Parental Controls with DNS Filtering
Set up network-level parental controls using DNS filtering. Block inappropriate content, enforce safe search, and manage screen time at the router level.
Why DNS-Based Parental Controls
Traditional parental control software must be installed on every device and is easily bypassed by tech-savvy children. DNS filtering works at the network level — every device on your network is protected, including phones, tablets, gaming consoles, and smart TVs.
When a device tries to visit a website, it first asks a DNS server to translate the domain name to an IP address. A filtering DNS server can block entire categories of content by refusing to resolve those domains.
DNS Filtering Options
| Service | Cost | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenDNS FamilyShield | Free | Pre-configured adult content blocking | Simple setup |
| CleanBrowsing | Free/Paid | Multiple filter levels (family, adult, security) | Granular control |
| NextDNS | Free (300K queries) / $20/year | Custom blocklists, per-device policies, analytics | Power users |
| Pi-hole | Free (self-hosted) | Full control, ad blocking, local DNS | Home lab users |
| Cloudflare 1.1.1.3 | Free | Malware + adult content blocking | Quick setup |
Setting Up Router-Level DNS
The most effective approach is configuring DNS at the router level. This forces all devices to use your chosen DNS server:
Router Settings → WAN / Internet → DNS Servers
Primary DNS: 208.67.222.123 (OpenDNS FamilyShield)
Secondary DNS: 208.67.220.123
For stronger enforcement, also block outbound DNS (port 53) and DNS-over-HTTPS on your router's firewall. This prevents devices from bypassing your DNS settings by using their own DNS servers (Google Chrome and Firefox have built-in DoH that can bypass router DNS).
NextDNS Configuration
NextDNS offers the best balance of ease and control:
- Create an account at nextdns.io and get your configuration ID.
- Configure your router to use NextDNS as the upstream DNS.
- Set up profiles — Different filtering levels for different devices based on MAC or IP address.
# Example NextDNS blocklist configuration:
- Porn: Enabled
- Gambling: Enabled
- Piracy: Enabled
- Social Media: Scheduled (blocked during school hours)
- Gaming: Scheduled (blocked 10 PM - 7 AM)
Enforcing Safe Search
DNS filtering can force safe search on major search engines and YouTube:
- Google Safe Search — CNAME
www.google.comtoforcesafesearch.google.com - YouTube Restricted — CNAME
www.youtube.comtorestrict.youtube.com - Bing Safe Search — CNAME
www.bing.comtostrict.bing.com
NextDNS and Pi-hole can enforce these rewrites automatically.
Limitations to Know
DNS filtering is not bulletproof:
- VPNs bypass DNS — A child using a VPN will bypass all DNS filtering. Block common VPN ports and apps if this is a concern.
- IP-based access — If someone types an IP address directly, DNS is not involved. Most content sites do not work this way, but it is possible.
- Cached results — Recently visited sites may be cached locally. Clearing the DNS cache resolves this.
- HTTPS inspection — DNS filtering blocks domains, not specific pages. You cannot block
reddit.com/nsfwwhile allowingreddit.com/science.
Despite these limitations, DNS filtering blocks the vast majority of inappropriate content and is far more effective than doing nothing.