Parental Controls and Filtering Programs
To protect children from access to online gambling, a combination of built-in device tools and third-party applications is used. Below is a brief overview of practical solutions without unnecessary reasoning.
1. Built-in operating system tools
1. Windows 10/11 Family Safety
A children's Microsoft profile is created, restrictions are imposed on it:
- In "Settings →" "Accounts" → "Family and other users" is set "Parental Control."
- Filtering sites by the category "Gambling," blocking individual domains.
- Set up PC time limits and purchase limits.
2. macOS Screen Time
System Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy, → Web Content.
Select "Restrict adult sites" and enter the URLs of casinos and betting platforms in the "Always block" section.
3. iOS / iPadOS Screen Time
Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy → Website Content → Restrict Adult Sites.
Gambling domains are entered into the manual block list; in-app purchases are disabled.
4. Android (Google Family Link)
Install Family Link on the child's device, bind it to the parent's account.
In the child's profile in "Content Settings" you set restrictions on age ratings (up to 13 +, up to 16 +, up to 18 +).
Parental approval is required to install any applications, including Mature 17 +.
2. DNS and network filters
1. OpenDNS FamilyShield
Change the DNS on the router or device to 208. 67. 222. 123 and 208. 67. 220. 123.
Automatic blocking of "Gambling" and "Adult" categories.
2. NextDNS
Free or subscription profile with a custom block list of gambling domains.
SafeSearch support, DNS-over-HTTPS encryption and query statistics.
3. pfSense/Sophos Home
DPI filtering VPN/proxy, blocking by URL categories.
Flexible rule for schedules and devices on the network.
3. Third-party applications and services
| Program | Platforms | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Qustodio | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Activity monitoring, site blocking, time limits |
| Net Nanny | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Web filtering, reporting, masking inappropriate content |
| Norton Family | Windows, Android, iOS (Limited) | Category Control, Geolocation, Real-time Reports |
| Kaspersky Safe Kids | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Filtering, time limits, social media control |
Installation: download and register a parent account, create a child profile, set filters for gambling categories and manually add domains.
Time limits: setting the maximum time on the Internet or for specific applications.
Reports and notifications: weekly reports on attempts to bypass locks.
4. Browser extensions
1. BlockSite (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
Simple interface: enter URL lists, set a lock schedule, set a password.
2. LeechBlock NG (Firefox) / StayFocusd (Chrome)
Flexible rules for regular expressions, time limit for accessing gambling domains.
5. Configuration guidelines
1. Combine protection levels: network filter + OS parental controls + third-party applications.
2. Regularly update lists: gambling platforms often change domains and use mirrors.
3. Check efficiency: once a week view lock logs and browser history.
4. Discuss the rules with the child: explain why the restrictions and what sanctions for circumventing them.
Result
The layered approach - built-in OS tools, DNS filters, third-party applications and browser extensions - reliably protects minors from accessing online gambling sites and meets the Australian age threshold of 18. Regular monitoring and updating of settings guarantee an impenetrable filtration wall.
