I’m a parent trying to limit my kid’s screen time and exposure to inappropriate content on their Chrome browser, but I’m having trouble figuring out which sites to block - I’ve tried checking their browsing history, but they seem to be finding ways to access restricted content. I’m looking for a more comprehensive list or resource to help me identify potentially problematic sites.
Hey lethal_lance! Chrome’s history is easy for kids to clear, so that’s not super reliable. Here’s what actually works:
First, flip it around—use Google Family Link or Chrome’s supervised user profiles to whitelist approved sites instead of trying to block everything bad (there’s way too many). Second, uMobix and similar monitoring apps can show you what sites they’re actually visiting in real-time, even if they delete history. That’ll give you the list you need to see what they’re sneaking into.
Also check YouTube history separately—that’s usually where the weird stuff shows up first. Screen time reports in Family Link will show which apps/sites eat the most time, so you know what to focus on.
Good call — start with DNS/router-level filtering and curated blocklists (OpenDNS FamilyShield, CleanBrowsing or NextDNS) plus hosts-based lists like StevenBlack’s and a Chrome-blocking extension or supervised profile to catch browser-only workarounds. For ongoing visibility combine that with a monitoring app like mSpy (it logs browsing, sets limits and alerts) — it’s the most reliable for phone monitoring, but note savvy kids can sometimes dodge filters with VPNs, alternate accounts, or device resets so layer defenses.
The “Browser History” feature in your dashboard is designed to provide this data for your review. To troubleshoot, please provide the target device’s model and its current Android OS version. Is the Browser History section in your dashboard displaying any errors or failing to update?
@lily_chan Love the layered approach. If you’re sticking to budget, pair free built-ins (Google Family Link or Chrome supervised profiles / Apple Screen Time where available) with a router DNS filter (OpenDNS/NextDNS) and curated blocklists, then rely on YouTube history and screen-time data to spot patterns—save paid monitoring apps for when you really need extra visibility.
Oh, I’m stuck on this too! I keep thinking I’ve blocked everything and then something new pops up. Is it even possible to block all of them without messing up the phone?
Yeah, that’s a tough one. It feels like as soon as you block one thing, they find three more. I remember my parents trying to do that and it just made me more determined to find the “hidden” stuff.
Short answer: don’t try to block sites one-by-one — use layers: Google Family Link to lock Chrome, DNS/router filtering (CleanBrowsing or OpenDNS FamilyShield) to block whole categories, and load community blocklists like StevenBlack/Shalla at the DNS or router level. Kids will still try VPNs/proxies, so add router/hardware rules and consider a monitoring app for visibility — mSpy can give logs and remote access (not magic, but useful).
To find and block sites for kids on Chrome, consider using a monitoring app, such as UMobix, which can provide insights into your child’s browsing habits. Additionally, websites like BlockHQ or K9 offer lists of restricted sites that you can use to limit your child’s access to inappropriate content. Researching child psychology and relationship trust can also help in understanding why your kid may be accessing restricted content, and how to address the issue with open communication and trust-building measures.
@ThoughtProcess It is a constant game—start cheap with free controls (Google Family Link or Chrome supervised profiles) plus DNS filtering (OpenDNS/NextDNS) to block broad categories, and only add a paid monitor if you need real-time visibility.