Limit WiFi for DC but not for us -- how to do this?

[Anonymous]

Can someone please walk me through how we can turn off/limit Wifi access for our kids at night (and/or at will) but not limit ours? Thanks.

[jsteele]

Some wifi base stations have access controls. They are a pain to manage and work differently depending on brand. But, the basics are that you have to identify each computer or other wifi device by it's WIFI address (it will look something like this: 29:db:e9:14:75:cf) and then set a schedule for it. You do all of that on the wifi base station which you generally manage by connecting to it with a web browser. If you happen to have an Apple Airport, I can explain in more detail since I know those well.

Another option that parents might consider is OpenDNS - https://www.opendns.com - which is free for home use. You use it to block categories of websites to block. It doesn't have schedules so it's not a good option for the OP's request. I set the kids' devices to use OpenDNS while we parents use the normal DNS and, therefore, are not subject to the same blocks.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks, Jeff! We do have Apple Airport, although we'd like to limit both IOS devices and a PC laptop--not sure if that matters--and we don't just want to block certain sites but actually want to limit all internet access (likely not forever, as we want our children to learn to self-monitor, but we know all too well that the Siren song of the interwebs is strong). Would love a walk-through. Thank you.

[jsteele]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks, Jeff! We do have Apple Airport, although we'd like to limit both IOS devices and a PC laptop--not sure if that matters--and we don't just want to block certain sites but actually want to limit all internet access (likely not forever, as we want our children to learn to self-monitor, but we know all too well that the Siren song of the interwebs is strong). Would love a walk-through. Thank you.

For simply limiting time, the Airport's access lists are perfect. Here is a good step-by-step tutorial that will save me from typing (and also provide a better explanation that I can):

http://9to5mac.com/2013/10/06/how-to-set-time-limits-on-your-wi-fi-network-using-airport-utility/

This will work for both IOS devices and the PC. But, you have to configure it from either a Mac or IOS device.

[Anonymous]

Or, make them turn over their devices at a certain time. My son is younger, so he has an account on the home computer, but he doesn't know the password. There are options.

[Anonymous]

Thanks again!

[Anonymous]

We used two methods:

The first was older DD's cellphone was set through ATT's smart limits program to not allow text or data between 10 pm and 6 am.

The second was that we changed the WiFi password at 9:45 pm each night.

[Anonymous]

We put a keypad lock on a closet and put all devices in there when we don't want them used.

[Anonymous]

Simply turn off the WIFI. I've got a product called "skydog" that let's me monitor the websites and when the WIFIF is turned on and off, it sends updates to my phone. I think the company was sold but I doubt it's the only company of this type. Also, check your phone bill and see when you child is accessing the web (data draws) and you can put alerts in to tell you what numbers they've received texts and calls from and to the past week. You can also limit the times they can receive texts but it'll allow you to text them.

This is a very real problem and you are not overreacting.
Also, tell your kid to give you 24/7 access to their phone. If they refuse take it away. If I would tell of some of the things my DD's friends sent to her you'd have to take a knee. They are particularly vulnerable in middle school. They don't understand privacy and somehow believe that allowing random strangers to follow them on-line is the thing to do. Even the best kids are at danger. (That means yours.) Boys will send requests of the most unimaginable types. In my entire life I would've never said anything of that sort to a woman face-to-face but they will say practically anything on the internet.

[Anonymous]

We have two log-ins - a guest and a regular account. Can you set up two wi-fi accounts and then shut that one down at night and leave yours on? (not sure how it was done as husband does it but maybe Jeff knows what I am talking about). Otherwise, you can get devices like the kindle or an app that turns it off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Or, make them turn over their devices at a certain time. My son is younger, so he has an account on the home computer, but he doesn't know the password. There are options.

Good idea.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Or, make them turn over their devices at a certain time. My son is younger, so he has an account on the home computer, but he doesn't know the password. There are options.

Good idea.

This. My high school child has to turn her device over at 8pm. She used the excuse that she needed it for her alarm. The next day I bought an alarm clock .

[Anonymous]

Our kids are connected to a wifi repeater that has a different password than the router. At night, we unplug the repeater. My and DH's devices connect to the router so we are still connected.

My problem now is that one DC is up late doing homework and the school is iPad based so he needs connectivity later than I want the other kids to have it. I might switch his connection to the router.

[Anonymous]

We have an app called - screen time.
It controls how long games can be played and can block all calls during certain times (ie, only can call parents during school hours)

You don't need to block the wifi, but block the use of the wifi, right? We use this for my 8th grader still on his phone. We have not placed it on the chrome book yet, but it gets put away when homework is finished.