Suggestions for a mom from the baby boomer generation who constantly clicks on every link she encounters and struggles to stop—any advice?

Protecting Your Loved Ones Online: Solutions for Unsavvy Browsers

Navigating the internet can be a daunting task for many, especially for those in older generations who may struggle with safe online practices. If you’ve found yourself in a similar situation with a loved one, you’re not alone. In this blog post, we’ll explore strategies for ensuring that your family members stay safe while browsing the web—a topic that hit close to home for me as my 75-year-old mother faces significant challenges in her online interactions.

My mother, like many in her age group, is heavily engaged in social media and frequently clicks on links without discerning their safety. This habit has not only exposed her to numerous scams, but her computer has also become a hotspot for malware and unwanted tracking cookies. Despite my best efforts to guide her toward safer browsing habits, engaging in discussions often leads to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. It can be frustrating when rational arguments are met with resistance.

Given that personal conversations haven’t yielded the desired results, I have shifted my focus to implementing network-level solutions that might shield her from dangerous content. One viable option I am considering is the use of a DNS service capable of filtering out harmful sites. OpenDNS used to provide a blacklist feature that effectively restricted access to dangerous web addresses; I’m now exploring similar services that can help protect her.

If you’re in a comparable situation and are seeking ways to enhance internet safety for a family member, here are some recommendations based on my research:

Explore DNS Filtering Services

Services like NextDNS offer customizable filtering options that can help block potentially dangerous websites at the DNS level. This could be a useful first step to protect her devices from harmful content accessed through browsers and texts.

Strengthen Browser Security

To further enhance your loved one’s online experience, increase the security settings in their web browser. For example, installing extensions like uBlock Origin can help limit intrusive ads and prevent tracking.

Consider Layering Devices

If you’re comfortable with technology, you might think about incorporating a non-AT&T device into the existing network set-up. This could allow for greater customization and control over internet activity.

Future Projects

While immediate solutions are essential, it’s always wise to keep the long term in mind. I am also considering setting up a Pi-hole in the future, which could serve as an excellent ad-blocking solution and add another layer of protection.

Conclusion

This journey of keeping my mother safe online has been an educational

Share this content:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *