Over the years, Google has revolutionized the way we search and manage information over the internet. With the wealth of information available, control becomes overwhelming. Thanks online safety features such as "Google SafeSearch," it is now possible to control the type of information and content we want to see.
What is Google SafeSearch
Google SafeSearch is one of Google's safety tool initiatives that helps control online search. It works by weeding out information that are not appropriate because of sexually explicit or violent content. Although Google Safe Search may not be able to filter information 100% of the time, it is an extremely useful tool that can help users choose the type of content they want or prefer to access or come across with, making one's browsing experience a much "safer" and more pleasurable experience not for adults but most especially for children.
How to Use Google SafeSearch
To enjoy the positive benefits of Google's SafeSearch tool, you must first activate it on your computer, tablet, or mobile device. Once on, lock SafeSearch to prevent other people from turning it off. Listed below is a step-by-step guide on how to use this tool whether you are on your personal computer or mobile gadgets.
On your computer:
- Locate Google SafeSearch by opening your Chrome browser. On top of the page, tap the address bar and type www.google.com/preferences. Hitting enter will take you to the Google Preferences site where you can view and select options for SafeSearch filters.
- Once on the "Search Settings" screen, you should be able to view a box you can tick with option to "Filter explicit results." Written beside this is a highlighted message that indicates "Lock SafeSearch." Tick the box (shows a check mark) to activate SafeSearch.
- The next thing you want to do after successfully activating SafeSearch is to ensure that it is locked. Simply tap the "Lock SafeSearch" link and follow specific instructions. A Google email address and password will then be required to complete the process.
- After locking SafeSearch on your computer, you will automatically be redirected to a page that says, "SafeSearch is locked across all Google domains." This simply means that Google SafeSearch is now enabled on any device linked to your Google email. The page will also give you a glimpse of how pages will look like after the SafeSearch tool is actived.
- Should you wish to turn SafeSearch off, go back to the "Google Preferences" page and click "Unlock SafeSearch." You need to input your Google email and password to confirm your action. Remove SafeSearch by unticking the "Filter Explicit Results" box.
On your tablet or cell phone:
- You can also restrict browsing using SafeSearch through Google App. Tap the Google icon on your device.
- Click on your profile picture (and/or menu icon) located at the upper left of your home screen. This will enable you to open the "Settings" page.
- Tap "Search Settings" and look for the section indicating "SafeSearch Filters." Enable SafeSearch by clicking "Filter explicit results." If you want to disable the feature, simply switch to the "Show most relevant results"
- To ensure SafeSearch remains active and locked on your mobile device, tap the "Save" and "Done" buttons.
Activating Google SafeSearch to filter Google search results is that easy. However, note that in several countries, it may not be possible to turn off Google SafeSearch entirely. In these counties, if you need to search for contents that could be tagged inappropriate, you can use alternative search engines instead.
Google SafeSearch is essential in promoting online safety most especially in today's modern world where children have free access to the internet. Hence, you need to ensure that filtering is always on in your browser. A simple technique that you can use to determine if Google SafeSearch is still working is to conduct a Google search. For instance, you can use any search term, select search settings by tapping the gear icon located at the top right corner of the search results page. Doing this will enable you to see options for locking or unlocking SafeSearch. Another very easy way to tell if SafeSearch is still on is that you will see a message that says "SafeSearch is locked" at the top of the search page.
As with all online tools, Google SafeSearch is not perfect. There might be instances where images with sexual content like nudity or pornography may go through search results. If this happens, you may report the site containing such offensive content to Google.