Health & Fitness
Two Ways to Limit Your Kids' Internet Time
Did you know you can restrict your kids' Internet access using your wireless router?
Welcome to my blog! My name is Jeff Keihl, and I've been a Dublin resident since 1997. I work with software technology by day and spend a heck of a lot of time doing tech support for my family on the side. We have kids ages 9, 13 and 16 so there is always some new technology to evaluate and support. Managing the family technology has been challenging, but I feel we have finally achieved a good balance. I hope my tips on managing technology are informative and useful.
To get started, here are some tips to help limit your kids' Internet time.
Having a wireless router is a great convenience. While your kids need Internet access at times, you probably don't want them surfing the Internet, checking Facebook or watching Netflix all night. Here are two possible solutions to ease your worries if your kids have a computer, iPad, iPod touch or other Internet-enabled device in their room.
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1. Router Policy: Most routers come with the ability to schedule when the Internet is accessible. In many cases you can also add access policies by device e.g. kid's computer vs. parents' computer.
Here is a configuration example for a Linksys router:
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— Log into your router with the default IP address, user and password. For Linksys routers it is "http://192.168.1.1".
— Select the "Access Restrictions" tab. (See the "Router Policy" screenshot)
— Select one of the numbered policies and choose an Access Restriction of "Enable" or "Deny".
—Select the Days and Time.
—If you want to add restrictions only to your child's devices, then select "Edit List" next to "Applied PCs". It is best to use MAC Address because IP settings can change. To find the MAC address for your device use Google or another search engine with the phrase "how to find mac address for" plus the type of device your child uses. For example: "how to find a mac address for an iPod Touch."
2. Timer: This is a "low tech" option but it works, especially if you can't remember your router password and you don't mind shutting off all Internet access. Put the router in your room and plug it into a timer like you would use for a light or Christmas tree.
