Did you know that you can control the internet usage of your kids’ devices through configuring your router?
Well, we have never relied heavily on the home Wi-FI network more than during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, at the same time, there was also concern about the type of online content kids are browsing and accessing on the internet. Fortunately, your Wi-Fi router can efficiently manage your internet bandwidth and its usage. All you need to do is go through its settings.
In this blog post, we will show you how you can set up parental controls on your home Wi-Fi network that ensure your kids stay safe while accessing the internet.
Configuring Your Wi-Fi Router To Set Up For Parental Controls
The very first thing you need to do is access your router’s settings. This will help you customize and manage your home internet’s connection. The best course of action is to buy the latest routers. This is because the companion apps connect with your router and configure settings as per your needs.
Companion apps are a great way to set up basic level parental controls. However, if you want to take it up a notch and you need to go all the way in full allotment of settings of your router by using your computer.
So, for starters, you need to open your web browser on your computer and enter the network IP address on the address bar. Generally, the IP address of most routers is 192.168.1.1 which is setup by default. However, if you don’t have the IP address, then you need to find your network IP address through internet settings. What you need to do is right-click on the internet icon and opt for internet settings or details.
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And for Mac users, you just need to click on the Wi-Fi icon to find the network IP address and scroll down to look for the Open Network Preferences.
So, once you have entered the network IP address on the address bar, you will need credentials to edit settings. Well, most of the time the credentials are mentioned on the routers themselves, in the user manual, or even the manufacturer’s website. Also, you might have chosen credentials when you first set up the router yourself. Now, if you are not able to remember the credentials, no worries, using the router’s app, you will be able to find it and change it easily.
Now, once you have gained access to the router’s settings, you will be able to make changes in the internet browsing as you see fit in the following manners.
1. Restrict Internet Usage Time
Most of the routers today have a parental control option that also features a scheduling and setting limit to the bandwidth of mobile internet service for a certain period of time. You have the option of restricting the use of bandwidth at a certain time, for instance, 8 pm every weeknight, specific smart devices, such as kids' tablets, smartphones, or a gaming console. You can opt for restricting all the smart devices at once by looking for options that will help you all the devices together and block. In this way, you will be able to set your kids up and ready for tomorrow's day at school.
2. Block Specific Websites
In addition to limiting the internet time, you can also put a restriction on certain websites using your routers’ parental control features. You can simply put all those websites and URLs on the block list that you think are inappropriate or could have a negative impact on your child’s mind.
3. Pause Wi-Fi
Now, if you want to restrict internet usage for the time being, suppose, during the dinnertime, without setting up any specific schedules, then pausing the Wi-Fi mobile internet service is the best course of action.
Many routers and mesh networks feature companion apps that let you temporarily pause the internet connection. It’s totally up to you whether you want to pause the Wi-Fi connection on some or all the smart devices in your home and resume it when you are done with dinner.
Pro Tip: Pausing a Wi-Fi connection is a great way to limit the increasing consumption of bandwidth, especially when you need it the most, let’s say, for an important video conference you need to attend.
Add a Router Accessory
If you already own a router but want to include parental controls, then there are some devices which you can utilize. For instance, there are many plug-in modules that seamlessly connect with your existing router and provide all the parental control features that will limit and set the rules of the internet access on your kids’ smart devices.
Not only that but also there are some devices and apps that even feature gamification that allows your kids to earn more screen time by doing house chores. In this way, your kids will learn to effectively manage their playtime, study time and bedtime without a parent snatching their devices off from them.
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