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SafeSearch and web filters: what they block and what they miss

How to turn on SafeSearch in Google and other search engines, set browser filters, and understand what slips through.

By the eGuard teamLast checked 2 min read
The short version
  • SafeSearch hides explicit search results; it doesn't block websites.
  • Lock SafeSearch on through Family Link, Screen Time or a family DNS service.
  • No filter is perfect: images on social media, links in chats and in-app browsers can get through.

Filters are useful, especially for younger children who might stumble onto adult content by accident. But it helps to know exactly what each one does, so you don't rely on it for more than it can deliver.

SafeSearch

SafeSearch is a setting in search engines that hides explicit images, videos and websites from search results.

Google

Google has three options: Filter (hides explicit results), Blur (blurs explicit images), and Off. For children, choose Filter.

  • For supervised Google accounts under 13, SafeSearch is on and locked.
  • For teens and shared accounts, go to google.com/safesearch and choose Filter.
  • To lock it across your home network, use a family DNS service, which can force SafeSearch. See home Wi-Fi parental controls.

Bing, YouTube and others

Bing has a SafeSearch setting under Settings. YouTube uses Restricted Mode. Each search engine and app has its own setting.

Browser filters

  • Chrome on Android: with Family Link, choose Try to block explicit sites, or Only allow approved sites for young children.
  • Safari on iPhone: in Screen Time, Content Restrictions, Web Content, choose Limit Adult Websites, or Allowed Websites Only.
  • Other browsers: Family Link and Screen Time filters may not apply to every browser. Block browsers you haven't set up.

What filters miss

  • Social media and messaging apps. Explicit content on X, Telegram, Reddit or Discord isn't blocked by SafeSearch.
  • In-app browsers. Links opened inside games or chat apps may bypass browser filters.
  • New or unlisted sites. Filters work from lists, which are never complete.
  • Images and videos sent directly by other people.
  • Text-based harm: bullying, grooming, self-harm discussions.

A filter is a seatbelt

Filters reduce accidental exposure, especially for young children. They don't make a phone safe for unsupervised use. Talk to your child about what to do if they see something upsetting: close it, and tell you. See your child saw pornography: what to say.

Quick setup checklist

  1. Turn on SafeSearch in Google (Filter).
  2. Turn on browser filtering through Family Link or Screen Time.
  3. Set a family DNS on your router.
  4. Turn on YouTube Restricted Mode or use YouTube Kids.
  5. Block browsers and apps you haven't set up.
Want help putting this into practice?

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