How to protect children and families from the dangers of the Internet

by Web Digital Media Group Web Digital Media Group

Family control on the internet: how to protect children's navigation and themselves from dangerous sites

Surfing the internet can be dangerous for those who are not used to it, for those who want to discover it and for those, like children, approaching the computer and the Web for the first time.

Even though it can be a valid tool for leisure, study and socializing, the Internet can become a very dangerous place for children and minors, especially if left unchecked and without any means to defend them from the dangers of the Web.

Whether you are apprehensive parents or if you simply want to make your browsing safe children, in this guide we will show you the best methods to apply to protect children, family and children from the dangers of the Internet .

By equipping the devices with the appropriate tools and apps we will be able to guarantee a smooth and safe navigation from pitfalls even when we are not careful or we cannot control what they do in front of the PC or when they use other devices such as game consoles, smartphones or Tablet.

1) Apply a Web filter and control computer activity

One of the most effective methods to control and limit access to dangerous or disreputable sites is to apply a filter Web on the computer, so as to be able to immediately block all the sites deemed dangerous and included in a special constantly updated list.

The best program in this regard is K9 Web Protection , which can be downloaded for free on any version of Windows.

By installing this program on the PC used by the minor, we will activate a process and a service that is perpetually active in the system, able to intercept any Internet communication and any type of keyword typed in the browser search bar.

Once installed we open the configuration panel and choose a master password: it will be essential to access the configuration settings and to allow exceptions on the computer.

After choosing the password, simply select the categories to be blocked in the Web categories to block menu, so as to personally choose the type of filter to be applied (we can block pornography sites, social networks, sites of magic, betting sites and online games, phishing sites, image sites and sites classified as unsafe for minors) .

To increase the effectiveness of the filter we configure Keyword URLs in the homonymous menu, so as to also block requests and addresses typed into the browser.

Whenever the child tries to access a forbidden site, a warning window will appear inviting you to call a parent, who can (if necessary) authorize the visited site or unlock the filters for a limited period of time.

Surely one of the best tools a parent can use to protect and protect their children while surfing the Internet

To protect an Android smartphone or tablet, we refer you to reading our guide -> Best Android security app to protect your phone .

NOTE: In Windows 10 you can use the control on the Windows PC of the Family account , without installing any program.

You can then filter content, view visited sites and used apps, track the location of children or even older children (even on the phone), set a limit on PC usage and make several other checks.

Before using a restrictive program like K9, it might be a good idea to try the Windows 10 Family Account (derived from the old Family Safety program).

2) Apply a DNS filter

In addition to the Web filter, we can strengthen the block to sites by modifying the DNS of the computer or of the entire network, applying in place of the protective DNS servers capable of blocking requests to dangerous or disreputable sites.

The best secure DNSs to use to protect a minor are:

1. OpenSNS FamilyShield

2. Norton ConnectSafe

3. Yandex.DNS Family

4. Dyn Internet Guide

By modifying the DNS on the computer (but also on any other device used by children, such as game consoles, smart TVs, smartphones and tablets) and using one of those reported above, we will achieve a very high level of protection, given that minors they will not be able to access the filtered sites even if the Web filter fails (DNS calls do not start, so the browser will report an error).

To find out how to change the DNS on the devices, we refer you to reading our dedicated guides How to change DNS on PC, Mac and on the router quickly and How to change DNS on Android and iPhone .

3) Use a "child" sized search engine

If the child is small (under 10), it may be a good idea to add a child-friendly search engine.

This search engine, based on Google, offers access exclusively to protected content verified by a group of primary school teachers, for a total of over 5000 sites.

By using this search engine we will have the certainty that children will only have access to educational sites, certified gaming sites and sites tailored to the child, avoiding surfing the web of "grown ups" full of pitfalls.

The interface is not much, but the site does its job very well, especially when coupled with the Web and DNS filters seen previously.

4) Install a good security suite

When it comes to PC minors, it is not advisable to rely on the integrated antivirus on Windows 10, but we will have to spend something and rely on complete security suites , which often include parental controls and very effective filters for protect minors.

The best security suites to protect a PC for minors are:

1. Bitdefender TOTAL SECURITY 2019 (€ 40 per year)

2. Avast Internet Security (€ 59 per year)

3. AVG Internet Security (€ 59 per year)

4. Kaspersky Total Security (€ 59 per year)

5. ESET Smart Security Premium(79 € per year)

If we are interested in the free security suites, we refer you to reading our guide, present as a link below.

5) Install an interface for minors on smartphones and tablets

More and more often minors use smartphones and tablets before learning to use the computer.

To protect them on these mobile devices we recommend activating, if available on the smartphone, the Child Mode, so as not to be able to open new apps indiscriminately and open those that require interactions with payment methods or where we have to enter login credentials (many Samsung include this mode).

If the child mode is not available, we recommend trying the following apps, so as to offer a protected and safe environment for our younger children.

Posted by: Web Digital Media Group