Gertrude is a family internet-safety suite for Mac, iPhone, and iPad, with every device connected to one Gertrude account.^1 It starts from the opposite direction of most filters: the internet stays blocked until a parent or accountability partner allows a part of it.^2
On Mac, Gertrude blocks the internet across browsers and apps, lets a child request an unlock, and lets the parent decide from their own phone or computer.^2 Parents can also review screenshots and keystrokes remotely, use an unfiltered mode that keeps monitoring without blocking, keep some items always blocked during filter suspensions, and answer unlock requests in batches.^3 An optional daily email reminder goes out only on days with new screenshots to review.^4
On iPhone and iPad, the free Gertrude Blocker closes Screen Time loopholes, including GIF search in Messages, web images in Spotlight, photos in Maps, album artwork, and common ads.^5 Connecting the device to a parent account lets parents change blocking rules remotely.^6 Gertrude Podcasts is a PIN-protected player for parent-approved shows.^1 Gertrude Music streams Apple Music inside a parent-chosen library, with no discovery feeds or open catalog search.^7
Jared Henderson, a homeschool dad, former pastor, and long-time software developer in Wadsworth, Ohio, built Gertrude after he could not find a strict enough filter for his own homeschool kids, and it spread first to families in his church.^8 On the Changelog podcast, he put the approach plainly: "you've got to block the entire Internet, and then you've got to just Safelist the parts that you want your kids to have access to."^9 The software is open source under the MIT License.^10 One family account covers every device, with a free iOS-blocking tier and paid plans that add podcasts, music, or the Mac filter.^11
Saved my young son from looking at porn through the maps app. You are a lifesaver.^5
Thank you so much for helping us keep our kids safe. An answer to prayer.^5
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