Enforcing Safe Search on Campus

Search engines are where most students start their research — and where they can stumble across explicit images or videos even with innocent search terms. Safe search settings filter these results, but students can easily switch them off on their own devices. Network-wide enforcement solves that.

What safe search does

Major search engines and video platforms offer restricted modes that filter explicit images, videos and websites from results. They work well when enabled, but they rely on a setting in the browser or account.

Enforcing it at the network level

DNS-based enforcement redirects requests for search engines to their safe search versions automatically. Every device on the school network receives filtered results, regardless of browser settings.

Video platforms

Restricted modes for video platforms can be enforced the same way, limiting mature content while keeping educational videos available.

Image searches

Image results are where explicit content most often appears. Safe search enforcement significantly reduces this risk.

Not perfect, but valuable

No filter catches everything. Combine safe search with category filtering, supervision and education about what to do when students see something upsetting.

Different settings for staff

Teachers may need less restricted access for research or preparing lessons. Group-based policies can apply different settings for staff networks.

Communicate with parents

Explain to parents how safe search and filtering protect students at school, and share tips for enabling the same protections at home.

The bottom line

Network-wide safe search enforcement is a simple step that makes research safer for students. UbiFi Cloud DNS includes safe search enforcement for schools and colleges.

Learn more about Cloud DNS for Campuses from UbiFi, or talk to our team.