---
title: "Setting Up Parental Controls or Content Filtering | Smart Systems"
description: "How to set up network-level parental controls to filter content or restrict internet access for specific devices or times of day."
url: "https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/parental-controls-content-filtering"
---

[Home](https://www.smartsysinc.com/)/[Support](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support)/Setting Up Parental Controls or Content Filtering

# Setting Up Parental Controls or Content Filtering

How to set up network-level parental controls to filter content or restrict internet access for specific devices or times of day.

Network & Wi-Fi

### Options for Parental Controls

**Router-Level Filtering** Most modern routers support basic content filtering and scheduling:
1. Log into your router's admin panel.
2. Look for **Parental Controls**, **Access Control**, or **Content Filtering**.
3. You can typically block specific websites, set time schedules (e.g., no internet after 9 PM), or pause internet for specific devices.
**DNS-Based Filtering (Recommended)** For more robust filtering, we recommend DNS-based solutions:
- **CleanBrowsing** — Free family filter, blocks adult content
- **OpenDNS Family Shield** — Free, blocks adult content and malware
- **NextDNS** — Paid, highly customizable with per-device rules
 These work by changing your network's DNS servers, which filters content at the network level — no software to install on individual devices.
**Network-Level Controls (Enterprise)** For businesses and schools, we deploy firewall-level content filtering with granular policies per user group, detailed reporting, and compliance features.

### Smart Systems Tip

 We can configure DNS filtering on your network that applies to all connected devices automatically — including guest devices and IoT equipment. This is the most reliable approach since it can't be bypassed by changing device settings. Ask us about setting this up.

## Related articles

- [Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Dead Zones in Your Home](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/troubleshooting-wifi-dead-zones)
- [What to Do When Your Internet Feels Slow](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/internet-feels-slow)
- [Reconnecting a Device That Dropped Off Your Wi-Fi](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/reconnecting-dropped-device)
- [How to Restart Your Network Equipment Safely](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/restart-network-equipment)
- [Setting Up and Managing Your Guest Wi-Fi Network](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/guest-wifi-network)

## Still stuck?

Submit a ticket or talk to our support assistant, and we’ll take it from here.

[Submit a Ticket](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support?tab=ticket)[(423) 877-8195](tel:+14238778195)