How to Block Websites on Safari for Better Safety & Productivity

The internet has become the backbone of this digital era. From gathering information to connecting with others and getting work done, all involve the internet.

However, the internet can also act as a hotspot for distractions, inappropriate content, and security threats.

Indeed, it is a great challenge to keep safe online and productive. One is consumed by different distractions after another while working or studying.

And this is where knowing how to block websites on Safari comes into effect for Better Safety & Productivity.

Therefore, it becomes essential that one takes responsibility for one’s online experience by ensuring unwanted sites are blocked in the browser.

But then, the question is, how possible is it to block websites on Safar? Blocking a few sites can create a more focused and secure browsing experience.

In this article, we will provide a thorough guide on how to block websites on Safari with different devices and methods.

Can I block websites on Safari?

Yes, you can block websites on Safari. Apple has inbuilt settings that help you control access to different websites.

You can put restrictions either on blocking adult content or other websites that you think will distract you. This is a great feature for parents seeking ways of protecting their kids online.

Why Website Blocking is Important

Website blocking is indispensable with Safari for several reasons. First, it raises productivity by limiting access to time-wasting sites that reduce your concentration on work. Secondly, it provides a safer browsing experience because the malware and virus-hosting malicious websites are blocked.

Thirdly, it gives parents a better sense of parental control by turning off sites containing undesirable content from their kids.

Lastly, it ensures the least probability of online harassment and cyberbullying. By blocking unwanted websites, you make the web environment more regulated and safe.

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How do I block bad content on Safari?

You can block bad Safari content using the default Screen Time feature on all your Apple devices. Here is a pretty simple step-by-step guide to get you running:

Method 1: Using Screen Time

The default feature included in every Apple device is Screen Time, which allows users to limit the time spent using applications. Even Safari is included here. Block websites with Screen Time by following these steps:

• Open Settings >> Screen Time;
• Tap “Content & Privacy Restrictions”;
• Turn “Content & Privacy Restrictions” on;
• Tap “Web Content”;
• Select either “Limit Adult Websites” or “Allowed Websites Only”.
• You can add websites for block or allow.

You can block mature websites automatically or include certain sites on the Never Allow list. This way, unwanted sites will be restricted to entry, creating a more secure digital space.

Method 2: Using Website Restrictions

Website Restrictions is another feature on Apple machines that helps users block certain websites on Safari. Blocking Websites Using Website Restrictions

• Go to Settings > General > Restrictions
• Enable “Restrictions”
• Tap “Websites”
• Tap “Limit Adult Content” or “Specific Websites Only”
• Add websites to block or allow

Method 3: Third Party Apps

Third-party apps are required for blocking websites on Safari, along with a few more advanced features and customization.

Examples include Freedom, SelfControl, and Cold Turkey. Using the abovementioned applications, you can block websites from all your devices, make your block list custom, and schedule block sessions.

Some more tips regarding how to block websites on Safari include;

• Combination usage: One can set up Screen Time and Website Restrictions for added protection.
• Website category blocking: Instead of blocking websites one after another, block categories like social media and entertainment.
• Block sessions via third-party apps: Block-time sessions can be scheduled using third-party applications that automatically block website access at specific times of the day/week.
• Parental controls: If you are a parent, set up parental controls to block inappropriate content for your kids.

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How to Block Websites in Safari for Better Safety & Productivity

• Open Safari and go to the website you would like to block.
• In the top left corner of your screen, click the “Safari” menu and select “Preferences.”
• In the “Preferences” window, click the “Security” tab.
• In the “Web Content” section, select the checkbox next to “Block pop-up windows.”
• Click the “Websites” tab and “Restrict Website Access.”
• In the list of sites to restrict, click the “+”.
• Enter the URL for the website you want to block and click “OK.”
• Repeat step 6 for each site you want blocked.
• Click “OK” to close the Preferences window with your changes saved.

Block social media or gaming sites to increase productivity. Using the same features on “Screen Time,” one can set study or work intervals at which the user cannot tentatively browse unwanted websites.

That can be useful when working from home or doing your homework without nonsense.

How to Block Websites on Safari in Mac

Blocking of websites on Safari with a Mac involves the person managing system settings by setting restrictions on the websites. The most direct method of reaching this would involve enabling parental controls, but that is not all ways you can block sites.

Here is how you can block websites on Safari with Mac:

1. Open System Settings: Click the Apple logo located on the topmost left of your Mac, and select “System Settings” from the drop-down menu.
2. Go to Screen Time: In this System Settings menu, find and click “Screen Time.” If this feature isn’t already on, now’s a good time to turn it on. It is designed to control time usage on specific applications or websites, including Safari.
3. To enable Website Restrictions, Tap “Content & Privacy Restrictions” in Screen Time. Flip the switch on to activate the restrictions. Tap “Web Content.”
4. Allow Limit Adult Websites or Limit Websites by Specific URL: In Web Content, you have two choices:

• Limit Adult Websites: This will automatically block known adult websites.
• Allowed Websites Only: If you want more control, select “Allowed Websites Only” to list which websites are allowed. You can manually add the sites that you would like blocked. Click “Add Website” under “Never Allow.”.

5. Save Changes: Tap save changes after setting up the blocked website list. This approach includes blocking many websites in Safari, either for all Mac users or one user if you use family sharing.

