# Split Tunneling Offers Parents More Control Over Family VPN Use
Split tunneling lets families route some internet traffic through a VPN while allowing other apps and websites to connect directly. Parents who set up family VPNs often don't realize this feature exists, missing a chance to fine-tune their network security.
Here's how it works. A standard VPN encrypts all your family's internet activity through a secure tunnel. Split tunneling breaks that into pieces. You might encrypt your banking app and email while letting your kids' school video calls or gaming apps connect normally. This matters because some services actually work better without VPN encryption. Video streaming can improve. Apps that detect VPN use and block access suddenly work again.
The practical benefit for parents centers on flexibility. Not every family member needs the same level of protection for every activity. A teenager downloading homework doesn't need VPN encryption for that task. But banking on a public WiFi network does. Split tunneling lets you match protection to actual risk.
Setup varies by VPN provider. Mullvad, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN all offer split tunneling, though the exact process differs for each. You typically open your VPN app settings, find the split tunneling menu, and add specific apps or websites to your bypass list. Some providers let you exclude apps. Others let you include only certain apps in the VPN tunnel.
Parents should know the tradeoff. Anything outside the VPN tunnel loses the encryption benefits. If your router already runs security software or your family uses a separate content filter, split tunneling becomes less essential. But for families relying on a VPN as their main security layer, selective tunneling creates a workable middle ground between total encryption and no protection.
Most families never explore this option because VPN marketing emphasizes total encryption as a selling point. Split tunneling appears in settings menus but rarely