With the Bannisters

Tag: internet safety for kids

  • 🛡️ Keeping Kids Safe on Roblox: A Parent’s Guide to Parental Controls

    🛡️ Keeping Kids Safe on Roblox: A Parent’s Guide to Parental Controls

    Roblox is a wildly popular online platform. Kids can play, create, and connect with others. They do this through millions of user-generated games. But with that freedom comes the need for safety. If your child is diving into the world of Roblox, you must set up parental controls. This ensures they are exploring safely. It also keeps their experience age-appropriate.

    👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Step 1: Create a Parent Account

    đź”’ Step 2: Set Content Restrictions

    Roblox uses content maturity levels to help filter games based on age-appropriateness:

    LevelMay Include
    MinimalMild fear, unrealistic blood
    MildRepeated mild violence, moderate crude humor
    ModerateRealistic blood, gambling content
    RestrictedStrong violence, romantic themes, strong language

    Adjust these under Settings > Parental Controls > Content Restrictions. Learn more in the FindMyKids safety guide.

    🧱 Step 3: Block Specific Games or Users

    • Use Parental Controls > Blocked Experiences to block individual games
    • Block users via your child’s Friends list (three-dot menu > Block)

    Roblox outlines this in their Safety Center update.

    đź’¬ Step 4: Manage Chat and Communication

    • Navigate to Parental Controls > Communication
    • Select chat settings: Everyone, Friends, or No one

    ⏰ Step 5: Set Screen Time and Spending Limits

    • Set daily screen time under Parental Controls > Screen Time
    • Limit Robux purchases under Spending Restrictions
    • Enable purchase email alerts

    More details in the Roblox Parental Controls FAQ.

    🧠 Final Thoughts

    Parental controls aren’t about spying—they’re about creating a safe space for your child to explore, learn, and play. Roblox offers a robust set of tools, but they work best when paired with open conversations and shared playtime.

    Helpful Resources

    If you’ve got questions or want

  • Set Up Pi-hole v6: Parental Control Made Easy

    Set Up Pi-hole v6: Parental Control Made Easy

    Pi-hole dashboard showing blocked domains

    In 2025, digital safety at home is more important than ever. With kids accessing the internet across multiple devices—from smart TVs to tablets—parents need reliable tools to filter inappropriate content and reduce distractions. Enter Pi-hole v6, the latest version of the popular network-wide ad blocker, now enhanced with powerful parental control features.

    What Is Pi-hole?

    Pi-hole is a DNS sinkhole that blocks ads, trackers, and unwanted domains across your entire network. It works at the DNS level, meaning it filters content before it even reaches your browser or apps. With the release of Pi-hole v6 in February 2025, it now includes:

    • Embedded web server and REST API for easier management
    • Native HTTPS support with custom SSL certificates
    • Advanced filtering with allowlist subscriptions
    • Redesigned user interface with Basic and Expert modes
    Group management lets you apply rules to specific devices

    Setting Up Pi-hole for Parental Control

    • Install Pi-hole: Use a Raspberry Pi, Linux server, or Docker container. Run curl -sSL https://install.pi-hole.net | bash to begin.
    • Configure DNS: Set your router’s DNS to point to your Pi-hole server so all devices use it.
    • Enable Filtering: Add curated blocklists targeting adult content, gambling, and social media.

    Recommended Blocklists for 2025

    Using pihole as a parental control
    byu/kupus0 inpihole

    Tips for Effective Parental Control

    • Use Pi-hole’s Group Management to apply different rules to kids’ devices.
    • Combine Pi-hole with upstream DNS services like OpenDNS Family Shield or Cloudflare 1.1.1.3.
    • Block VPN usage by restricting outbound DNS ports to prevent bypassing Pi-hole.

    Limitations to Keep in Mind

    While Pi-hole is powerful, it’s not foolproof. Tech-savvy kids may attempt to bypass it using VPNs or alternate DNS settings. Regular monitoring and open conversations about online safety are essential.

    Conclusion

    With Pi-hole v6 and the latest community resources, parents now have a robust, customizable tool to manage internet access and protect their children from harmful content. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just getting started, Pi-hole offers a cost-effective and privacy-respecting way to take control of your home network.