This process will block websites on Safari for Mac to reduce distractions or ensure a safer browsing platform.

How to Block Websites on Safari on iPhone

Blocking websites in Safari using an iPhone isn’t a big deal at all, and you can do this directly through your device’s settings. Here is how you block websites on Safari on any iPhone:

1. Open Settings on Your iPhone: Tap the “Settings” icon on the home screen of your iPhone.
2. Tap the Screen Time option: Scroll down to “Screen Time.” If you haven’t enabled it before, tap that option and follow the prompts to set it up.
3. Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions: Having enabled Screen Time, tap the “Content & Privacy Restrictions” option and switch it on. You’ll be prompted to do so now if you haven’t already set up a Screen Time passcode. This is a different code from before, which you’ll need to enter any time you want to change your Screen Time settings.
4. Web Content: Under ” Content Restrictions, tap “Web Content.” You have two choices here:

• Adolescent Websites Limit: This limit automatically blocks known adult sites, but you can add specific websites that you want to block.
• Allowed Websites Only: More restrictively allows access to specified websites only and blocks everything else.

5. Add Websites to Block: Scroll down, and if you have selected “Limit Adult Websites,” tap on “Add Website” under the section “Never Allow.” Type the URL of the website you want to block.
6. Save Changes: Tap Save after adding the websites, back-tapping to return to the previous menu. Now, these are the restrictions applied in Safari on your iPhone.

How to block Websites on Safari Mac without Parental Controls

There are other ways to block websites on Safari for Mac, if you don’t want to use parental controls. This method involves editing the host’s file on your Mac.

A little advanced, this is a handy technique not to use parental controls. Here’s how to block websites on Safari Mac without parental controls:

1. Launch Terminal: This is a command-line utility for accessing and editing system files. You can access it through Spotlight by searching “Terminal” or navigating to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
   
2. Edit the Hosts File: In the Terminal window, type the following to open the hosts file in a text editor: sudo nano /etc/hosts. You will now have to enter your Admin password.
   
3. Add Website URLs to Block: Once the host file opens, scroll down and add the following line to block a specific website: 127.0.0.1 www.website-to-block.com. Replace “www.website-to-block.com” with the site URL you want to block. Repeat that for each of the sites you would want to block.
   
4. Save the Hosts File: After adding all the sites you want to block, press Ctrl + O to save the file and then Ctrl + X to exit the text editor.
   
5. Flush DNS Cache: Once you’re through with adding the sites, you will have to clear your DNS cache for changes to take effect. Open Terminal and enter this command: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
   
6. Open Safari again: Once you follow all of the above, open Safari, and you’ll see your blocked websites. Whatever you added in the hosts file will not be accessible in Safari.

This could be useful when one wants to block certain websites without using native parental controls. It would apply to all browsers, not only to Safari.

Can I block specific pages of a website?

One of the most important things any person trying to be safer and productive online wants to be able to do is block certain pages of a website.

Though one may block an entire website, sometimes blocking specific web pages is just a little trickier. Fortunately, there are several ways to do it in Safari. 

Built-in Website Restrictions Feature

In that case, the easiest thing to do would be to block certain web pages on a website using Safari’s built-in website restriction feature.

Website Restrictions allow one to limit the usage of certain websites or web pages; this function is inbuilt within the Screen Time section, which can be found in your device’s settings.

From here, they tap “Content & Privacy Restrictions” and then tap the switch next to it to turn it on. Then, they tap “Web Content.” After that, they tap “Limit Adult Websites.”

The option pops up with a list of allowed and restricted websites. Then, they can add the web page they want blocked onto the “Never Allow” list.

Third-party content blockers

Third-party content blockers represent another mode of blocking certain web pages of, say, a website. These blockers usually work on filtering unwanted content based on some pre-defined criteria. One of the popular content blockers for Safari includes Freedom.

It will also block distracting websites, including particular pages of any website, on all the user’s devices. Users can customize their block sessions by creating rules for different needs.

Moreover, the app is designed to block social media, email, or other distracting websites.

Parental control software

There are also other ways to block certain pages of a website, and all of them involve parental control software. In general, such programs assist parents in controlling access to several websites and monitoring what their children are browsing. An example is Qustodio.

It comes with huge feature sets that can monitor and control online activities and block specific page functionality inside any website.

This allows a user to create a profile for each family member and then configure an Allow/Blocklist for specific websites, blocking access to certain pages.

Browser Extensions

Browser extensions also allow users to block certain web pages of a website. One such extension is uBlock Origin. This lightweight extension blocks ads and trackers and works the same way for blocking particular web pages within a website.

Further development for customization could include custom filters that block certain pages. This also gives a user a dashboard where they can track and put some sort of control over their online activities.

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FAQs

Conclusion

Website blocking in Safari is an easy and efficient way of improving your online safety and productivity. With these methods discussed in the article, you can control online exposure for one that is more safe and secure. 

The internet is a double-edged sword and ours to use with judgment. Ban those irritated websites from your vision immediately with just a click of the mouse and enjoy a much better, safer, and more productive online experience.

References

• astrosafe.co/how to block websites on safari
• businessinsider.com/how to block websites on Mac Safari
• makeuseof.com/how to block website safari/
• heyfocus.com/how to block websites on safari/

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