No Place to Hide! How To Block Private Browsing for Your Child

“It’s vital parents know about their child’s online world.” 

– Neil Anderson, NSPCC

In our previous blog – Do Your Kids Use Private Browsing To Hide From You? – we looked at private browsing and why your kids might use it.

In this blog, we take a look at ways you can help prevent your child from using private browsing.

Let’s kick-off.

Covert Kids?

Chances are your kids understand private browsing better than you.

Even if they haven’t discovered private browsing, they could be erasing their search history.

It’s really simple to do. Here’s how.

Or they might be using another browser altogether. One you didn’t even know was installed.

After all, how can you monitor your child’s search history if they’re using another browser?

Kids are really resourceful when it comes to erasing their digital footprint.

But of all the tactics at their dispersal, private browsing is the easiest and most effective.

Disabling Private Browsing

By now you are probably thinking why can’t I simply disable private browsing? If only it were that simple!

InPrivate and Incognito mode can be disabled on a laptop or PC…but it’s not easy nor for the tech-shy!

You must delve into your computer’s file system. Here’s how to do it for InPrivate and Incognito.

But…Private Browsing on Android and Apple tablets and smartphones cannot be disabled.

Android devices often come installed with Google’s Chrome browser. (Which includes Incognito browsing).

And iPhones, iPads and iPods use Safari. (Which features Private Browsing).

There are three workarounds:

1. Setup content restrictions.
2. Install a safe browser.
3. Install parental control software which monitors private browsing.

Let’s take a look at these now.

#1 Content Restrictions

Content restrictions help prevent your kids from using apps or visiting websites they shouldn’t.

As a first-line-of-defence, they can be helpful! Here’s how to set them up on Android, Apple and Windows 10.

But content restrictions have their limitations, namely:

• Default-off: Content restrictions aren’t on unless you turn them on. Your child will be able to access all apps, device settings and websites until they are switched on.
• Setup: If your child has multiple devices, you’ll need to set content restrictions on every device they use separately. (Windows 10 users are the exception).
• Web filtering: Content restrictions prevent kids viewing inappropriate sites, but only those deemed inappropriate by the device manufacturer. (Some could slip the net).
• Search history: Stealth browsing is not prohibited, so inappropriate websites not filtered by content restrictions can still be viewed by your child without you knowing.

Content restrictions offer some protection on individual devices….

…but the more devices they own, the more difficult it becomes to manage!

#2 Safe Browsers

Another option is to install a safe browser.

You set these up just like you would for any other app or software.

Safe browsers filter websites to prevent your child viewing inappropriate content online.

But because they are not the native browser (device supplied), the safe browser is installed in addition to the native browser. (Chrome, for example, is the native browser on Android).

So, what’s stopping your child from using the default browser instead?

You can set the safe browser as the default browser, but determined kids can usually locate the native browser. (With private browsing functionality).

And if your child has access to system settings, safe browsers can be easily uninstalled.

So, though an improvement on native browsers, safe browsers are not full-proof.

#3 Parental Control Solutions

The third – and best – option is to install a parental control solution.

The best of these combine parental controls with screen time management.

They range in price from free-of-charge to those with a reoccurring monthly subscription. (We wrote a blog all about choosing a screen time parental control solution. Check it out!)

But only some parental controls solutions effectively deal with private browsing.

So, be sure to check that the parental control solution you’re considering can either block private browsing or record internet history when you child uses a private browser.

OUR UNASHAMEDLY HONEST BIAS.

Give Habyts a try! With Habyts you can:

• Block harmful websites so your child can explore the web in safety and not see things they shouldn’t.
• Disable stealth/private browsing, meaning your child won’t be able to erase their digital footprint.
• Regulate screen time, eliminate homework distractions, motivate your kids and much more!

Find our more about Habyts