YouTube is one of the most visited websites where people can watch videos online. However, it can also be a big distraction and time waster, most especially to children. If you have Dish Network and wish to block the YouTube in home network, then you have the following different possibilities. Here are the details of how you can block YouTube on Dish Network.
Use Parental Controls
The simplest way to block YouTube on Dish Network is through the use of the parental control features that are present in it. Dish provides its’ subscribers with a lot of freedom in terms of controlling what they are allowed to view or not view from the various channels and programs available to them.
Here's how to set up parental controls to block YouTube:
- Locate the “Parental Controls” option and then press the Menu button on your Dish remote.
- Type in your passcode if necessary. The default value is “0000” but for security purposes, you should change this.
- Choose “Channel & Content Locks.” This is where you will limit access to content.
- Enter your passcode again.
- You have to get to “Block Web Video” and choose “Block Unrated” which will not allow any web video through your Dish receiver except those which are unrated and include YouTube.
This setting can also be turned on and off at will whenever it is necessary. Therefore, if one wants to block website access entirely, then select “Always Block. ” If one wishes to block only at some time, then select options such as “Block Unrated” or “After 8PM Block.”
The advantage of using Dish’s parental controls is that it is very fast and easy to configure. The drawback is that the blocking of YouTube is only done on the Dish receiver only and not on the device as a whole. If the kids are using YouTube through another device for instance the Smartphone, tablet, or computer then this method will not work.
How to Set the Firewall and Parental Controls on Your wireless Router
If you want to completely block YouTube on all the devices connected to the internet in your home, then you will need to adjust settings on the wireless router. Most modern routers have customizable parental controls such as:
- Time limitations – Place restrictions on the time that may be spent browsing the internet.
- Time access - Banning the use of internet during certain times of the day.
- Limit or enable sites – This means that you either allow or deny website such as YouTube.
The process to do this will slightly differ depending on the brand and model of your router. However, in the most basic sense, you will be entering your router’s admin interface, going to parental control or access control settings and then turn on restrictions. Features that must be implementable are such things as the time limits, schedules, and website filtration options.
It may be possible to ‘banned’ or filter out sites such as you tube or limit the amount of time that is allowed on them. You can always try to adjust the settings to select what you think is suitable for your home and kids. The additional benefit is that the router-based controls extend to each device that connects to your Wi-Fi.
Use Third-Party Apps
The third strategy is to employ third-party applications and software that are designed to help parents monitor content and time spent on devices. Options like Custodia, Circle Home Plus, and Screentime provide tons of flexibility including:
- Filtering website categories
- Viewing browsing history
- Restrictions based on time spent to a specific site or an app
- Scheduling offline times
- Locating devices
The benefit that these apps offer is a very specific and detailed level of differentiation for each child. This way, you are able to set individual access and restriction to YouTube for every kid’s device.
The disadvantage is that it often comes with a monthly subscription fee. The cost varies between $5 to $10+ per month depending on the particular solution. However, there are many free trials so the price may be justified if you really do require powerful parental controls.
Talk To Your Kids
Of course, the technical solutions listed above are great but do not underestimate the importance of talking to your kids as well. That is why you believe it is justified to either partially or completely restrict or limit your family’s access to YouTube and the benefits for your family life as a whole. Seek their opinion too on when they can safely indulge on YouTube videos. To this effect, it is possible to make some of the rules and times flexible where possible to show trust and to help the child learn responsibility.
And remind your kids that it applies to everybody in the house not only to them. The best way to get people’s support for limited access is to make sure you are modeling the behavior as well as expecting it from others.
YouTube can indeed be entertaining for children and can help them widen their interests and passions if consumed in moderation. Some of the options are as follows: Restricting access is simple when you use Dish Network’s parental controls in conjunction with some of these other options. Thus, it is possible to state that the right approach helps in furthering good technology practices.
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