Parental Controls

Parental controls are one of they key options available to parents to help them monitor and limit their child’s use online.

Although they are an enormous assistance, they are only one tool in our internet safety toolkit and they do not replace the need for parental supervision of children using devices.

There are a number of ways that Parental Controls can be configured and it is a good idea to layer them for greater efficiency.

Router – The router connects your devices to the internet. These days, most routers are wireless. Settings can be made directly on the router which controls any device that connects it.
Configuration of a laptop or computer – Settings can be made directly on the computer in conjunction with a web filtering account such as OpenDNS.
Operating Systems – some operating systems such as Windows allow you to create accounts with different privileges. This means that your log on account can have more access to settings than your children’s log in accounts.
Restrictions directly on the device – such as a smartphone or tablet. These settings remain in place whether the device is connected to the home WiFi or is being used outside of the home
Application Controls – these are settings that can made directly in the application itself. For example, Google’s SafeSearch and YouTube’s Restrictions. These settings would apply whether the device was used inside or outside of the home.

What can Parental Controls do?

Filter Web Content – In most cases, it is possible to block categories of content. For example, all sexual content can be blocked
Restrict what information is shared such as intructions on how to make a bomb or access to online gambling
Block specific websites
Show age appropriate material only
Set time limits for device usage
Set different profiles for family members, each with different levels of online access
Report on online activity

There are other devices that most households own beyond computers, laptops, smartphones and tablets that parental controls or restrictions can be set on.

Smart TV’s
Kindle’s
Gaming devices such as Wii, Playstation, XBox
Foxtel
Netflix

Implementing some or even all of these parental controls is a good idea. It is very important to note though, that nothing can replace physical supervision and discussion about internet safety with your children. If you would like to address internet safety and parental controls in your home, then please contact me.