it can all be done through the router (usually) if you provide the router make and model it would be easier to help, there is also software but not sure what the best is
Access the router by opening the browser and entering the IP of the router - probably 192.168.0.1 or similar - find the router's handbook for this, plus the log-in credentials that it will ask for.
In there will be options to block sites either by full name, or with wildcards so for example www.bbb.co.uk/sport to block the sport section, or maybe www.thesun* to block everything on The Sun's website.
Of course the chances are the boy is going to know how to do this better than the parents anyway and just override it.
That's why the best way is probably the internet security software. See if it has a parental control. You should be able to set a password and setup a profile for the child.
Router is the best as it's the first contact but can be reset easily, especially if the parent hasn't changed the default password.
You could also change the computer or router's DNS to OpenDNS which allows you to block individual websites and also categories of websites. It may be overkill if it's really just one specific website you want to be block, but it's very useful if it's a type of site. It also offers some security/safety improvements over ISP's DNS, such as blocking known malware sites and typosquatting sites.
One downside is it actually does display a 'this site is blocked' message (can't remember if that can be disabled). So it's not very subtle if you don't want the lad to know why the site is no longer loading.
You could also change the computer or router's DNS to OpenDNS which allows you to block individual websites and also categories of websites. It may be overkill if it's really just one specific website you want to be block, but it's very useful if it's a type of site. It also offers some security/safety improvements over ISP's DNS, such as blocking known malware sites and typosquatting sites.
One downside is it actually does display a 'this site is blocked' message (can't remember if that can be disabled). So it's not very subtle if you don't want the lad to know why the site is no longer loading.
How old & tech savy is the child. As has been said there are many was to block a site, but if he knows what he is doing there is nothing that can't be circumvented...
How old & tech savy is the child. As has been said there are many was to block a site, but if he knows what he is doing there is nothing that can't be circumvented...
Not enough to delete his history and temporary files after going on it, so blocking it may work.
You could also change the computer or router's DNS to OpenDNS which allows you to block individual websites and also categories of websites. It may be overkill if it's really just one specific website you want to be block, but it's very useful if it's a type of site. It also offers some security/safety improvements over ISP's DNS, such as blocking known malware sites and typosquatting sites.
One downside is it actually does display a 'this site is blocked' message (can't remember if that can be disabled). So it's not very subtle if you don't want the lad to know why the site is no longer loading.
Can you take us step by step thru what a parent like me would do to set up my router so that any device using it is unable to access porn sites?
Comments
Best not to do it through a browser as another browser could be installed/used.
Look into your firewall.internet security software. They usually have a section for blocking sites.
Other methods depend on the OS. If using windows you can use the HOSTS file. It's a bit old hat now to use that method though.
In there will be options to block sites either by full name, or with wildcards so for example www.bbb.co.uk/sport to block the sport section, or maybe www.thesun* to block everything on The Sun's website.
Read the manual - it'll guide you.
Router is the best as it's the first contact but can be reset easily, especially if the parent hasn't changed the default password.
One downside is it actually does display a 'this site is blocked' message (can't remember if that can be disabled). So it's not very subtle if you don't want the lad to know why the site is no longer loading.
If you use the IP address of a website rather than the URL do they still block access? Or does using an IP address bypass all this?
Children are experts at this.
The only way to do it is to put the computer where you can see it and our tell him if he goes on the site he'll lose all internet.
Oh come on, he's leaving a vanilla trail to see if anyone is monitoring him. All the good stuff is accessed via tor:)
So come on OP! What site is it?
dailymail.co.uk
Which is why the P/C (or tablet) should be in a room where the parents are! So they can monitor!
Why does he not use the Private Browsing function like I do when buying my wife presents?
Can you take us step by step thru what a parent like me would do to set up my router so that any device using it is unable to access porn sites?
The Daily Mail does more harm to women and society in general than pornography