Hi,
I need to restrict the times my son can use the PC (Windows).
The Microsoft family thing doesnt work as users can just go and make themselves an admin, which defeats the purpose.
I setup a time restriction table using CMD, but it works sporadically.
any APPS or programs i can buy etc?
I can turn off the router to the PC, but he can HOTSPOT from his phone.
Thanks.
Being a kid for the 90s if my mum took the mouse and keyboard away from the computer I was screwed, can’t you just lock the mouse and keyboard in your bedroom? I guess he may have a couple lying around but try and scoop them up, and best part - it’s free!
This, or the power cord
I can turn off the router to the PC, but he can HOTSPOT from his phone.
If it's getting to that extent then sorry but you need to take more control. Abide by your rules or the game gets uninstalled, or you take a major pc component to work in your car etc
Kid is obviously just flouting your rules and you're living under his thumb
The Microsoft family thing doesnt work as users can just go and make themselves an admin, which defeats the purpose.
Bios password, if you really have to
He can easily reset it.
any APPS or programs i can buy etc?
All the usual names - kaspersky, Norton, Net Nanny etc
Cheaper to DIY though-
Group policy on local machine.. net user - to restrict usage on a per user basis plus a whole range of other options available.
Password last set 27/11/2021 8:13:54 PM
Password expires Never
Password changeable 27/11/2021 8:13:54 PM
Password required Yes
User may change password Yes
Workstations allowed All
Logon script
User profile
Home directory
Last logon Never
Logon hours allowed:
Sunday 7:00:00 AM - 8:00:00 PM
Monday 3:00:00 PM - 7:00:00 PM
Tuesday 3:00:00 PM - 7:00:00 PM
Wednesday 3:00:00 PM - 7:00:00 PM
Thursday 3:00:00 PM - 7:00:00 PM
Friday 7:00:00 AM - 12:00:00 PM
Saturday 7:00:00 AM - 12:00:00 PM
These are the time i have set. but it doesn't seem to work.
I think you also need to set your son's Microsoft account as a child account and link his account to under your Microsoft account. Works for me and it is great to get my son to do his chores.
When you add his account on the PC, you are suppose to set the account as a basically user so he can't change his account to admin. You, as an admin, can always just log in, go to Control Panel -> Account and cahnge his account to Basic. If he still can change his account back to admin that means he knows your password!!!!
The other way is to setup Bitlocker. Basically, you will need a give your son a usb key for him to boot the computer up. See this:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/informatio…
If he is smart he will bypass it anyway. He can just boot his own Windows from an external disc. The only way is physically restrict access to the PC.
Been here and you quickly find out (a) he knows more and has more time to work things out than you ever will (b) he has a worldwide network of like minded "friends" to solve any and all access problems (c) all 3rd party progs (that I found) promise the answer but are found lacking in the end (d) Windows doesn't care, it's not their problem nor their business (e) you've already found working within the router/modem can be defeated.
As has been mentioned here physically crippling the PC is the only answer….but he has a phone (there's your next problem spot.)
The only thing I can suggest is define boundaries, when they are breached (as they will be) remove bedroom door if possible (so no hiding - after a warning that this WILL be done if he goes on breaking the rules). Hope wife is on side, you will have to accept your time and plans are no longer solely your own to administer.
Good luck!
Wait what? OP lets his kid have PC and phone in their room?
Srlsy?
How old is your son?
Are you at home when you want to restrict his hours? If so then just turn his PC off.
If not does your router have a scheduler whereby you can turn off the connection at certain times?
16.
I can't hit kids anymore.
Kids nowadays are not as resilient and i don't know how far i can push. Being how social media etc is so far entwined into them as a person.
Yeah 16 is a bit late, that's the age I had use to start using a DNS filter to keep them away from the porns. :)
As for social media, they were never allowed near it as kids, when they turned 18 I gave them the choice and so far they have stayed away from it. Same with phones, they never had one until they were around 17-ish and needed to call us for lifts now and then, and even then they just got a hand me down phone we had lying around.
Still at 16 I was able to control their PC access allowing 1 hour after school and NEVER in their bedrooms, the PC's were always in the living area. They are adults now and have turned out OK. Don't be afraid to apply some tough love, they might have a wahh-wahh when you turn their sh#t off but they'll get over it in the long run. :)
Think of screens as McDonalds for the brain. A little bit is OK, all day every day and you;re just begging for trouble.
I'd say the only way to properly restrict usage is to have the PC in a family room - that way you can properly monitor it.
And listen to him screaming into his headphones mic all day?
If OP is concerned with his child's usage, it's the only way apart from taking away the power cable every day.
Once a kid gets to a certain age you can't easily fool them with only parental controls.
The only thing I can think of is setting up a domain and then setting group policies and locking down Regedit etc.
I played PC games all night ASA kid it's normal.
You can't control everything best try to introduce him to some real-life games
Just because it's 'normal' doesn't mean it's healthy. The kid should be getting sleep/doing more productive things than gaming all the time.
Gaming isn't inherently bad, but if it becomes an addiction (starts affecting grades, family, etc.), it should be limited.
As does he on a weekend and holidays etc. But School nights are the issue.
OP, get your son on to Play 2 Earn.
Kill two birds with one stone by teaching him about time converting to money.
It’s not hard to boot Linux or windows from another drive so like it’ll always fail, you needs physical restriction
https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/4mtp6k/my_par… - don’t waste your money on software solutions as they are easily defeated especially if they just use another OS
At 16 it's hard. He's not respecting your rules etc. Easiest way is to put it out in the open to monitor it that way he can't even watch porn then cos he'll be caught hahahah
Or just work something out, you can't prevent it but maybe like if he clean the dishes get extra time here, do this get extra time etc. Or like each day you want him to do this this this and he'll get his pc time.
16 is old enough to understand if you talk to them.
Do you have a single PC he uses in your office? deadbolt on the door with a key will work.