Supervised account
Use Family Link to supervise the child’s Google Account. SafeSearch is then turned on and locked by default, and a parent can manage the setting.
BASTIONHOST / GOOGLE SAFESEARCH GUIDE
GOOGLE SAFESEARCH GUIDE
Filter explicit search results—and understand where filtering stops.
SafeSearch can reduce explicit text, image and video results in Google Search. The strongest parent-friendly setup uses a supervised child Google Account, keeps the child signed in and combines Search filtering with suitable browser and device controls.
CHOOSE THE COVERAGE
Protect the account first, then check every route to the web.
SafeSearch follows a supervised account when the child is signed in. Network enforcement can add coverage on home Wi-Fi, but it does not replace the child’s account or device controls.
Device or network
Some routers can force SafeSearch for Google on the home network. This may help on shared devices, but it applies only while the device uses that network and cannot supervise the rest of the device.
SAFER SEARCH BASELINE
Set it, close the gaps and test it.
The account, browser and device must work together. A green SafeSearch setting on one screen is not proof that every search route is covered.
Create or supervise the child’s Google Account
Use Family Link with accurate age information. Protect the parent account with a unique password, two-step verification and current recovery details.
Keep the child signed in
Sign the child into Google Search and Chrome with the supervised account. Google warns that Family Link SafeSearch preferences cannot be enforced when the child is not signed in.
Confirm SafeSearch is set to Filter
In Family Link, select the child, then Controls and Google Search. Keep SafeSearch on Filter unless there is a deliberate reason to choose a less restrictive setting.
Configure Chrome separately
Open Controls, then Google Chrome and Web. Choose Try to block explicit sites or, for a younger child, consider Only allow approved sites. Add specific allowed or blocked sites where necessary.
Review alternative search routes
Check other browsers, search apps and voice assistants installed on the device. Google specifically notes that alternative search apps can prevent the Family Link SafeSearch preference from being enforced.
Decide how search history is handled
Review Search Services History and personalised recommendations in Family Link. Explain what is saved and why rather than using history as hidden surveillance.
Test each account and device
Visit google.com/safesearch while signed in as the child. Confirm Filter is locked, then repeat the check in each browser profile and on every device the child uses.
Report results that slip through
If explicit content appears while filtering is enabled, use Google’s feedback or reporting option. Recheck the sign-in state and SafeSearch setting before assuming the control is still active.
KNOW THE LIMITS
SafeSearch filters results—not the whole internet.
Search results only
SafeSearch does not filter other search engines, social-media searches or content reached through a direct link.
The account matters
A child who is signed out, using another account or using an unmanaged app may not receive the same enforced setting.
Results can lead elsewhere
A suitable-looking result can open a website containing unsuitable pages, adverts, comments or external links.
School accounts differ
Google Workspace for Education settings are controlled by the school administrator and cannot be managed through the family’s Family Link setup.
iPhone needs its own controls
Family Link can manage parts of a child’s Google Account on an iPhone or iPad, but it does not supervise the Apple device. Use Screen Time as well.
Keep the reporting route open
Teach the child to close the page and show an adult when a search result feels upsetting, sexual, violent or confusing.
Official Google guidanceManage Search on a child’s Google Account ↗Manage Chrome and website restrictions ↗Lock SafeSearch for managed accounts, devices and networks ↗Understand Family Link parental-control coverage ↗
Last reviewed 15 August 2026. Google is updating parts of its Search settings and menu names can change. Check Google’s current instructions while applying this guide. This is practical family guidance, not emergency safeguarding advice. Find UK help and reporting services.
PARENT-WRITTEN GUIDANCE
Use filtering to reduce exposure—not to replace supervision.
Test the setup, keep unfamiliar searches easy to discuss and revisit the controls when accounts, browsers or devices change.
Suggest an improvement →