We understand how important it is to stay safe when you're online. That's why we have Parental Controls – an easy way for you to decide how much Internet access is right for your young maker.

As of the Kano OS v4.3.2 update, every Kano user’s Parental Control settings start out enabled by default to the Ultimate Level. The Ultimate Level restricts usage of all non-Kano apps so that they are not accessible to users unless the Ultimate Level Parental Control setting is turned off (see below for more information about the Ultimate Level's restrictions). The password to change or remove this default Parental Control setting is kano.

Levels

Once Parental Controls are enabled there are four levels to choose from.

Low	Activates Google SafeSearch and YouTube SafeSearch. It also uses a list of known unsafe websites and blocks them.
Medium	Activates FamilyShield–an industry leading service that constantly protects and updates from its list of millions of sites.
High	Combines the power of SafeSearch and FamilyShield to provide a high level of protection, especially when using search engines.
Ultimate	Disables Internet browsing, but allows important updates and access to Kano World so that you always get the latest software, projects, and fixes.

Enabling Parental Controls

Dashboard

If you are in Dashboard mode, click the cog icon to open the settings window. This is where we'll switch on Parental Controls.

Classic Mode

If you are in Classic mode, open the start menu and click Tools > Settings. This is just another way you can open the settings window!

Settings

Use the bar on the right to scroll down the page slightly. Click on the Advanced button - it's a purple button with three cogs.

Enable

Looking good! Click the checkbox to the left of Parental lock and then click Apply Changes to start the setup.

Password

Choose a password you'd like to use, then click the Lock button to enable the Parental Controls.

Please note: It is very important that you don't forget this password.

Done!

You did it! Parental Controls are now up and running on your Computer Kit.

Set Protection Level

Choose a Setting

You should see this page just after you've set your password. Select the level of protection you think is suitable for your young maker by moving the green slider on the left. Once you're done, go ahead and click Apply Changes.

Your Computer Kit will ask to confirm your settings by entering the password you set earlier. Remember to keep this safe!

Change Settings

If you want to change your settings later on, no sweat! Open the settings menu again and click configure. Have your password to hand as you'll need it to save any changes you make.

Switch Off Controls

Ready to let your young coder explore? Head back to Settings, uncheck the Parental Lock box and then click Apply Changes.

Troubleshooting

DNS Error

Some broadband providers like BT already including safety filters as part of their packages. If they are already switched on, you may find that enabling Parental Controls causes the Internet to no longer work on the Computer Kit.

If you would like to continue using the filters offered by your broadband provider you'll need to switch off the Parental Controls on your Computer Kit using the instructions above.

For more information, contact your broadband provider and ask about the parental filters on your broadband package.

Forgotten your password?

To remove or reset your Kano OS parental control password, please follow the steps in this article.