SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK

When setting restrictions for your child’s devices, start by explaining why they are necessary: focus on safety, not punishment.

TODAY’S TOPIC

Tools to Restrict Apps and Websites on Your Child’s Devices

When you were a kid, did you ever get in trouble for using a website you weren’t supposed to? Maybe you used to chat with random people on game websites or you watched videos that made inappropriate jokes. Limewire was a great way to get free music—and a virus on your computer if you weren’t careful! The websites and apps may be different today, but they still have the potential to expose your child to inappropriate content, or leave your devices vulnerable to viruses.

Today there are many tools built into your devices that help you manage what your child is able to access online. From specific site and app restrictions to online downtime management, it has never been easier to set boundaries on your family devices. In this week’s newsletter, we will look at some of the tools you can use to set these boundaries.

_{WHAT CAN YOU DO?}

If you aren’t familiar with some of the parental control settings on your devices, check out some of these options for Apple and Android devices. Using Apple Screen Time and Google Family Link can allow you to set digital boundaries based on time and content.

 Apple Screen Time (iPhone, iPad, Mac)

• Set daily time limits for specific apps or app categories.

• Block specific websites or restrict to a curated list.

• Set "Downtime" for device-free periods.

• Manage from your device with Family Sharing.
   Settings > Screen Time > [Child’s Name]

Google Family Link (Android & Chromebooks)

• View activity reports and set app time limits.

• Approve or block app downloads.

• Filter web content in Chrome and set search restrictions in Google Search.
   https://families.google.com/familylink/ 
  

Router-Based Controls

If you find that your child is still able to get around these boundaries at home, you can use your wifi router to block websites from your home wifi. Schools and workplaces often use this tactic to block social media and websites on site. You can set boundaries and limitations by typing your router’s IP address into the search bar of Google, Safari, or Firefox, then entering your password. From there, navigate to parental controls or website filtering to set limitations.

 Parental Control Routers (e.g., Gryphon, Netgear Circle, TP-Link HomeCare)

• Block adult content and specific websites network-wide.

• Set internet schedules and pause Wi-Fi.

• Create profiles for each child and monitor usage.
  

Browser Extensions & Filters

If your child is misusing their computers or tablets, you can add the BlockSite extension to prevent them from searching inappropriate websites on their browsers. OpenDNS Family Shield works like the router-level filters mentioned above.

 BlockSite (Chrome/Firefox extension)

• Manually block specific sites or set focus timers.

• Works well for older kids and teens on computers.

 OpenDNS FamilyShield

• Free, router-level DNS filter.

• Automatically blocks adult content, phishing, and malicious sites.
   🔗 https://www.opendns.com/setupguide/ 

Technology moves fast, and so do kids. These tools offer peace of mind, but your most powerful tool is communication. Keep the digital dialogue open, and your child will be more likely to make safe, informed choices online.

▶ Slang Word of the Week: “Brain rot” n. – An umbrella term used for Gen Z slang terms, such as “skibbidi,” “gyatt,” and “sigma,” which have been used so often for so many things that they are functionally meaningless. Brain rot can also refer to declining mental capacity due to overconsumption of online content.