Controlling the kids internet

Hopefully this post might help others.

For a while we've struggled to put internet boundaries in place for our children. Working in technology, I have a good idea about the art of the possible, but still it was difficult. I configured the router to use a family safe DNS and used the feature on my Fritz to limit device time. Alongside using Apple and Microsoft screen time limits. One way or another the youngest child navigated the time limits leading to pointed discussions and fall outs!

I recently bought from the US a device called firewalla that has helped me win this battle. This is essentially a firewall that allows devices to be whitelisted, grouped and restricted across adult websites, games, time etc. It has also allowed me to reign in the many IoT devices that were interestingly sending nuggets of data back to China! The interface is through a user friendly Apple / Android app which can be used remotely. I have no affiliation with the company, just a very satisfied user:

https://firewalla.com/

I bought the purple version which is designed to sit in a chain between a modem and the routing of traffic across devices. However I am currently using it in the mode of the cheaper versions where it intercepts traffic (essentially using a man in the middle pattern) and enforces the rules. I'm sure there are DIY routes to achieving the same end using pfSense etc, but this device does it all without resorting to command line config!

There seems to be no UK distributor for these devices and, ordering from the US, I pondered a good while because of the potential import tax. As it happens, the device shipped from China and I wasn't hit with these charges - your mileage may vary!

Bookmarked!

Whilst our two are only young (6 & 5) I know it's on the horizon

We allow ipads for games and YT kids for short periods at the weekends at present, and I have those pretty well locked down

When they get their own phones I expect it will be more difficult!

I just use the family settings on the google wifi to control content and turn off their internet at bedtime.

We just use the google 'family link' app. It controls their android phones and tablets. Can set a daily schedule with on/off times, set daily time limits, block certain apps, set time limits for individual apps

Does anyone know how to block YouTube access? Not the internet - just YouTube?

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Originally Posted by thenikjones

Does anyone know how to block YouTube access? Not the internet - just YouTube?

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Google family link you can certainly block the app, think you can block/restrict the website too. I can also remotely lock their phones and tablets. Find lost phones/tablets in the house by having them play an alarm and track them on google maps, if i wanted to

Bit heavy handed to change your internet setup but Ubiquiti allow lots of control. I have TikTok and adverts blocked (it blocks a lot of adverts but certainly not all). Quick pic of the TikTok function here.

You can block different devices at different times or I think even limit to X hours per day for entire devices or just an app/website.

For example you can allow 2 hours of iPad per kid between 4pm and 9pm or block all internet after 9pm for everyone but you. Alternatively you can leave it open but block WhatsApp/Facebook/TikTok etc.

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We have their phone settings locked and they have limited access to iPads and laptops, and only when we're in the house with them. All devices are stashed away at night so they can't stay up frying their brains.

We did have a massive row recently when it came to light that the 16-year-old was sneaking downstairs in the early hours to retrieve the laptop and look at porn, but we nipped that in the bud sharpish and changed all the passwords.

It seems to work for us.

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Originally Posted by Onelasttime

We have their phone settings locked and they have limited access to iPads and laptops, and only when we're in the house with them. All devices are stashed away at night so they can't stay up frying their brains.

We did have a massive row recently when it came to light that the 16-year-old was sneaking downstairs in the early hours to retrieve the laptop and look at porn, but we nipped that in the bud sharpish and changed all the passwords.

It seems to work for us.

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We had to look for abandoned magazines in hedges at that age!

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Originally Posted by Neil.C

We had to look for abandoned magazines in hedges at that age!

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I mentioned that and he looked at me blankly, trying to imagine a world without internet, games consoles and mobile devices.

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Originally Posted by Onelasttime

I mentioned that and he looked at me blankly, trying to imagine a world without internet, games consoles and mobile devices.

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In some ways it is better, in some ways worse.

I'm glad there was none of that when I was a boy but you can't put the genie back in the bottle.

Google devices with nest WiFi. Works for us and is super easy to set up

Give them a stick and a hoop, get them playing in the road.
Smash all the other things.

As you can see, I turned out alright

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