Setting Parental Controls on your MacBook

Set Parental Controls

You can set a variety of restrictions to help keep your kids out of trouble when they are on the Internet or just using your computer. Each account has the option to Enable Parental Controls, so go ahead and create a new user account using the steps previously outlined and enable this function. This automatically changes a Standard account into a Managed account.

Now that parental controls are enabled, you can access them by clicking the Open Parental Controls button. You can also access these settings by choosing Apple > System Preferences and then clicking Parental Controls. You'll see the available Managed accounts in the left sidebar. Click the account that you want to set permissions for. You'll notice five tabs along the top of the dialog box: System, Content, Mail & iChat, Time Limits, and Logs.

You don't have to limit the use of parental controls to children. You can use these tools to help prevent inexperienced computer users from becoming overwhelmed or accidentally making changes to your MacBook. Some settings will help senior citizens use the computer, too, like enabling the Simple Finder, which uses big icons, or limiting the number of items on the Dock.

System

The System tab enables you to set permissions for tasks relating to your MacBook's operating system through the following check boxes:

Use Simple Finder - Creates a streamlined and easy-to-use interface for inexperienced computer users. The icons are larger and there's limited choices available on the Dock.
Only Allow Selected Applications - Enables you to restrict what applications are available for the user to access when they are logged in. For example, you might want to set access for your middle-school child to use the Internet browser, a word processing application, and an approved game or two, and limit your preschool child to just a few educational games.
Can Administer Printers - Allows the user to add and remove printers.
Can Change Password - Allows the user to change and create their own passwords (probably not something you want your child to do!).
Can Burn CDs and DVDs Allows the user to use the CD/DVD drive to burn discs.
Can Modify the Dock Allows the user to add and remove items from the Dock.

Content

The Content tab settings relate to the types of content users of Managed accounts are permitted to access:

Hide Profanity in Dictionary - Like it or not, the dictionary contains some words that parents would prefer their children not learn at a tender age. Clicking this box prevents them from accessing inappropriate content in the Dictionary application.
Website Restrictions - You can choose one of three settings that affect what a Managed account user can view online. Allow Unrestricted Access to Websites doesn't offer any limits to the type of content they can see. Try to Limit Access to Adult Websites Automatically allows your MacBook to decide what is and isn't adult content. Use the Customize button to set up a list of blocked sites. Allow Access to Only These Websites lets you set access for only those websites that you approve of. This is the best setting for very young computer users!

Mail & iChat

Probably the number one concern relating to computer use by children is the threat of Internet predators. You can use the Mail & iChat settings to set restrictions on who can and can't reach your child online:

Limit Mail - Check this box to only allow specific people to contact your child via e-mail. You can add and remove contacts at any time by using the + and – buttons.
Limit iChat - Check this box to restrict who your child can have instant message conversations with.
Send Permission Requests To - Check this box and a permission request e-mail will be sent to the address you specify whenever the user attempts to contact someone who isn't on the approved list in Mail.

Time Limits

You can use the Time Limits tab to set how long your child or other users can be logged into the computer. You can set weekday and weekend limits as well as restrict access completely during certain times of the day. Click the lock at the bottom of the screen to prevent additional changes to your settings.

Logs

With the Logs feature you can see exactly what your child was up to at any time that they were logged in and using the computer. Check out what websites they've visited, the applications that they've used, and logs of any instant messaging chats they've had. You can also block unsuitable sites and restrict applications on the Logs tab.

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