Parental Controls for all Devices

The Parental Control features available on different device types are not made equal. Apple have improved their offerings over the years and though most gaming consoles have some features, others require you to setup external accounts and can be cumbersome to manage. If the device has a browser (as nearly every one does) then there are parental controls that you can configure to create a safer online experience for your child.

Search Engines

Popular search engines (such as Google, Yahoo and Bing) all have a setting called ‘SafeSearch’ that allow the user to block Adult content being returned in searches. Not just written content, but images, videos and shopping results.

Get step-by-step instructions on setting up Google SafeSearch.

YouTube

YouTube is rated 13+ and has restrictions that filter content based on YouTubes filtering system and turns off comments.

YouTube Kids however, is designed for children under 13 and has a number of different ways that you can setup parental controls including the ability to apply different controls to different child profiles.

Find out more about YouTube Parental Controls here.

Web Filters

Web Filters allow the user (parents in this case) to block categories and specific websites on devices.

OpenDNS is a website that allows you to create a free account and select how you want to filter the internet on select devices.

They do this by channeling the internet through a set of ‘clean’ DNS Settings. You then apply the DNS settings in the network area of your child’s device.

It is a little tricky if settings aren’t your ‘thing’ but OpenDNS have step-by-step instructions for all device types (including gaming consoles) and the result is well worth the effort.