With kids having so much access to the internet on mobile devices, it is important to monitor their internet usage and restrict search results. A curious child might google a word they overheard or search for something they saw on a bumper sticker or t-shirt. Safe Search algorithms recognize when content is of adult nature and has filters to automatically block adult content from search results. 

In this guide, we'll explore what Safe Search is, why it matters, and how you can easily turn it on or off based on your preferences. Learn how to turn on Safe Search for Google, Bing, and Yahoo search engines. 

What is Safe Search?

Safe Search is a web search filter designed to prevent explicit or inappropriate content from appearing in search results. It acts as a protective barrier, particularly for users who want to maintain a kid-friendly environment while browsing the web, or for a professional workplace setting. Safe Search algorithms analyze web pages and filter out content that may be considered explicit, violent, or otherwise unsuitable for certain audiences.

Why Safe Search Matters:

Protecting Users:

• Safe Search is particularly important for protecting users, especially children, from stumbling upon explicit or inappropriate content accidentally. It adds an extra layer of security to online browsing.

Maintaining a Safe Environment:

• By enabling Safe Search, you contribute to creating a safer online environment. This is especially beneficial for households, schools, and workplaces where maintaining a family-friendly or professional atmosphere is crucial.

Customizing Your Search Experience:

• Safe Search provides users with the flexibility to customize their search experience. Whether you're a parent, a teacher, or an individual who prefers filtered content, enabling or disabling Safe Search allows you to tailor your online experience to your preferences.

How to Turn Safe Search On:

Enabling Safe Search is a straightforward process, and the steps may vary slightly depending on the search engine you're using. Below, we outline the steps for some popular search engines:

Google:‍

Visit https://www.google.com/preferences. Under Content, select SafeSearch. Choose the level of Safe Search you want between the three options: 

1. Visit https://www.google.com/preferences.
2. Under Content, select SafeSearch. Choose the level of Safe Search you want between the three options:
3. Filter: Helps filter out explicit images, text, and links
4. Blur: Helps blue explicit images, but explicit texts and links may show
5. Off: Shows all relevant results, even if they’re explicit

You can also explore additional safety and security feature options on this page to discover what other features can be enabled. If you’re signed in to your Google account, these settings will be the same between your computer, Android, and iPhone devices.

‍Bing:

1. Go to the Bing.com homepage.
2. Click on the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
3. Select "Settings."
4. Under "SafeSearch," choose the desired filtering level: "Strict," "Moderate," or "Off."
5. Click "Save."

Yahoo:

• Visit the Yahoo.com homepage.
• Select Sign in at the top right. Sign in using your Yahoo account.
• Search any term to view the search results page.
• Select the purple, gear-shaped icon at the top right of the page and select “Preferences”
• From the drop down menu, select your SafeSearch preferences.
• If you don’t want to sign in, you can still turn on SafeSearch by choosing the icon at the top right that is 9 dots in a square shape.
• Click this icon, and select “Settings”
• Under the Search Preferences page, you can select the level of SafeSearch you want.

How to Turn Safe Search Off:

Disabling Safe Search follows a similar process. However, it's essential to consider the potential risks associated with turning off this feature, especially in shared or family environments.

Google, Bing, and Yahoo:

• Follow the same steps outlined for enabling Safe Search.
• Instead of selecting a filtering level, choose the option to turn Safe Search "Off."
• Save the changes.

Safe Search is a valuable tool for creating a secure online environment. Whether you're a parent wanting to protect your children or an individual who prefers filtered content, understanding how to turn on or off Safe Search empowers you to customize your online experience. By taking a few simple steps, you can know that your child is less likely to stumble upon adult content.

At Astro, we have created a tool that allows you to view and share YouTube videos safely, without the distractions of recommended videos, comments, and AutoPlay. It’s free and easy. Try SafeTube today, or learn more about it here. 

For more advanced safety features for schools, Astro has built an education-focused browser for schools. Internet safety for kids is at the heart of our mission. We create tools for educators to share a curated piece of the Internet with their students, who can only view the chosen websites from their devices. It keeps students focused on their work and safe from the adult content and rabbit-holes online.

If you’re interested in getting started with AstroSafe as a teacher, a parent or a distributor, feel free to reach out at hello@astrosafe.co or if you want to learn more visit our website astrosafe.co

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