Ensuring a safe online environment for kids is paramount, and Google Chrome offers several ways to block inappropriate websites. The most reliable way is Google Family Link, which lets you block sites in Chrome when your child signs in with their own supervised Google Account. This guide covers Family Link, SafeSearch, extensions and router filtering, so you can build a child-safe browsing setup.
How to Use Google Family Link to Block Websites in Chrome for Kids
Google Family Link is a free app that lets you manage your child’s device usage, including blocking websites on Chrome. Here’s how to set it up:
- Install the Family Link app on your own Android phone, iPhone or iPad.
- In the app, create a Google Account for your child, or add supervision to the account they already have.
- Sign your child in to Chrome with that account on their device.
- In Family Link, select your child, then tap Controls > Google Chrome and Web.
- Choose Allow all sites, Try to block explicit sites or Only allow approved sites.
- To block a particular site, under Manage sites tap Blocked sites and add it.
When your child reaches a blocked site, they can ask you for permission, and you can approve or deny it. Incognito mode is turned off while they are signed in with the supervised account. On Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone and iPad your child can sign out of Chrome or use another browser, and then Family Link’s Chrome settings don’t apply, as Google explains in its Family Link Chrome help.
What Happened to Chrome Supervised Accounts?
Chrome used to offer “supervised users,” profiles a parent created in Chrome’s own settings. That feature no longer exists, and there is no Control and view websites this person visits option in current Chrome. Supervision now works through a Google Account managed in Family Link, as described above. You can also manage some Family Link settings on the web at familylink.google.com.
Enforcing SafeSearch on Chrome
SafeSearch helps to block explicit content from Google search results, which can be a quick way to ensure safer browsing:
- Go to your SafeSearch settings.
- Select Filter to block explicit results. (Blur only blurs explicit images.)
SafeSearch only affects Google Search, not other search engines or websites. For a child whose account is managed in Family Link, SafeSearch is set to Filter by default and only a parent can change it.
Using Extensions to Block Websites on Chrome
Extensions can provide additional control for blocking websites. Here’s how you can use them:
- Open Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store.
- Search for a site blocker, such as BlockSite or StayFocusd. Our guide to blocking websites in Chrome covers other methods.
- Click Add to Chrome, review the permissions, and click Add extension.
- After installation, click on the extension icon in the toolbar to configure settings and add websites to the block list.
Implementing Router-Level Filtering
Blocking websites at the router level ensures that restrictions apply across all devices in your network:
- Access your router settings by entering its IP address into your browser’s address bar (typically something like 192.168.1.1).
- Log in with your admin credentials.
- Find the section for Parental Controls or Content Filtering.
- Add the URLs of websites you want to block.
- Save your settings and restart your router if necessary.
Restricting Incognito Mode in Chrome
Incognito Mode can get around extensions, which are usually off in Incognito. If your child uses a Family Link account, Incognito is already turned off for them. Otherwise, on a Windows computer you can turn Incognito off for every user with Chrome’s IncognitoModeAvailability policy:
- Open Registry Editor as an administrator.
- Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome (create the Google and Chrome keys if they don’t exist). Create a new DWORD value named IncognitoModeAvailability and set it to 1, which means Incognito mode is disabled.
- Restart Chrome to apply changes. The setting also applies to your own Chrome on that computer.
On a Mac, Chrome policies are set with a configuration profile. Google’s Chrome Enterprise policy list documents this policy for each platform.
Comparison of Website Blocking Methods
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Family Link | Free, integrated with Google services | Limited to devices with the app installed |
| SafeSearch | Free, filters explicit Google Search results | Only affects Google Search |
| Extensions | Highly customizable | Can be disabled by tech-savvy users |
| Router-Level Filtering | Network-wide application | Complex setup, may affect internet speed |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I block websites on Chrome without an extension?
Use Google Family Link to block specific sites for your child’s Google Account, or block them for everyone on your network in your router’s settings.
Can I block specific words in search results?
Google SafeSearch can help filter out explicit content, but blocking specific words isn’t directly possible without third-party solutions.
Is there a way to apply the same restrictions on all devices?
Yes, using router-level filtering or Google Family Link ensures restrictions apply across multiple devices.
How do I unblock a website once it’s blocked?
Access the same settings or extension where the website was blocked and remove it from the block list.
Can my child disable these settings?
Extensions are easy to turn off, and on a computer, iPhone or iPad a child can sign out of Chrome or use another browser to get around Family Link’s Chrome settings. If your child has admin privileges on their device, they might be able to disable other settings too. Router-level filtering, or a device your child can’t sign out of, makes this harder.
Creating a safe browsing environment for kids in Chrome is possible with the right tools and settings. By using Family Link, SafeSearch, extensions or router filtering, you can effectively manage and restrict access to inappropriate content. Remember to periodically review and adjust settings to meet your family’s needs.