How to block sensitive content on Android

It’s amazing how we can access content on any topic on the internet. However, the free and open nature of the web has its downsides. I’m a tech-savvy parent of a curious 5-year-old boy, and I’m aware of how easy it is to come across media that’s unsuitable for children. It worries me that the best phones for kids often don’t come pre-configured to filter sensitive material.

There are ways to block inappropriate and disturbing content on Android. Most are free and require little technical expertise to set up. These methods are ideal if you want to prevent your children from seeing inappropriate images or videos online. They also work if you want to limit your exposure to such content.

5

Activate SafeSearch

Use Google’s built-in content filter

SafeSearch is Google’s content filtering feature. It is built into Search and prevents the user from seeing inappropriate search results. It can blur or hide flagged results, whether you use Google Search or search in a web browser. Here’s how to activate the feature:

1. Open the Google Search app on your phone.
2. Tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner.
3. Tap SafeSearch.
4. Pick a setting to either blur or filter inappropriate results.

One downside of SafeSearch is that it only works in Google Search. It remains active in alternative browsers, such as Firefox, as long as Google is the selected search engine. However, it doesn’t moderate results from other engines, such as Bing or DuckDuckGo. It also doesn’t affect other apps, such as Facebook or Instagram.

Another is that SafeSearch can be easily disabled. When setting up a phone for a child, activate SafeSearch through the Google Family Link app. It’s an all-in-one tool for parents, allowing them to control the apps and websites a child can access on their phone. Family Link also has location tracking features and screen time limit controls.

4

Enable content filters in apps

Set apps to block sensitive media

Many apps offer content filters that reduce exposure to sensitive content. However, you may need to activate them manually. The name of the setting varies from app to app. Here’s where you’ll find it in the apps for these popular social media platforms:

• Instagram: On your Profile page, tap the menu icon (≡) and select Content Preferences > Sensitive Content.
• Facebook: In the Menu tab, tap the cog wheel icon (⚙️) and select Content Preferences > Sensitive Content.
• TikTok: On your Profile page, tap the menu icon and select Settings and privacy > Content preferences.
• YouTube: On your Profile page, tap the cog wheel icon and select General > Restricted Mode.

With Facebook, use the Family Center feature to supervise teenage children on the platform. You must first invite them, and they must accept within 48 hours. While you can’t access their conversations, you can see who they chat with and how much time they spend on the app.

1. In the Menu tab, tap the cog wheel icon.
2. Tap Family Center.
3. Get and share your invite link with the child whose account you want to supervise.

3

Configure a custom DNS

A more advanced and effective approach

DNS stands for Domain Name System. Think of it as a virtual phonebook that matches website names with their corresponding IP addresses. Usually, your internet service provider sets up a DNS server on your device, but you can switch to an alternative.

In some cases, changing your DNS configuration improves your internet connection’s responsiveness. However, some DNS servers can protect against malicious websites and filter out sensitive content. One free alternative is OpenDNS with its FamilyShield servers. Here’s how to enable it on Android:

1. Go to Settings > Connections.
2. Tap More connection settings.
3. Tap Private DNS.
4. Choose Private DNS provider hostname and type familyshield.opendns.com.

When active, OpenDNS with FamilyShield attempts to block inappropriate or age-restricted content in any web browser and any search engine. It also works in Incognito mode.

2

Use a VPN service with content filtering

The best VPN service providers can block age-restricted websites

The best VPN services can do more than spoof your location. They can protect your privacy, block suspicious websites, and allow you to access films and TV shows unavailable in your country. Some offer content filtering. If you use a VPN service, check if your subscription allows you to block inappropriate websites. If you’re not a user, many VPN providers offer generous free trials, so give them a shot. If you choose to use the service, you’ll pay a monthly fee.

1

Set up a filter with your internet service provider

The best carriers offer content blocking services

This is another highly effective approach to blocking content. Setting up parental controls with your service provider limits access to sensitive content for all devices on your network. While the filter may work on your Wi-Fi network, it may not restrict content on the cellular service lines that you have. Consult with your mobile carrier or home internet service provider to pick the best content filter for you, if they offer this service.

Put parental controls to good use

No content filter is perfect. For instance, even with multiple layers of moderation and blocking, a user may be able to open sensitive material sent to their phone. Even limited protection against potentially harmful websites is better than nothing. If you’re a caring parent and your kid is asking for their own smartphone, limiting their access to inappropriate content is an essential part of a safe online journey.