Safe Search and DNS Filtering Explained Simply
A plain-language explanation of safe search settings and DNS filtering, and how they help protect children online.
Overview
You have probably seen the term 'SafeSearch' in Google or heard about 'DNS filtering' without being entirely sure what they do. Both are straightforward tools that help prevent children from stumbling across inappropriate content when searching the web. This guide explains what they are, how they work, and how to set them up — all without any technical jargon.
What Is Safe Search?
Safe Search is a setting built into search engines like Google, Bing and DuckDuckGo. When turned on, it filters explicit content — such as pornography and graphic violence — from search results. It is not perfect, but it significantly reduces the chance of your child accidentally encountering harmful material through a web search. Each search engine has its own SafeSearch toggle, usually found in the search engine's settings page.
SafeSearch is a free, built-in filter on search engines that blocks explicit results — turn it on across all browsers your child uses.
What Is DNS and How Does DNS Filtering Work?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is like the internet's phone book — when you type a website address, DNS translates it into a number that computers understand. DNS filtering works by using a special 'phone book' that simply refuses to look up addresses for harmful websites. Instead of loading the page, your child sees a block message. Because DNS filtering works at the network level, it protects every device on your Wi-Fi without needing to install anything.
DNS filtering acts like a phone book that refuses to look up harmful websites — it protects all devices on your network automatically.
Free DNS Filtering Services for Families
Several reputable services offer free family-friendly DNS filtering. CleanBrowsing Family Filter blocks adult content, malware and phishing sites. OpenDNS FamilyShield provides similar protection with a simple setup. Cloudflare for Families (1.1.1.3) offers malware and adult content blocking. To use any of these, you change the DNS settings on your router — a process that typically takes under five minutes.
CleanBrowsing, OpenDNS FamilyShield and Cloudflare for Families all offer free DNS filtering you can set up in minutes.
Setting Up DNS Filtering on Your Router
Log in to your router's admin panel, find the DNS settings (often under WAN, Internet or Network settings), and replace the existing DNS server addresses with your chosen family-friendly DNS. For example, CleanBrowsing Family Filter uses 185.228.168.168 and 185.228.169.168. Save the settings and restart your router. Every device on your network will now use the filtered DNS automatically.
Changing two numbers in your router's DNS settings can add powerful content filtering to your entire home network.
Limitations to Be Aware Of
Safe search and DNS filtering are effective first layers, but they are not foolproof. They may not block every harmful page, particularly new sites that have not yet been categorised. Some content within social media apps is not filtered by DNS because those apps use their own internal systems. VPNs can also bypass DNS filtering. These tools work best as part of a layered approach alongside device and app controls.
DNS filtering and safe search are powerful but not perfect — combine them with device and app controls for the best protection.
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
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Last reviewed: 2026-03-29