Parental controls and scheduling. Block apps, filter sites, switch Wi-Fi off at bedtime.

Block specific apps (Roblox, Snapchat, ChatGPT and so on)

This is free. You do not need the paid CyberSecure subscription for it (see CyberSecure). Where it lives depends on how your system was set up:

• Most systems: Network > Settings > Policy Engine, then the traffic rules page. Click Create Entry and choose Simple. This is the screen that says “Blocking specific apps, domains and regions”.
• Systems on the newer zone-based firewall: Settings > CyberSecure, then Simple App Blocking.

Then:

1. Choose who it applies to: specific devices (your child’s phone and tablet) or a whole network (the kids’ Wi-Fi).
2. Pick the apps by name, or pick a whole category (games, social media).
3. Optional: add a schedule, for example school nights only.
4. Save.

Only use the Simple option. Advanced rules are firewall rules, which we ask you to leave to us (What not to touch, and why).

Blocking by device works best. Phones change their hidden network ID now and then, so if a block stops working, check that the device in the list is still the right one.

What app blocking cannot do

Be honest with yourself about the limits. It only works on your Wi-Fi.

• A phone on cellular data is not on your network at all.
• A VPN app, or Apple’s Private Relay, can hide what the phone is doing.
• Apps change how they connect. Sometimes a blocked app half-works for a while.

For phones, pair this with the controls built into the phone itself (Screen Time on iPhone, Family Link on Android). The network covers the house; the phone settings follow the child.

Block websites by type (adult content, gambling)

Open Settings > CyberSecure > Content Filter and click Create New. Pick the network or devices, then the filter level.

• Basic is free and blocks known harmful and adult sites.
• Turn on Safe Search to force filtered results on Google, Bing and YouTube.
• Turn on Ad Block if you want ads blocked as well.
• Each filter can have its own Schedule.
• If a site you need gets blocked, add it to the allow list.

Blackout schedule: Wi-Fi off at bedtime

Each Wi-Fi network can be turned off on a schedule.

1. Network > Settings > WiFi, then click the network.
2. Scroll down to WiFi Blackout Schedule.
3. Set the days and hours it should be off (for example, 10 pm to 6 am on school nights).
4. Click Apply Changes.

Two things to know:

• The schedule turns the network off during the hours you set. Everything on that network goes offline, so put the kids’ devices on their own network and leave yours alone.
• Check it the first night. If the network is still up at the scheduled time, call us and we will set up a more reliable rule.