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Timed WiFi access

Rjbxrjb
Joining in

Hi, can anyone suggest a way to control WiFi access.

3 children 16,16,14,12 running rings around me. I need a system where I can programme the WiFi to turn off at a set time, preferably for each device. Is there such a system out there? Needs to be automated otherwise I forget, inconsistency isn’t good,

Thanks in advance for any suggestions. 

6 REPLIES 6

sophist
Trouble shooter

Well, the hub certainly won't do what you're asking.. but you can investigate 3rd party options.. i have no experience of any of the hardware mentioned but a quick search offered up this link that you may find useful.. https://www.lifewire.com/best-parental-control-routers-4160776

 

David_Bn
Forum Team
Forum Team

Good Morning Rjbxrjb,

 

Thanks for your post on our Community Forums and a very warm welcome to you!

 

Have you been able to download the Connect App on your smart phone?

 

This will allow you to restrict Wi-Fi access to certain devices when appropriate

 

What it may also be worth considering is that if Wi-Fi is turned off, and the teenagers are using a smart phone, this may start eating away at mobile data on the tariff, if they were to use that as an alternative way of using their devices 

 

Kindest regards,

 

David_Bn

SCA1972
Very Insightful Person
Very Insightful Person

@Rjbxrjb To get the level of control you are looking for the best option is get your own router and put the Hub 3 into modem mode:

https://www.virginmedia.com/help/virgin-media-hub-modem-mode

I have never used the parental controls in my Netgear router (no kids) but I believe Netgear use Circle with Disney on many of their routers, which appears to have options to set time limits and restrict access at certain times.

A quick Google search bring up these lists of best parental control routers:

https://www.lifewire.com/best-parental-control-routers-4160776

https://www.wifiattendance.com/blog/parental-control-routers/

You could look at the parental control settings on each device as most these days have "screen time" settings to control usage.

No parental controls are fool proof and many experts say that talking to kids and educating them about screen time is more effective.

I'm a Very Insightful Person, I'm here to share knowledge, I don't work for Virgin Media. Learn more

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Andrew-G
Alessandro Volta

You're fighting a losing battle trying to use technology to control teenager's internet access.  They're better informed than you about technology, they talk to their mates about how to solve technology problems, and biologically they're becoming argumentative young adults.  If they want the access badly enough they'll get it, unless you can physically deny them access to technology (like take their phones off them "out of hours", and having bullet proof control of your router), but you'll also need to make sure they've got no money.  An old, cheap, smartphone can be had for twenty quid, and a PAYG SIM topped up with cash, offering direct access or a low cost wifi hot spot.

Talk to them (one at a time) don't get into an argument, because in that case you've already lost, explain your concerns, LISTEN to their views, and offer some compromise.  Bear in mind as well that older kids will progressively be developing a normal interest in shall we say "adult content".  You might not like it, you'll have to either become the repressive Victorian parent, or accept that they may be surfing the net for *ahem*.  That can be an embarrassing discussion, but better to let them know what's illegal, what's dangerous, and that although you don't really want to know, you accept they may have an interest in grown up matters.

HowardML
Superuser Emeritus
Superuser Emeritus

@Andrew-G 

Spot on comment. Haven't ever read anything better. Others would do well to take note and act on this advice. Kudos to you.



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ASUS RT-AX86U 5700 Dual Band + Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08CBCR6BB

AiProtection - Web & Apps Filters / parent control - is the easiest and simplest way. can all be setup through  the mobile app into own family groups.

How does AiProtection protect my home network?

https://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1012070/

 

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Advanced knowlegde would be to install https://www.snbforums.com/forums/asuswrt-merlin.42/ onto the router above and learn how to use custom scripts.


https://twitter.com/SeriousFamily

Gig1 | Hub 5 Modem Mode | Asus RT-AX86U | Asus RT-AC86U