom Groups
Custom Groups are a targeting mechanism, not a separate filtering method. They let you apply a specific filtering policy to a set of students regardless of their assigned organizational unit. Use them when directory-based policy assignment does not match your filtering intent. Common use cases:- Students who need focused browsing conditions during testing or a specific event
- Temporary restrictions that should expire automatically on a set date
- A blanket behavior change for a cohort that does not map to an existing OU
Resources
Understand Filtering Policies
Review the policy model for managed-device filtering.
Review DNS Filtering
Configure network-level filtering for BYOD, guest, and unmanaged devices.
Manage Custom Groups
Apply filtering exceptions outside your directory structure.
Understand Filtering Contexts
Review how GoGuardian Admin determines which filtering behavior applies in a given session.