Microsoft Introduces Kid-Friendly Function for Edge Web Browser
Microsoft Unveils Kid-Friendly Edge Browser Mode on April 15, 2021
(Suit up, parents! Microsoft's new Kids Mode for Edge browser is here to keep your little ones safe online. It's as simple as pie to activate and configures directly on Windows and macOS systems.)
That's right! Microsoft has taken the wraps off a Kids Mode for its Edge browser, now available on Windows and macOS devices. This fantastic feature comes at no additional cost, and it's a breeze to enable for parents who want to oversee their children's web surfing.
To enable this mode, simply select it from the Edge profile options. Once Kids Mode is activated, your little browser bounty will be confined to the Edge browser, allowing only access to approved websites—perfect for shared family PCs.
Microsoft tailored this Kids Mode around the inevitable scenario where parents bestow their laptop upon their child for a bit of web exploration. Upon activating Kids Mode, you'll be presented with the option to choose between age categories: five to eight years old and nine to twelve years old.
You'll find that both age groups enjoy the highest level of tracking prevention in Edge, along with an extra layer of defense against adult content via Bing SafeSearch. Microsoft pre-approves access to a fleet of 70 popular kids' sites, but parents will have to add any extra sites to the list manually.
In an interview, Divya Kumar, the product director of Microsoft Edge, enthusiastically explained, "This free, secured online domain offers parents a hassle-free browsing environment for their children, ensuring peace of mind when their kids roam the web on a shared device."
When it comes to security, most other content filtering and control options on the market require you to jump through hoops for setup or charge a fee. Furthermore, they typically lack lightweight, kid-specific solutions.
In a bid to distinguish its Kids Mode, Microsoft programmed the mode to block popular Windows keyboard shortcuts to prevent children from escaping the digital playpen. This restriction does not apply, however, to macOS devices. To deactivate Kids Mode, an adult must tap the appropriate Windows or macOS credentials.
If your little wonder tangles with a forbidden site, they'll be redirected to a block page where they can request adult permission. As a testament to privacy, Kids Mode does not require a Microsoft Account and will not synchronize your list of approved websites across devices. Instead, it focuses on privacy protection and tailors to individual devices.
For those with multiple shared devices, you'll need to create separate lists to accommodate each one. The older age group, nine to twelve, also incorporates a news feed into the new tab page, featuring curated articles from MSN Kids, with a focus on science, fun facts, and animals as opposed to current pandemic or geopolitical news.
Once Kids Mode is activated, there's a customization element at your disposal! You can tweak the themes, colors, and new tab backgrounds to your child's delight. Microsoft has teamed up with Disney and Pixar to bring special themes like The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, and more into the fold.
Happy browsing, parents! Your kids are in for a fun and educational time with Microsoft Edge's Kids Mode.
Microsoft's new Kids Mode for its Edge browser, now available on Windows and macOS devices, includes a feature for coding and technology education. Parents can customize the themes and new tab backgrounds to stimulate their children's interest in coding and technology.
The older age group, nine to twelve, in Microsoft's Kids Mode, includes a news feed featuring curated articles from MSN Kids, with a focus on science, fun facts, and animals. This could potentially fuel their curiosity and introduce them to various technological concepts.
