Locking down a home network

[steakman1971]

I have two kids that are starting to use computers - a lot. They are 8 & 9. Right now, I'm more concerned about them accidentally stumbling across bad content that actively seeking it out (I'm sure that will happen in the future at some point).
I realize that I need to do something to try to make it a safer environment. Any ideas?
Part of me thinks a white-list approach would work. Haven't looked yet, but assume there are some lists I could buy/get.
What about software solutions? Any recommendations?
Just curious what other parents have done trying to protect their kids.

 

[Haven]

I used a number of techniques with my child. I used the built in parental controls to limit when he could be on, he does not have the password for his account. He doesn't have the passwords for my account or my wife's account either. We are both Admins on the machine, he is not. If he wants to install software he has to ask us.

I also bought Qustodio for monitoring where he was going on the internet and social media, etc. It also blocks access to some websites/types of sites.

I also have a Meraki Wireless AP, and he has his own SSID, which has time restrictions and I have added some other restrictions to where he can go on wifi. I think the Ubiquity APs can do the same thing as well.

 

[steakman1971]

Thanks for the response - you have some good ideas and I will give Qustodio a try - after reading up on it, I think it would saolve a lot of my concerns I have now. The separate SSID is a good idea. I know my Netgear router supports time limits by MAC address and blocking sites - but not sure how flexible it is.

 

[EricGRIT]

If you are looking for a simple, although not as robust, approach: Setup Guide | OpenDNS

FamilyShield is a completely free service that can be set up in minutes and blocks pornographic content, unsafe websites such as phishing sites attempting to trick people into readily providing personal and financial information, and many virus-spreading malware sites.

 

[rma]

+1 for the OpenDNS, i have used it on numerous occasions

 

[diizzy]

OpenDNS doesn't really do much, if anything you really need to filter traffic (L7) but that's kinda intensive.