Broadband & Wi-Fi · 4 min
Parental Controls and Staying Safe Online
No single filter catches everything, but a few layers together make the internet much safer for younger family members.
Router-level controls
Many routers can pause internet for specific devices, set bedtime schedules and block categories of sites. Look for 'Parental controls' or 'Access control' in your router's settings.
Device and app controls
Phones, tablets, consoles and streaming services all have their own built-in controls — Screen Time on Apple devices, Family Link on Android, and family settings on consoles. These work on mobile data and other Wi-Fi too.
Family-safe DNS
Free family DNS services can filter adult content across your whole network. You set them in your router's DNS settings.
Talk about it
Filters help, but conversations matter more. Organisations such as the UK Safer Internet Centre and Internet Matters publish free, practical guides for parents.