SafeSearch
What is SafeSearch?
SafeSearch is a built-in feature in various search engines, for filtering explicit content. It is designed to block a wide range of inappropriate material, including explicit images, videos, and links, from appearing in search results. This automated filter uses advanced algorithms to identify and remove potentially harmful content, ensuring that search results remain clean and suitable for a school environment.
It is important that schools only allow pupils with access to search engines that have SafeSearch functionality.
There are also some more child friendly search engines available that schools may prefer pupils to use (mainly KS2 and below) and block all others.
How SafeSearch is Integrated into SchoolProtect
Unlike a simple user setting that can be easily turned off, SafeSearch in LGfL schools is enforced via our DNS (Domain Name System) servers.
When a user on the LGfL network performs a search on browsers such as Google, Edge, Firefox etc, the request is automatically routed through our custom-configured DNS servers. These servers are programmed to immediately force the use of SafeSearch. This means that every search query is automatically filtered before the results are even delivered to the user's device.
To check whether Google SafeSearch is enforced on a particular device, please go to safesearchcheck.lgfl.net/. If the toggle for SafeSearch is accessible (i.e. can be switched on and off) then SafeSearch has not been 'enforced' and users can individually decide to switch this off - which is not advisable in schools.
Note on Google Images
It is worth noting that even with SafeSearch enabled on Google, sometimes images that appear can be questionable (they should never be illegal or harmful). This is down to Google's algorithm of what it believes is appropriate within SafeSearch. Therefore LGfL cannot do anything to block individual Google images (the same is true for other filtering providers). This is why it is critical for schools to utilise both filtering AND monitoring (you can find out more about this at monitoring.lgfl.net) and to also ensure that staff know what to do in situations that arise where questionable content is accessible (i.e. utilise this as a teachable moment with pupils as this is unfortunately always a risk in using search engines).
Disabling Suggested Searches
In addition to enforcing SafeSearch, when you use a search engine, they usually offer suggested search queries, which can sometimes be inappropriate. To help you to disable this, please follow the instructions here.