If you have kids, you’re familiar with the security risks that can accompany their online activity, and have experienced the hassle of setting up parental controls across your devices. As we hit new highs of children’s online activity due to at home learning practices, Microsoft’s release of their Kids Mode browser came at the perfect time. This easy to use yet robust feature is Microsoft’s solution to safer internet browsing for children, and an easier toggle experience for adults.
The child friendly browser features custom browser themes, content restriction options, and site access limits through an approved list. It also includes Bing SafeSearch which will auto populate kid-friendly sites. The best feature of this mode is it doesn’t require a separate child account or profile!
Currently available for US English on Windows and MacOS, Microsoft has easy set up directions and further customization instructions under their support page.
To get you started:
- Open the profile switcher in the browser frame and select Browse in Kids Mode.
- Enter Kids Mode (You don’t have to be signed into the browser to do this, but signing in will allow the Kids Mode settings to sync across your devices.)
- If this is your first time launching Kids Mode, you’ll see an explanation of what the feature is.
- Choose the appropriate age range to launch Kids Mode in (5-8 years or 9 and older)
- After you select the appropriate age, your current browsing window will be saved and closed and a new window for Kids Mode opens in full screen.
- Until you exit Kids Mode, Microsoft Edge will always launch in Kids Mode.
To Exit Kids Mode:
- You need your device password (the same password used to unlock your computer) to exit Kids Mode and resume browsing.
- Select the Kids Mode icon at the top of the browser.
- Select Exit Kids Mode Window
- Enter your credentials.
Have questions regarding browser security? Drop us a line at solutions@thetek.com
