NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.

Forum Discussion

LukasJ's avatar
LukasJ
Aspirant
Aug 17, 2020

Opera Browser

I'm new to Circle -- my child is using Opera as a browser and I noticed that even though I set his device to prohibit Instagram and Youtube he is still able to access them through the browser. Has anyone else encountered this? Suggestions on how to address browsers that have what I guess are built-in apps?

5 Replies

  • plemans's avatar
    plemans
    Guru - Experienced User

    I believe opera has an optional VPN built into it. That can get around some types of blocking.

    there's always going to be someway around blocking if your child is smart enough or can google.

    Suggestions? take the pc/laptop/tablet away when busted using them sites. 

    Or lock down the operating system so they can't put programs on it that can get around blocking.  

    • LukasJ's avatar
      LukasJ
      Aspirant

      Thanks. I'm not very computer savvy. My kid is far more technologically advanced than I am already and taking AP Comp Sci, so I'm at a decided disadvantage. What browsers are easier to "lock down" to prevent adding a VPN or proxy? Does "disallowing VPN & Proxy" on Circle prevent adding a VPN (he could only get the "free" ones) if it's not already built in to the browser like with Opera?

      • plemans's avatar
        plemans
        Guru - Experienced User

        When someones already several steps ahead of you and only getting further ahead, it might be time to talk to them about why you're trying to restrict sites and for what purpose. Otherwise their goal is to get around your firewall/blocking attempts just as much as it is to get to the actual sites. 

        And if you try hard enough, theres ways around most blocking software if you're dedicated enough. Especially when the person setting them up, isn't an expert in the matter. 

        I'd like to say parental controls/circle/armor work great but in my experience, it works with people who are still children and aren't actively searching for ways around it like teenagers do.