In order to ensure that children are safe and protected from inappropriate internet content, it is essential for parents to have control over the types of websites and online activities that their children can access.
Types of parental control solutions
There are several types of parental control solutions available for home networks, each with its own strengths and limitations. Some of the most common types of parental control solutions include software, hardware, and cloud based solutions.
Software solutions are programs installed on each computer, tablet, or smartphone, enabling parents to set limits on the types of websites and online activities that their children can access, as well as monitor their internet usage. The big advantage of software parental controls is that they cannot be easily bypassed by kids. However, they only function on the devices on which they have been installed, leaving out other devices.
Some popular software parental control solutions, along with their prices, features, and supported devices:
- Microsoft Family Safety: Price: Free
Features: Website blocking, time limits, usage reports, and app blocking.
Supported Devices: Windows, Xbox, iPhone, Android. - Google Family Link Price: Free
Screen time limits, approving or blocking apps and websites, and monitoring their child's device activity.
Supported Devices: Android phones and tablets only. - Norton Family: Price: $55
Features: Website blocking, time limits, usage reports, app blocking, and location tracking.
Supported Devices: Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone. - Kaspersky Safe Kids: Price: $20 year
Features: Website blocking, time limits, usage reports, app blocking, and location tracking.
Supported Devices: Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone. - Bark. Price: Starts at $20 per month for one child.
Features: Monitoring of text messages, emails, and social media for signs of cyberbullying, depression, and other concerning behaviours.
Hardware solutions are physical devices that serve as gatekeepers for internet access on a home network. These solutions are more comprehensive than software-based solutions, as they cover all devices on the network, including smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles, without requiring the installation of software on each device. They offer parents more control over the types of websites and online activities that their children can access, and provide advanced features such as time limits and usage reports. However, these solutions can be more challenging to set up and use than software-based solutions and may require a greater investment of time and money. It's worth noting that while hardware solutions cover all devices on the network, kids can easily bypass them by switching to 4G mobile data.
Here are popular hardware-based parental control solutions, along with their prices and features:
- Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Smart Wi-Fi Router (R7000): Price: Around $200 + $100 per year licence
- Google Wi-Fi: Price: from around $100
Cloud-based and hybrid hardware and cloud filtering solutions are commonly utilized for content management and cyber protection in enterprise environments and can also serve as parental control measures for a home network. These solutions consist of two primary types of content filtering: DNS filtering and VPN filtering. DNS filtering redirects internet traffic to a server that blocks access to inappropriate websites, while VPN filtering uses virtual private network technology to encrypt internet traffic and control access to online content. Both DNS and VPN filtering can be established on a separate device or router to filter internet traffic for all devices linked to the network, providing a comprehensive solution for parental control. Nevertheless, it's essential to keep in mind that cloud-based content filtering, including DNS and VPN filtering, can also be bypassed, particularly if kids switch to 4G mobile data or use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) of their own. Additionally, the setup process for cloud-based content filtering solutions may be more complex compared to other solutions, and may necessitate technical knowledge and a subscription fee.
- OpenDNS Family Shield: Price: Free
Features: Website filtering, malware protection, and protection on all devices connected to your home network.
Parental control features
Regardless of the type of solution that is used, the goal of parental control solutions is to provide parents with the tools they need to keep their children safe and protected while they are using the internet. Some of the most common features of parental control solutions include website blocking, time limits, and usage reports.
Website blocking is a feature that allows parents to block access to specific websites or types of websites, such as those that contain adult content or violent material. This feature is particularly useful for younger children who may be exposed to inappropriate content online.
Time limits are another common feature of parental control solutions. This feature allows parents to set limits on the amount of time that their children can spend online each day, helping to prevent excessive internet usage.
Usage reports are a feature that provides parents with detailed information about their children's online activities, including the websites they visit, the amount of time they spend online, and any potential problems that they may encounter. Usage reports can be used by parents to monitor their children's internet usage and to ensure that they are staying safe while they are online.
Conclusion
Parental control solutions are an essential tool for parents who want to keep their children safe and protected while they are using the internet. There is a wide range of content management solutions. Manly Electronics will help you to choose and set up the best one.
Feb 2023