The creation of the Internet and its fast expansion has caused major changes in our lifestyle. Some of these changes are helpful, but not all. As the Internet expands so does the number of unsavory websites, including cyber places that should not be accessed by children. Besides teaching children what and what not to do when accessing the Internet, there are technological safeguards that you as a parent can use to prevent your children from visiting these websites on your computer.
Step 1
Open your web browser, any browser will do, and access your network router settings by following the login steps provided by the manufacturer.
Step 2
Navigate to the "Block Sites" section. Here you have the option to block sites at all times, or during certain hours of the day. Place a check mark in either of the two options, "Per Schedule," or "Always." If you already know names of websites that should be blocked, type them in the box named "Type Keyword or Domain Name Here." You may also type words that may be found on these websites. The router will prevent websites containing those words from loading. Once you have typed the information, click "Add Keyword" to save it to the settings. Repeat this step as often as you need to add more keywords.
Step 3
Click the "Apply" button to save the new settings, then restart your router. When a computer on your network tries to access a website you entered in the settings, or one that contains a word you selected as undesirable, that computer will be presented with a "Blocked Site" message and will not be allowed to continue to the site.
Tips and Warnings
- Limit your word list to vulgar words so as not to limit your Internet experience.
- Do not misspell words as this function will prevent any website that contains that word from loading. Using scientific or medical names of body parts as keywords will prevent you from accessing medical sites that use those words.
