Software to ban websites before certain times

patchwork_cat

I am looking for some software to ban the use of some websites before a certain time. My DS is not good at self regualting gaming and he needs to get his head down to get the grades he needs at AS.

I don't want to ban his internet usage because he needs it sometimes for study and I don't want to stop him gaming as he enjoys it and a little of what you fancy does you good, however he needs to be either limited to how long he plays gaming or no access to certain websites before say 8 pm.

We have software to completely ban some websites, but that doesn't seem fair with a nearly 17 year old . He is in agreement as he finds excuses to play before study ! Found a couple that seem to work in Firefox, but he uses IE

piggeh

For gaming: block ports on the router (most will have this option) then unblock at certain times. My virgin router can also block websites I think.

I thought IE has parental controls built in to block some websites? Not sure on that.

Learning self discipline is more important than grades in many respects. I still have none, hence why I continue to put aside study in my own time when I should be learning stuff! However, you're the parent so it's your perogative

robt_2

I'm sure he is only in agreement because whatever you do, he is confident that he will be able to get around it

If they are proper game (opposed to web browser based ones) you could find out what ports are used and block them on a schedule in the router settings - most routers let you do this.

patchwork_cat

The thing is I don't want to block websites - easily done, just before certain times. yes he may well be able to get around whatever I do! However he knows what he wants to do and wants the grades to do it. He is aware he is easily distracted.

4743hudsonj

patchwork_cat wrote: »

The thing is I don't want to block websites - easily done, just before certain times. yes he may well be able to get around whatever I do! However he knows what he wants to do and wants the grades to do it. He is aware he is easily distracted.

i too am easily distracted, i hould be doing my dissertation right now but so far ive played ps3, a bit of command and conquer, watched star trek the film and been on here.

but i find if i sit away from the distractions, ie in the dining room, i manage to concentrate alot better

sometimes the simplest things work the best.

sit him down and say if he wants food he has to do work lol:o

Nilrem

A lot of routers will let you block certain ports, or limit access to just specified ports at set times.

If your router allows it (most modern linksys routers for example do), set the router to only allow access to ports
25 (smtp for sending mail)
110 (pop for recieving email)
80 (http, general web browsing
443 (https, secure web browsing)

When you want him to be doing homework etc, depending on the router you may be able to limit it just to his computers connection at those times, so still leave other machines able to do more.
And make sure he doesn't know the password for the router

That should lock the internet down during the day reasonably well

Although a talk with him would probably be easier/more effective, as there are ways to get round most port blocking attempts if you're serious about it

claire111

Don't know if this helps but I set up an extra 'homework' user ID for my DD on her laptop.

Her usual ID is blocked in parental controls at certain times of the evening when she should be studying. Her homework ID is available anytime of day but I block websites such as facebook, msn, bebo etc.

Seems to work and saves me from nagging.....

Delboy24

Router limits per times as pointed out before or try Netnanny.

Windows 7 is supposed to have something similar although not 100% certain.

OR... just dont pay the bill... :rotfl: