How to Block Inappropriate Websites in Internet Explorer

Countless websites exist on the Internet that you don't want your child to view. You can't be there to monitor your child's online activities every second of the day, so it can be hard to prevent your child from coming across something you don't want them to see or use. Internet Explorer has an effective solution to this problem: block inappropriate websites.

Instructions

1. Navigate to your desktop and click on the Internet Explorer shortcut icon. If you can't find the icon, navigate to your program list by clicking on the "Start" button on the lower, left-hand side of your screen. Click "All Programs" and look for Internet Explorer in your program list. Click "Internet Explorer" to open the browser.

2. Open Up the Content Manager. With Internet Explorer now open, navigate to your toolbar at the top of your screen. Click on "Tools," and a new drop-down menu will appear; scroll all the way down to the bottom and select "Internet Options." The toolbar box will pop up. Click the tab titled "Content." At the top of the tab menu, you will see the "Content Advisor," and underneath, a button labeled "Enable." Click "Enable" and the "Content Advisor" menu will pop up.

3. Add the Inappropriate Websites You Wish to Block. Once the "Content Advisor" is open, you will see four tabs. Click the second tab titled "Approved Sites." Here, you can add a list of preapproved websites, or a list of inappropriate websites that you wish to block. To add a new website that you want to block, type in the URL of the website in the box "Allow this website." Then, click the button "Never" on the right-side menu. The website will then display in the larger box underneath with a red slashed circle. This signifies the website has been successfully added to the list of blocked websites. Continue adding each website you want to block. When you are finished, click "Apply."

4. Choose a password for the Content Manager. After you have finished adding websites to the blocked list, click "Okay." A new box will pop up, asking you to choose a password. Choose a password that is easy for you to remember, but difficult for your child to guess. You will also be asked to choose a password hint; if possible, skip this option by inputting a nonsensical word or using punctuation. You don't want to use a legitimate password hint here, because a window will pop up anytime your child tries to visit a blocked site asking for your password to bypass the block, and the password hint is prominently displayed beneath the password box every time this happens. This could give your child an opportunity to guess your password and bypass the filters you have put into place.

5. Test the blocked websites. After you have selected your password, click "Okay" and close the Content Manager. Try navigating to the website you have just added to the blocked list. If a new box pops up asking for a password for access to the website, then you have successfully blocked the inappropriate site. If not, open up the Content Manager again and check the websites on the list; you may have accidentally added the website to the "approved" list -- if you did, a green circle will be displayed next to the website on the list. Remove the website from the list, and then add it again by typing in the URL and selecting "Never."