I use Comodo Firewall (on windows machines) to give access or deny access to various apps. I have a VPN only web browser and a web browser that only works when the VPN is off. Wireguard is not supported whereas OpenVPN is.

Mullvad is ditching OpenVPN. I don’t use Wireguard since it breaks my firewall rules. AirVPN is decent enough. I have used them for port forwarding before.

Its easy enough to make a tube to blow through that should remove enough particulates to bypass the sensor. The kids would never figure this out though. /s

I second the Ham Radio License idea. Now days, you can even get your license without the Morse code tests.