Keeping kids safe online can be a challenge, right? You want them to explore and learn, but you’re also worried about what they might stumble upon. Luckily, Microsoft Edge has a built-in feature called Kids Mode to help with this.
Kids Mode creates a secure browsing environment designed for children under 12. It limits access to a pre-approved list of websites and uses Bing SafeSearch to filter inappropriate content. It also prevents kids from easily exiting the mode without a password.
This is a free feature directly in Edge, offering a safer online experience. The default list includes about 70 kid-friendly sites, and you, as the parent, can customize it with more. Also, Bing SafeSearch is automatically set to “strict,” ensuring search results are child-appropriate.
To get out of Kids Mode, you need to enter your device’s login password, stopping kids from bypassing the security. On Windows, shortcut keys that might exit Kids Mode are disabled, but this isn’t available yet on macOS. Keep in mind, this feature may take time to roll out globally, so if you don’t see it yet, hold tight.
Enabling Kids Mode
It’s super easy to turn on Kids Mode, no extra downloads needed. Here’s the step-by-step:
- Open Microsoft Edge and look for your profile picture near the address bar, click it and select “Browse in Kids Mode” from the menu. If it’s your first time, a little info box might pop up. Just click “OK” to continue.
Note: You don’t need to be signed in to use Kids Mode, but if you are, your settings will sync across all your devices.
- Now, choose an age range for your child. You’ll see options for 5-8 years old or 9-12 years old. The older age group gets a news feed suitable for them. You can change this later if you need to.
After you pick the age group, your current session will close, and a brand new, full-screen Kids Mode window will open up. Your kids won’t be able to close this without the device password.
Using Kids Mode
Once inside Kids Mode, kids can visit only sites that are allowed, and you can add or remove sites from the approved list.
Kids can also personalize their experience within Kids Mode by changing themes. To do so, select the “Colors and background” button and pick from the different themes. This won’t change your regular browser theme.
Exiting Kids Mode
To exit, click on the “Kids Mode” icon at the top and select “Exit Kids Mode window”.
You’ll be asked for your device password, and then you’ll be back to your normal browsing. Remember, Edge will keep opening in Kids Mode until you manually exit.
Allowing Access to a Blocked Website
If your child tries to go to a site that’s not on the allowed list, a block page appears. Here’s how to grant access:
- On the block page, click “Get permission”.
- Enter your computer’s login password.
The page will then load. However, if you want the site to be permanently accessible, you’ll need to add it to the allowed list from outside Kids Mode.
Managing the Allowed Websites List
To edit the list of allowed sites, you need to be outside of Kids Mode and using the profile that launched it:
- Click on your profile icon and go to “Manage profile settings”.
- In the settings menu, find “Family” on the left side. Click “Manage allowed sites in Kids Mode”.
You’ll see the allowed sites in alphabetical order.
Adding a Website
Click the “Add website” button and type in the URL of the site you want to add.
Removing a Website
To remove a site, click the “X” icon beside the website name.
Kids Mode also has extra safety features. Tracking prevention is set to strict, blocking trackers, and all cookies and site data are cleared when Kids Mode is closed. These settings can’t be changed.
Also, some privacy settings are taken from the adult profile that activated Kids Mode, like blocking risky websites or downloads. Kids Mode is a really handy tool for parents, making shared computers safer for kids.
