This post has been updated as of August 2020.
The Amazon Kindle Fire HD is a popular tablet for young Internet users. Generally speaking, there aren’t many ways to filter the browser that comes on the Kindle (called Silk), but there are a few ways that parents can create a safer Internet experience on the device.
As a starting point, we recommend having some controls on the router governing your home’s network. This, in addition to a few parental controls we’ll explain below, provides a decent double-layer of protection against inappropriate content. You might look into Open DNS, which is a free router.
A Kindle allows you to “name” the device. This is a great opportunity to show a young internet user that the device is co-owned, and that mom, dad, or guardian has physical access to the device anytime. For example, my daughter’s device is called “Dad and Lauren’s Kindle,” which reminds her I also own the device and can look at it any time.
To change the Kindle’s name:
- Under “Apps,” click on “Settings” (gear), and then “Device Options.”
- Select “Change Your Device Name.”
A Kindle also allows you to create different user profiles. To set up the profiles:
- Click on Settings, and then select “Profiles & Family Library.”
- From there, you can customize each user profile, and maybe even take a double selfie, which will also communicate “we both own this” as a way to prevent inappropriate use.
You may also consider enabling a few parental controls. Go to:
- Under Apps, click on Settings, and then select “Parental Controls.”
- Here you can choose to toggle off the Silk web browser, control the camera, set a parental controls password, control app purchases, and set a curfew for the device, among other things.
Related: Kindle Fire and Covenant Eyes
Hi, it’s such a good idea to set up parental controls on all your child’s devices! Not only to keep them off obviously inappropriate sites, but also to limit their access to other sites that have an unseen element of danger, like social media or craigslist. There’s been so many scary stories about predators on craigslist, it’s unbelievable, and yet it’s not something you really think about! Here’s a list of ways to keep yourself safe if you’re going to use it: http://weinsteinsecurity.com/blog/2016/03/11/craigslist-safety-tips/
i have restrictions on my son’s phone we talked and sex and websites with the word sex came off what did I do wrong thanks Cindy krohm
Hello Cindy, if you have specific questions about setting up Restrictions, please contact one of our Customer Service Reps at: tel:877.479.1119
Peace, Chris