- Kids Mode of Microsoft Edge provides a safe and customizable environment for children's browsing.
- Allows you to choose between age profiles, site filters, and child-friendly visual themes.
- Allowed site management and PIN protection ensure effective and easy parental control.
Giving our children internet access can be a delicate task if we want to protect them from online dangers while still allowing them to explore and learn. Microsoft Edge has taken action by incorporating Kids Mode, a feature specifically designed to create a safe, educational and fun environment for young people.Many parents still don't know the details of how it works or how to get the most out of it, so here's the most comprehensive guide to understanding and taking advantage of all the possibilities of this children's mode.
Whether you share your computer with your kids or just want to make sure their browsing is age-appropriate: With Edge Kids Mode you can set filters, personalize the experience, manage allowed sites, and even give them a visually appealing and responsive browser.Discover below everything you can do and how to do it, step by step, without leaving anything out.
What is Microsoft Edge Kids Mode and why should you turn it on?
El Microsoft Edge Kids Mode is a parental control feature built into the browser.. Its main objective is Ensure web browsing adapted to the needs of children up to 12 years old, both in terms of content and protection against trackers and personalized advertising.
No need to install extensions or external applications: Kids Mode is available directly from Edge and can be activated or deactivated with just a few clicksThis ease of use is one of its main advantages over other solutions that require complex configurations, subscriptions, or advanced technical knowledge.
Microsoft designed this functionality not only to reassure parents, but to Create an environment where children can enjoy, learn and discover the Internet at their own pace and always under supervision.Additionally, this mode modifies the browser's appearance, filling it with eye-catching visual themes and limiting distractions, making the environment user-friendly and intuitive.
Main functions and features of Kids Mode
Edge's Kids Mode goes far beyond a simple web content filter. These are its key functions:
- Strict content filter: Use Bing SafeSearch to block adult text, image, and video results, ensuring your searches don't return inappropriate material.
- Customizable allowed website lists: Only pre-approved websites (around 70 popular children's sites) are accessible by default, but parents can add or remove pages according to their preferences.
- Differentiated profiles for two age ranges: You can choose between ages 5 to 8 or 9 to 12. Each age group has slightly different settings and access to suit their maturity and curiosity.
- Advanced tracking filter: Minimizes ad tracking to protect your child's privacy by reducing exposure to personalized ads.
- PIN or password protection: It is impossible to exit Kids Mode without entering the password or PIN set by the adult responsible for the device.
- Adaptive visual interface: Full screen, taskbar and search removed, colorful visual themes and background images Disney and other very attractive franchises for children.
- News and educational content: The profile for ages 9-12 adds a news section curated specifically for children, covering topics such as fun science and the animal world.
These features not only ensure a safe environment, but also make Kids Mode a flexible and easy-to-use tool for the whole family..
When is it useful to activate Kids Mode?
Kids Mode is ideal in situations where little ones use the family computer, especially when Parents cannot supervise every minute of screen time.. It is also perfect for Prevent accidental errors or access to adult content when children borrow the deviceMicrosoft calls this the “handover scenario,” which is common when busy adults and children use the same computer for a while.
Many parents are familiar with parental controls, but they don't always activate them because they are difficult to configure. Edge Kids Mode removes that barrier with a fast, responsive, out-of-the-box experience..
How to enable Kids Mode in Microsoft Edge step by step
Activating Kids Mode is very simple and only takes a few seconds:
- Open Microsoft Edge on your computer (make sure you have the latest version updated from Edge: // settings / help).
- Click on your profile picture (top right of the browser).
- Select the “Browse in Kids Mode” option or “Explore in Kids Mode”.
- Choose the right age group: 5 to 8 years old, or 9 to 12 years old. This automatically adjusts filters and access.
- Done! The screen will change, the Kids Mode environment will appear, and only allowed sites will be available.
The first time you activate it, Edge will display a welcome window with some recommendations and the ability to customize a few details before continuing.
Customizing and managing websites allowed in Kids Mode
By default, Kids Mode only allows you to browse a “white list” of preselected sites (about 70 portals for children's content, science, entertainment and games). However, one of the most powerful points of this function is that You can adapt that list to your liking, adding or removing pages for a truly tailored experience.
How to do it? Follow these steps:
- Click on your profile picture and select “Manage profile settings.”
- Sign in Configuration and find the section Family on the left side.
- Press on Manage allowed sites in Kids Mode.
- To add a website, click Add website, enter the URL and confirm in Add.
- To remove websites, find them in the list and delete them as you see fit.
El Kids Mode will block access to all websites not includedIf the child tries to access a page outside the list, they'll see an information screen and can ask for permission (ideal for specific cases or adding new educational or entertainment websites).
Age profiles and their impact on the browsing experience
When choosing the age range when you activate Kids Mode, Edge significantly adapts the interface and available options:
- For children from 5 to 8 years old:
- Access only to appropriate sites (animals, games, basic educational content).
- A very visual, simple, and colorful design, without distractions or “serious” sections.
- Aesthetic customization with eye-catching backgrounds and favorite characters.
- For children from 9 to 12 years old:
- Access to the same list of sites but with the option of a "news for kids" section, which combines articles on fun science, basic technology, nature, and relevant current affairs.
- Greater autonomy to read, explore, and learn safely according to their age.
In both profiles, the Bing SafeSearch filter is fully active. and potentially dangerous or inconvenient ads and trackers are blocked.
Visual themes and aesthetic customization in Kids Mode
One of the features most appreciated by the little ones is the possibility of customize the browser's appearance with special themesMicrosoft Edge collaborates with popular franchises like Disney, allowing you to choose backgrounds from movies like Frozen, Toy Story, Coco, Finding Nemo, Cars, or The Little Mermaid, among many other options.
Activating a theme is as simple as navigating through the Kids Mode menus and selecting a favorite background image or color. The experience is much more fun and will make children feel like they are in their own digital space..
Safety and Privacy: How Kids Mode Really Protects Your Child
Edge implements multiple layers of protection to ensure privacy and security:
- Bing SafeSearch Strict: All searches are filtered to avoid inappropriate text, images, and videos.
- Tracking prevention: The browser blocks most web trackers, preventing your child's activity from being tracked for personalized advertising.
- PIN or password protection: : You can only leave the Kids Mode environment by entering the PIN or password of the adult user account.
- Full screen and locked interface: The child cannot accidentally leave the mode or switch to other profiles or browser windows.
Furthermore, The list of allowed sites can be reviewed and adjusted at any time, and exiting Kids Mode always requires adult intervention.
Exit Kids Mode: Adults Only
To exit Kids Mode and return to normal browser use, It is essential that the responsible adult enters their PIN or the user password of the deviceThe process ensures that children cannot circumvent restrictions or manipulate settings on their own.
To close the children's environment:
- Move the cursor to the top of the screen (the hidden address bar will appear).
- Tap “Kids Mode” and select the exit option.
- Enter the password or PIN you normally use to access your computer.
So simple, but effective. There is no possibility of minors closing the mode accidentally or intentionally without supervision.
Advantages, strengths, and limitations of Edge Kids Mode
Main advantages:
- Ease of use and very intuitive configuration, without the need to install anything or pay for subscriptions.
- Full customization on allowed sites and visual aesthetics appealing to children.
- Total control for parents, including a robust locking system and PIN or password protected exit.
- Fun and educational environment, with selected content adapted to the age of both profiles.
Limitations:
- Only available in Microsoft Edge (not in other browsers or apps of the system).
- It does not replace advanced parental controls on full devices., but it is ideal for occasional and secure web browsing.
- Does not block external applications nor the use of devices outside the browser.
For many homes, these limitations are not relevant, as children's primary use is under supervision or in specific sessions.
Tips and best practices to get the most out of Kids Mode
Some recommendations to get the most out of it:
- Review the list of allowed sites regularly and update it based on your child's interests and age.
- Customize the background and colors to make the browser as user-friendly as possible.
- Make sure you always keep Edge up to date to enjoy the latest security features.
- Discuss with your child what they'll find in the mode and use the 'friendly block page' option to discuss new sites they might want to visit.
- Remember that you can use Kids Mode both in Windows as in Mac.
El Edge Kids Mode It's Microsoft's solution to giving parents peace of mind while their children enjoy and learn while surfing the internet. Integrating this feature into the family's digital routine is simple, fast, and highly effective, allowing children to feel independent and secure at the same time. If you're looking for a flexible, hassle-free solution to control children's browsing, this is undoubtedly one of the most recommended and up-to-date options on the market.
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