Protecting Your Loved Ones: A Guide to Safe Internet Browsing for Seniors

In today’s digital landscape, navigating the internet can be a daunting task, especially for seniors who may not have grown up with this technology. If you find yourself in a situation similar to mine—where your elderly relative is prone to clicking on every link they encounter—you’re not alone.

I recently faced a challenge with my 75-year-old mother, who has struggled to understand the nuances of safe internet browsing. She frequently clicks on ads on Facebook, follows links in spam emails, and taps on dubious text message URLs. As a result, she’s been scammed multiple times, though fortunately, we’ve managed to recover some of the lost funds. Her device has become a veritable treasure trove of malware and tracking cookies, and traditional conversations about internet safety seem to fall on deaf ears.

Rational discourse hasn’t worked for us, and it often feels like any feedback is met with defensiveness. Thus, I began my search for technological solutions that could help safeguard her online presence without relying on behavioral changes.

DNS Solutions to the Rescue

One of the most promising approaches I’ve considered involves leveraging DNS services that offer the ability to block dangerous sites. I remember that OpenDNS provided a blacklist feature previously, and I’m on the lookout for similar services that can help shield her from harmful links.

If you’re in a similar situation and are exploring options, here’s what you could consider:

Utilize a Reliable DNS Service: Look into options like NextDNS, which can be configured to automatically filter out malicious sites. It’s user-friendly, and you can customize the level of protection according to your needs.
Enhance Browser Security: Implementing browser extensions such as uBlock Origin can significantly reduce the chances of encountering ads and malicious links while browsing.
Secure Device Settings: Increase the security settings in the browser to help catch potential threats before they can be accessed.
Consider Additional Hardware: If needed, layering a non-ATT device on your existing network setup can provide an additional layer of security against harmful traffic.
Explore Long-term Solutions: While I am also looking into using a Pi-hole as a more permanent solution in the future, it may require more technical know-how and time to set up.