How to Bypass Parental Control Using a VPN

Routers, ISPs, and other parental control appliances

As mentioned, parental controls can be applied on varying levels and scales, the largest impacting the network itself. This can be done in two ways, either at the level of routers or of ISPs. Some router manufacturers already provide apps for parents’ mobile devices with which they can easily set how much time children can spend on a particular website, or just add it to a blacklist and block it for good. Those who don’t offer such a service also permit access to similar functions from within the router configuration page. The same principle applies for ISPs: through your online account portal, it’s possible to completely block whichever websites are deemed necessary.

It’s also possible to track and limit the kids’ behavior online at a more local level, through the computer. This is more useful if they own a laptop as they can easily take it to their friends’ house, connect to public networks outside the home or steal the neighbor’s Wi-Fi to enjoy unrestricted internet.

Both Windows and Mac computers have a feature designed for parental control that not only blocks inappropriate websites automatically – those with adult content, gambling and such – but can provide activity reports as well. This is useful if they find a new distraction that they end up spending too much time on since these can then be added later to a custom blacklist, too.

VPNs as superior circumvention tools

After installing a VPN, your ISP won’t be able to see past the encrypted connection so there are no websites that can be blocked. And because you’ll receive a new random IP address and route your connection through a different server, any restrictions made on Wi-Fi routers at home cannot be applied to the connection. In addition, many VPNs feature browser extensions and ad blockers that can prevent any malware from being installed after a mis-click.