Parental Controls & Internet Filtering

Keeping your kids safe online comes down to both technical solutions and communication and education.

Practical and technical solutions include:

• Use parental controls
• Monitor devices
• Create strong passwords
• Limit screen time
• Review apps and sites
• Protect privacy

Communication and education include:

• Talk openly: have open conversions with your children about online risks and inappropriate behavior online.
• Involve your children: discuss and agree upon rules around devices and internet usage, allowing your children to understand what you are doing.
• Model good behavior: limit screen time yourself to provide a good example for your children.

There are many types of internet filtering and parental control software on the market. No one solution is 100% perfect, and you will need to make a list of all the important things you want to achieve.

Jim’s IT will work with your family to understand your needs and match the best internet filtering solution for you.

There are 4 main different types of internet filters available. They include:

1. Parental control software – these are specific apps designed to filter and block websites across all devices and manage online activity.
2. Hardware based filters – these are physical devices that are normally attached to your router and filter all devices on the network. Parents have a special app either on their computer or phone which allows them to control the whole network.
3. DNS filtering services – these are software-based filtering services that use DNS technology to block large categories of websites like pornography or social media.
4. Built-in device features – many devices such as iPads, iPhones and Macs come with basic internet filtering software. Some specialised routers also include built-in filtering software.

Apple products including iPhones and iPad do have some basic parental control features including setting screen time limits, restrict websites that have adult content and restrict in-app purchases.

Net Nanny is one of the oldest parental controls software on the market today. Net Nanny has been one of the industry leaders in parental controls for more then two decades.

Net Nanny has the following features:

• Parental controls
• Screen time controls
• Website blocker
• Block apps
• Track location
• Internet filter
• Pornography blocker
• Social media protection
• Youtube monitoring.

Most parental control software platforms will block pornography sites that include videos and pictures. This is a common feature of all internet filtering software platforms.

Some parental control software now even use AI to detect pornography and block it automatically.

For Apple devices, there is a feature called ‘screen time’ which records how much time your children spend on their devices.

For Android devices there is a setting called ‘Digital wellbeing & Parental controls’ – this will visually show you how much time they are spending on their devices.

For a more comprehensive overview of how your children are spending time on their computers and devices you will need to use a parental controls app.

This will allow you to see exactly what your kids are spending their time on: from video games, youtube, social media and more.

Yes, most parental control apps allow you to pause the internet if your children misbehave. This includes internet access to all their devices.

Yes, our Jim’s IT computer technicians can setup curfews and time limits on all your children’s devices.

No internet filtering solution is perfect, and if your kids are determined and tech savvy, they can find ways to work around internet filters.

It’s important to have a parental control and internet filtering solution that is hard to work around, and depending on the solution you use, some can be easier to work around than others.

Yes, we can setup a filter to block social media including Facebook, Instagram, twitter/x and tik tok.

Yes, we can set up a filter to block explicit content. This is a common feature in most parental control software products and physical-based filtering products.

Imagine having an invisible security guard that checks every website and app before your child can see it, blocking the harmful content automatically. That's what DNS filtering does—it's like having a digital bouncer for your family's internet connection

The easiest way to block your children from accessing the dark web, is to block any websites that allow you to download a TOR browser. Without access to a TOR browser, your children will not be able to access the dark web.

All major gaming consoles now have parental control apps and settings.

• For PlayStation you can use the built in ‘playtime settings’ to set time limits.
• For Nintendo you can download and install the Nintendo switch parental controls app.
• For Xbox there is a dedicated app called Xbox Family settings.
• For PC there is a dedicated app called Microsoft Family Safety.

If you would like help setting up parental controls to limit your children's gaming call us on 131 546

This actually depending on your router model. Most routers do not include any parental controls features.

To keep children safe online, parents should establish clear rules and boundaries, use parental controls and privacy settings, and encourage open communication with their children about online experiences.

What is the best way to have a conversion with my children, that I am filtering their internet access without creating conflict?

1. Begin the conversation by expressing that your goal is to keep them safe, not to invade their privacy or limit their fun.
2. Explain what you’re doing in clear, age-appropriate language
3. Make it clear that they can come to you if something online makes them uncomfortable — and that they won’t get in trouble for it.

Balance your children's independence and online safety by creating a family tech agreement, maintaining open communication, and modelling good digital habits.

Involve your child in setting rules, use parental controls on devices, and regularly discuss online experiences to foster trust and help them understand risks.

This approach empowers them to make safe choices while still allowing them to explore online.