SafeSearch Holiday Guide: Set Up New Devices for Safe, Kid-Friendly Browsing
New phone, tablet, or laptop under the tree? Before your kids start exploring, take five minutes to turn on SafeSearch and other protective filters. This holiday setup guide walks you through the key steps to make sure new tech starts safe — and stays safe.
🎁 Step 1: Turn On SafeSearch and Restricted Mode
- Google Search: Go to google.com/preferences → Turn ON SafeSearch → Save
- YouTube App: Tap Profile → Settings → General → Enable Restricted Mode
- Repeat on every browser and app your child may use
📱 Step 2: Lock Settings on Tablets & Phones
Most kids will explore — and sometimes disable filters. Here’s how to lock them in:
- Android: Use Family Link to manage apps, filters, and screen time
- iOS: Go to Screen Time → Content Restrictions → Web Content → Limit Adult Sites
Bark Premium works with both iOS and Android for layered control
🌐 Step 3: Add Network-Level Filtering
If several devices are joining the household, use DNS filtering on your router to enforce SafeSearch everywhere:
- CleanBrowsing: 185.228.168.168
- OpenDNS Family Shield: 208.67.222.123
Or upgrade to Gryphon Guardian for easy, automatic filtering
🕹️ Step 4: Don’t Forget Gaming Consoles
- Xbox: Go to Settings → Account → Family → Enable Web Filtering & Privacy Controls
- PlayStation: Settings → Family Management → Web Filtering → Use Trend Micro or built-in blocks
- Nintendo Switch: Use the free Parental Controls app from Nintendo
💬 Step 5: Set Expectations from Day One
Talk to your child before they dive in:
- ✅ “We set up filters because we trust you — and we want to help you stay safe.”
- ✅ “If you ever see something weird or uncomfortable, just come tell us.”
Final Thought:
Giving a new device this holiday season? Make SafeSearch part of the unboxing. A few quick settings today can protect your child for months — or years — to come.
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