How to restrict children access to the Internet on a computer, smartphone or tablet?

Almost every child between the ages of seven and fourteen has a device that allows them to “travel” freely on the World Wide Web. And their first contact with a laptop occurs at an early age.

Parents understand that the Internet is not only a way to quickly get the right information or the ability to communicate with people on another continent. The network is full of content that is not suitable for the child. But how to restrict children access to the Internet so that they can still study? There are several ways to block inappropriate content on various devices.

How to restrict children access to the Internet?

First, parents need to understand what the essence of parental restrictions on access to the Internet and applications is. This protection measure is a control of the impact of the Network and the personal computer on the child. Parental control is activated either using the software built into the operating system, or using third-party applications.

To understand how to restrict Internet access for children, it is necessary to understand the types of parental control. Access restriction can be divided into two main subspecies:

• Active parental control.
• Passive parental control.

Active control consists in total tracking of all actions of the child. The software sends the parent a list of sites the child has visited. An adult may also prohibit the download of sites containing inappropriate content.

Passive parental control allows you to enter a time limit for using a personal computer or smartphone. Also, the parent can prevent the download, installation or launch of certain applications, for example, games. Children can be granted access only to a specific list of sites and so on. Understanding how to restrict Internet access for children is simple. No special skills or knowledge are required. The menu of specialized applications is intuitive.

Parental controls on a computer or laptop

Many parents wonder how to restrict their child’s access to a computer. Setting up in the Windows operating system does not take much time.

First you need to go the following way: “Start” - “Settings” - “Accounts” - “Family”. Next, you will create a new profile by clicking on the “Add a family member” button. Then the system will offer “Add a child’s account”. After entering the basic data, you must specify the age of the child. If you put down a date according to which he will be less than eight years old, then the operating system will automatically set the maximum level of security.

Parental Controls in Action

After installing parental control, questions about how to restrict a child’s access to the Internet do not arise. Windows will automatically block inappropriate content. But parents themselves can make some changes.

For example, a parent can set a timer. By setting the exact time of the device, adults can be sure that the child will not sit at the games all day. Parental controls allow you to block certain applications. The program also allows you to track how much time a child spent on specific applications.

In addition, weekly the parent will receive complete information about the activity of the child using this device.

Setting Internet access restrictions on a smartphone or tablet

There are several options to limit your child’s Internet access. “Android” devices not only allow you to use the built-in functions, but also download a special children's launcher from the “Play Market”.

“PlayPad Kids Launcher” after a simple installation will allow parents to strictly limit the list of running applications. The program also ensures that the child does not wander into online stores and does not make purchases. In addition, the exit from the "children's mode" will be available only to parents.

The launcher provides parents with the ability to control the device remotely, set time limits for using the gadget, and also helps to track the location of the child.

In devices running on the Android version 5.0 and below, the “Attach to the screen” function is built-in, which allows restricting access to one fixed program. In order to configure this function, you must go to "Settings" - "Security" - "Attachment to the screen." In the window that opens, you must select one of the proposed programs and fix it. The child will not be able to exit the application without parental permission.