Internet Explorer Parental Controls: A Simple Guide
Protecting Children Online: Setting Up Internet Explorer Parental Controls
This article details the process of configuring parental controls within Internet Explorer. As a parent of a young child, I've observed firsthand their immediate fascination with computers and tablets.
My daughter quickly developed a strong interest, and it’s natural to anticipate her eventual desire to explore the web independently. This raises a crucial question: how can we ensure a safe online experience for our children? While solutions like OpenDNS offer protection, maximizing security is paramount.
Enabling Internet Explorer's Built-in Controls
Today, we will explore how to utilize Internet Explorer’s integrated parental controls to restrict access to inappropriate content. The instructions provided are based on Internet Explorer 8, but the process remains largely consistent with Internet Explorer 7.
To begin, activate the content advisor. Navigate to Tools -> Internet Options -> Content.
Within the Content tab, click the Enable button. This action activates content advisor ratings. Subsequently, you must define the content you wish to permit or block.
Initially, all categories are set to 'None,' meaning websites featuring content related to alcohol, drugs, or material deemed unsuitable for children will be inaccessible. You can refine these settings by selecting individual categories.
Adjusting the slider to the far right grants unrestricted access to the chosen content category. Intermediate positions offer partial access. Evaluate your child’s needs and determine appropriate settings. A complete blocking of all categories is a viable option.
Managing Approved and Blocked Sites
The next step involves configuring the 'Approved Sites' tab. This feature functions as a whitelist, allowing specified websites to bypass the parental controls regardless of their content. Conversely, you can create a blacklist to permanently block access to certain sites.
To add a site to the whitelist, enter its URL and click the Always button. To permanently block a site, select the Never button.
Configuring General User Options
The 'General' tab is arguably the most important. It’s here that user options are established. Consider the following settings:
Ensure the first checkbox remains unchecked. The second checkbox enables a supervisor password to override the restrictions. Create this password by clicking the Create Password button.
The final section of this tab should remain at the default ICRA3 setting, unless your organization provides a customized list.
Advanced Settings and Ratings Bureaus
The 'Advanced' tab allows you to integrate a ratings bureau or PICSRules into your browser. These features are less commonly utilized. Larger organizations may implement their own PICSRules or mandate a specific Ratings bureau.
Do you currently employ Internet Explorer’s parental controls? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below. Your feedback is valuable.
