Website Rules
Website Rules
Section titled “Website Rules”Website rules determine which websites are accessible during each mode. Unlike apps, websites require a different approach since new sites appear constantly.
How Website Filtering Works
Section titled “How Website Filtering Works”During Focused Mode
Section titled “During Focused Mode”ThrivaOS browser only loads approved websites. Unapproved sites show a friendly “not available” message.
During Free Time
Section titled “During Free Time”Broader web access with family-appropriate filters. Some content is still blocked based on your settings.
Setting Up Website Rules
Section titled “Setting Up Website Rules”Accessing Rules
Section titled “Accessing Rules”- Open the Parent Portal
- Go to child’s profile
- Click Apps & Websites
- Select Website Rules
Rule Types
Section titled “Rule Types”| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Allow Always | Available in all modes |
| Allow Free Time | Only during Free Time |
| Block Always | Never accessible |
Adding Website Rules
Section titled “Adding Website Rules”Allowing a Specific Site
Section titled “Allowing a Specific Site”- Click + Add Rule
- Enter the website URL (e.g.,
khanacademy.org) - Choose rule type (Always, Free Time, etc.)
- Save the rule
Allowing Entire Domains
Section titled “Allowing Entire Domains”Use wildcards for broad access:
*.google.com- All Google sites*.edu- Educational institutions*.gov- Government sites
Blocking Sites
Section titled “Blocking Sites”Same process, but choose “Block Always”:
- Specific inappropriate sites
- Categories of content
- Distracting sites (even in Free Time)
Pre-Built Lists
Section titled “Pre-Built Lists”Thriva includes curated lists you can enable:
Educational Allow List
Section titled “Educational Allow List”Pre-approved educational sites:
- Khan Academy
- PBS Kids
- National Geographic Kids
- Common learning platforms
Safe Search Enforcement
Section titled “Safe Search Enforcement”Forces safe search on major search engines:
- Google SafeSearch
- Bing SafeSearch
- DuckDuckGo Safe Mode
Social Media Blocking
Section titled “Social Media Blocking”Block major social platforms:
- TikTok
- Twitter/X
- Snapchat
Age-Inappropriate Content
Section titled “Age-Inappropriate Content”Block known inappropriate content categories.
School Integration
Section titled “School Integration”Google Classroom
Section titled “Google Classroom”Automatically allowed when connected:
- classroom.google.com
- Related Google education tools
Other LMS Platforms
Section titled “Other LMS Platforms”Add your school’s platforms:
- Canvas
- Seesaw
- Schoology
- Blackboard
School Domains
Section titled “School Domains”Allow all sites from your school:
*.yourschool.edu*.schooldistrict.org
Handling Site Requests
Section titled “Handling Site Requests”When children encounter blocked sites:
The Request Process
Section titled “The Request Process”- Blocked page shows “Request Access”
- Child explains why they need the site
- Request appears in Parent Portal
- Parent reviews and decides
Reviewing Requests
Section titled “Reviewing Requests”Check each request by:
- Visiting the site yourself
- Understanding the purpose
- Deciding if it fits your values
Approving Requests
Section titled “Approving Requests”One click to add to allowed list with chosen rule.
Denying Requests
Section titled “Denying Requests”Optionally explain why (helps children understand).
Category Filtering
Section titled “Category Filtering”Instead of individual sites, block entire categories:
Available Categories
Section titled “Available Categories”- Adult content
- Violence
- Gambling
- Malware/Phishing
- Social networking
- Gaming
- Streaming video
- And more…
Setting Category Rules
Section titled “Setting Category Rules”- Go to Website Rules → Categories
- Toggle categories on/off
- Set per-mode rules if needed
Practical Setups
Section titled “Practical Setups”Elementary School Child
Section titled “Elementary School Child”- Allow: Educational sites, school resources
- Block: Social media, mature content, video streaming
- Free Time: Gaming sites allowed
Middle School Child
Section titled “Middle School Child”- Allow: More research sites, broader educational content
- Block: Mature content, some social media
- Free Time: YouTube (with restrictions), gaming
High School Child
Section titled “High School Child”- Allow: Most educational and research sites
- Block: Clearly inappropriate content
- Free Time: Social media (with time limits if desired)
Monitoring Website Usage
Section titled “Monitoring Website Usage”Usage Reports
Section titled “Usage Reports”See which sites are visited:
- By time of day
- By frequency
- By duration
Blocked Attempts
Section titled “Blocked Attempts”Review what sites were blocked:
- Helps identify legitimate needs
- Spots potential concerns
- Informs rule adjustments
Don’t Over-Block
Section titled “Don’t Over-Block”Too many blocks create frustration and workarounds. Start reasonably and adjust.
Communicate Rules
Section titled “Communicate Rules”Children should know what’s blocked and why.
Review Regularly
Section titled “Review Regularly”Sites change, children grow, needs evolve.
Trust But Verify
Section titled “Trust But Verify”Usage reports help you confirm rules are working.