An integral part of keeping your children safe on the internet and also keeping your computer safe from your children is to set up parental controls on your computer. On all operating systems in order to do this effectively you will need to set up a new user account (or new ‘log in’) for your child to use.
Windows 7 Parental Controls:
Where to find it – Parental Controls > User Controls
- Activity Reports
- Time limits on childs computer use (eg not before 4pm or after 7pm)
- Internet Restrictions
- Program Limits – prevents child from running specified programs
- Game Ratings – make sure your child only plays age appropriate games
- Restrict Media Centre – TV show & Movie ratings
See the video below for detailed instructions on implementing parental controls in Windows 7.
Mac – Leopard Parental Controls:
Where to find it – Apple menu > system preferences > accounts > select user > parental controls.
- Control Email and Internet
- Limit the applications that the user can access
- Prevent user changing settings or deleting files
See the video below for detailed instructions on implementing parental controls on a Mac.
Windows Vista Parental Controls
Where to find it – Parental Controls > User Controls
- Activity Reports
- Time limits on childs computer use (eg not before 4pm or after 7pm)
- Internet Restrictions
- Program Limits – prevents child from running specified programs
- Game Ratings – make sure your child only plays age appropriate games
Internet Explorer Parental Controls
Where to find it – IE > tools > internet options. Click tab – ‘enable’ then edit the ‘content adviser’.
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