If you have ever had a concern with your kids using the Wi-Fi in a way that is not age-appropriate, there is an easy solution. In order to make your home more protected from the inside, there is a way to set your Wi-Fi up so that kids cannot access specific internet sites – porn blocking DNS.
Keeping Your Network Family-Friendly
If you use it with your family, you can configure your router to restrict access to the internet for specific devices. This is helpful if you only want your kids using Wi-Fi on their tablet and not their laptop or if you need to limit everyone’s time online to two hours a day. It is a good idea to protect your network in this way because you can control exactly which devices are using the internet, and it’s beneficial with people who share your account.
DNS filtering is a service that allows you to specify exactly which devices are allowed on your network. If you connect with the wrong device, it will not be able to access any of your shared data or log in to your network.
How Do You Set Up DNS Filtering?
Updating the router’s firmware is one of the simplest ways of making it easier to control family access. The instructions will depend on the router you use, and it is best to contact the manufacturer, but most routers allow this option.
To do this:
Enter your admin password (if prompted), and click Login to your router by typing in its IP address. Go to “System Tools” – “Administration” – “Firmware Upgrade.” Check the version of your current firmware and download the latest version from your manufacturer’s website. Start the upgrade process by clicking “Upgrade” or “Start Upgrade Now” Once that is complete, go back into your router’s settings and then “Firewall.”
In the Firewall, go to “Access Control” and choose “URL Filter.” You can then add a list of allowed/blocked keywords to limit the websites your family members can access through your Wi-Fi.
If parents are sharing their Wi-Fi with children at home, parental control software options can be added to an existing router. These will allow you to manage which time of day your kids are allowed on the Wi-Fi and how long they’re allowed to use it.
Choosing the Right DNS Filtering Service
There are a number of DNS filtering services or porn blocking DNS available. They work by blocking specific websites based on their content, such as pornography or gambling sites. You can also use these tools to protect yourself from cyber threats and stop your kids from downloading malicious software.
Deciding on a service can be difficult because each one is designed differently and addresses different issues. Here are a few factors to consider:
#1 Check if the service is suitable for your location
Some services only work in certain countries. You will find that those from the US work with American internet providers and some European countries. However, most of these services aren’t designed for use in Russia or South America.
#2 Research the features
Some DNS filters have a built-in time control, so you can limit how many hours your child spends online on specific days of the week. Others require you to choose this option when you first set up the service, so it is best to check beforehand if this is what you need.
#3 Identify how much your device slows down
When filtering services are activated, they can slow the connection speed of all connected devices because they’re working harder than usual. If you’re using the Wi-Fi at home for gaming, this can be a deal-breaker.
#4 Take your budget into account
Some services are more affordable than others, so you need to decide what is important to you before shopping around for one. If affordability is top of your list, most companies will offer an affordable package if only a few PCs are using the same Wi-Fi.
#5 Check if it has dedicated servers
If you are handling a lot of traffic, such as in university halls or large hotels, this is where dedicated servers come to the aid. They will help reduce lag and processing times to ensure the connection doesn’t cut out during peak hours.
Choose a service that has been independently tested and approved as safe by an established third party. This will prevent your router from being blacklisted and stop your children from accidentally finding themselves on a restricted website.
You should also check for automatic updates, so you do not have to worry about manually monitoring or updating the service yourself. Lastly, check for a money-back guarantee and customer support service. These will offer you added peace of mind that the service works as promised and that your child is safe online.
