Allowing children unrestricted access to the internet can be worrisome, as they might stumble upon inappropriate content. Supervision is essential, but constant monitoring isn't always feasible. Microsoft's Edge browser offers a solution to this dilemma with its Kids Mode feature.

Kids Mode in Microsoft Edge is a browsing mode specifically designed for children under 12. It creates a safe online environment by implementing restrictions and curated content appropriate for kids.

Understanding Kids Mode in Edge

This free feature is integrated into the Edge browser, providing a secure browsing experience for children. It comes with a default list of 70 kid-friendly websites, and parents have the flexibility to add more sites to the allowed list. Additionally, Bing SafeSearch is set to strict mode, ensuring that search results are appropriate for children.

Exiting Kids Mode requires entering the device's Windows or Mac credentials, preventing children from leaving the safe environment without permission. While in Kids Mode, keyboard shortcuts that could exit the mode are disabled on Windows devices.

Note: Shortcut restrictions are not yet available on macOS.

Microsoft announced that Kids Mode would be rolling out to users. If you haven't seen it appear in your browser yet, it may take some time to become available globally.

Enabling Kids Mode in Microsoft Edge

Activating Kids Mode is straightforward and doesn't require any additional installations. Here's how you can enable it:

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge and click on the profile icon located to the right of the address bar. From the dropdown menu, select Browse in Kids Mode. If it's your first time using Kids Mode, an explanation dialog will appear. Click OK to proceed.

Note: Signing in to the browser isn't necessary to use Kids Mode. However, if you do sign in, your Kids Mode settings will sync across all your devices.

Step 2: Choose the appropriate age range for your child. Kids Mode offers two settings: one for ages 5-8 and another for ages 9-12. The older age range includes a news feed with content suitable for that age group. You can change this selection later if needed.

After selecting the age range, your current browsing session will be saved and closed. A new full-screen Kids Mode window will open, which children cannot exit without the device password.

Using Kids Mode in Edge

In Kids Mode, children can access websites that are on the allowed list. The default list provided by Microsoft can be customized by parents to include additional sites.

Children can personalize their browsing experience by changing themes within Kids Mode. These customizations do not affect the standard browser settings. To change the theme, click on the Colors and background button and select a preferred theme.

Exiting Kids Mode: To exit, click on the Kids Mode icon at the top of the browser window. Then, select Exit Kids Mode window.

You'll be prompted to enter your Windows or Mac login credentials. After entering the password, you'll exit Kids Mode. The Edge browser will continue to launch in Kids Mode until you choose to exit it manually.

Allowing Access to a Blocked Website

If a child attempts to visit a website not on the allowed list, a block page will appear. Here's how to grant access:

Step 1: On the block page, click Get permission.

Step 2: Enter the device's login credentials.

The page will refresh and become accessible for the current browsing session. To permanently add the site to the allowed list, you'll need to modify the list outside of Kids Mode.

Managing the Allowed Websites List

To edit the list of allowed websites, you must be outside of Kids Mode and use the profile that activated it:

Step 1: Click on the profile icon and select Manage profile settings to open the settings menu.

Step 2: In the settings, navigate to Family from the left-hand menu. Then, click on Manage allowed sites in Kids Mode.

The list of allowed sites will appear in alphabetical order.

Adding a New Website: Click the Add website button and enter the URL of the site you wish to add.

Removing a Website: To remove a site from the allowed list, click the X icon next to the website's name.

Kids Mode also includes privacy settings that enhance safety. Tracking prevention is set to strict, blocking most trackers. All cookies and site data are automatically cleared when Kids Mode is closed. These settings cannot be altered.

Some privacy settings are inherited from the adult profile that activated Kids Mode, such as blocking malicious websites or preventing harmful content downloads. Kids Mode is a valuable tool for parents using shared computers, offering peace of mind while their children browse the web safely.