Setting up Content Filtering for Children

Findo on 16/03/2017 - 20:32
Last edited 16/03/2017 - 20:52

What is the best way to set up content filtering for children? The two kids in question aren't terribly tech savvy and won't be tech savvy for a few more years. The mother wants adult content and gambling websites blocked, as well as stranger chat websites like Omegle blocked as well. If time of day access can be moderated, that would be good too.

I (and another adult in the household) need to be able to access adult websites and other morally questionable content when we want to, without the kids being able to do so.What do you do with your family content filtering, and what is the most cost effective solution? I am happy to spend up to $100 setting this up. Current network runs off two D-Link DSL-2790U routers. Devices on the network include an xbox, Chromecast, 3 iPhones and two laptops. I would prefer blocking occur at the router, rather than the device.

General Discussion

Comments

  • airzone on 16/03/2017 - 21:12

    https://www.howtogeek.com/167545/4-ways-to-set-up-parental-c…

    Otherwise you could get creative with a meraki firewall lol..

  • Findo on 16/03/2017 - 21:16

    I was thinking of setting up a radius server running on Windows Server 2012 in order to give specific clients different access restrictions, much like an enterprise network

    • electriccurio on 16/03/2017 - 21:55

      Out of curiosity, if you know how to setup a radius server running on Windows Server 2012, why would you need to ask Ozbargain on how to setup a much simpler thing like content filtering? But I think using something like OpenDNS (https://www.opendns.com/home-internet-security) is a bit easier. You can get your own device to ignore the OpenDNS server and use google DNS server instead.

      • Findo on 16/03/2017 - 22:57

        I'm not sure of the specifics of setting up a radius server, nor the intricacies of Windows Server 2012. I set up a network with a domain controller a few years back for fun at home but I've never had to do content filtering. I ended up dismantling the network because everyone uses their own devices anyway, and no one stored anything on the server.

        I think I'll go with OpenDNS, it's easiest to set up. The mother said she doesn't need to access stuff of dubious morality, so it'll be fine for them.

  • TheMatrix on 16/03/2017 - 22:37

    +1 for OpenDNS, been using it for many years….but in our house hold, adults and kids follow the same rules/filtering. But like electriccurio mentioned above, adults can by pass the filtering by changing the DNS of a specific device to a different one, eg Google DNS.

  • Peter Enis on 17/03/2017 - 10:08

    A couple of my IT mates at work are always raving about pfSense - perhaps you should check that out.

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