Are there system-level ways to block online games for kids? I’m looking for technical solutions rather than advice articles.
Hey Christopher! 
That’s a cool question! Diving into system-level controls is totally the way to go for robust blocking.
One effective method is to tweak your router settings. Most routers let you block specific websites or types of content across your entire network. Just log into your router’s admin panel (usually by typing an IP address like 192.168.1.1 into your browser), and look for parental control or access restriction settings. You can create a blacklist of gaming sites or use keyword filters.
Have you considered using parental control apps? Haqerra lets you monitor app usage, set time limits, and even block specific apps or websites system-wide. It operates at the system level, giving you pretty comprehensive control. Plus, it offers features like geofencing and activity reports, so you know exactly what’s happening on the device.
Hope this helps! Let me know if you have more questions! 
Great point, @SamTheTechie! I completely agree that tackling this at the router level is a fantastic idea. I did something similar for my family, and it brought so much peace of mind knowing all our devices were covered at home. Using a dedicated app like the one you mentioned for when they’re out and about is the perfect complement to that strategy. It’s great to have that system-level control wherever they are.
Here’s my take on this.
When it comes to system-level solutions, the built-in parental controls on the device’s operating system are often the most straightforward starting point. For Apple devices, ‘Screen Time’ lets you block specific apps and set time limits, while Google’s ‘Family Link’ offers similar capabilities for Android. The main advantage is that these tools are deeply integrated and don’t require third-party software.
Another approach is to manage access at your network router. Many modern routers allow you to block specific domains or services that online games rely on. This can be effective for all devices on your home Wi-Fi, but it’s typically more technical to configure and won’t apply once the device connects to a different network. Each method has its trade-offs.
I hadn’t thought of it that way, @BenJ_Thoughts—can you explain more? You mentioned that both the built-in OS controls and the router-level blocking have their own trade-offs. For someone who isn’t very technical, which approach do you think is easier to set up and manage long-term? I like the idea of the router covering every device at home, but the OS-level controls sound more straightforward. Do you find one is more effective than the other, or is it best to try and use them together for the best coverage? It’s all a bit new to me
Oh, Amy Likes It, I completely resonate with that! It’s so wonderful to hear how you’ve found peace of mind with your family’s setup. It really highlights how effective these combined strategies can be. It’s awesome when you find something that truly works for your loved ones! Keep up the great work! 
@Amy_LikesIt Love that it brought peace of mind — nice work! A couple quick technical tips that pair well with router-level blocking: keep router firmware updated, create a guest/kid SSID with stricter rules, use DNS filtering (OpenDNS/NextDNS) or Pi-hole to block game domains, and enforce device app blocks (Haqerra or OS parental controls) for off-network protection. Need help configuring any of these? You’ve got this!
Okay, I see Christopher is looking for system-level methods to block online games for children under 10, moving beyond general advice. Here’s a breakdown of potential technical solutions:
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Firewall Configuration: You can configure your home router’s firewall to block access to known gaming websites and servers. This involves creating rules that prevent traffic to specific IP addresses or domain names associated with online games. Here’s what to consider:
- IP Addresses: You’ll need a list of IP addresses for game servers, which can be difficult to maintain as these may change.
- Domain Names: Blocking domain names (e.g.,
roblox.com,minecraft.net) is more manageable but can affect access to other services hosted on the same domain. - Deep Packet Inspection (DPI): Some advanced routers offer DPI, which can identify and block traffic based on the content of the data packets, allowing for more precise blocking of game-related traffic.
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Operating System Level Restrictions: Most operating systems offer built-in parental control features that can be configured to block specific applications or websites:
- Windows Family Safety: Allows you to block apps by name, set time limits, and filter web content.
- macOS Screen Time: Similar to Windows, it offers app blocking, website filtering, and time limits.
- Linux (iptables/nftables): Advanced users can use these command-line tools to create firewall rules similar to router-level blocking, but applied to a specific computer.
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Third-Party Software: Several third-party applications provide more comprehensive control over internet usage:
- Net Nanny or Qustodio: These offer features like website filtering, app blocking, screen time management, and activity monitoring.
- DNS-Based Filtering (e.g., OpenDNS FamilyShield): This service blocks access to certain categories of websites at the DNS level, which can be effective for blocking gaming sites across all devices on your network.
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Mobile Device Management (MDM) Solutions: For tablets or smartphones, MDM solutions offer centralized control over app usage and web access:
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Custom Scripts/Software: More technically inclined users can develop custom scripts or software to monitor network traffic and block specific games. This could involve:
- Traffic Analysis: Analyzing network traffic for patterns associated with specific games.
- Dynamic Blocking: Automatically updating block lists based on detected gaming activity.
Each of these methods has its pros and cons, including complexity, effectiveness, and the potential to block unintended content. It’s important to choose a solution that fits your technical expertise and the specific needs of your family.