How to block an app from being downloaded by my son?

[helpme32]

Hi all.

I need to block Opera mini browser.

My son uses it to access porn sites. We are with a phone internet provider that has great filters and anything related to porn is auto blo

 

[breadnatty08]

Welcome to the forums, helpme32.
I'm assuming Opera falls under maturity level for "everyone" given it's just a browser. This will make it a little tricky. The only way I can think of to do this is to block essentially all app downloads without a PIN password which you can set. Problem is, he won't be able to download any app without you entering a PIN. You can find the directions here:
How to Block Google Play / Android Market from Inappropriate Downloads

Edit: Okay, that didn't work for me on my G2. Hmmm, hopefully someone else can chime in.

 

[electricpete]

Use App lock (search for it on Play) to lock down the play store.

Of course he might figure out other ways to get apps beside Playstore. Ideally you would lock down system settings also so he can't sideload....not sure if app lock can do that.

Fwiw I'd also l inform him that phone use WILL be removed if he doesn't follow rules. And follow through.

 

[Enwyn]

The most effective way would be to enforce some rules. Even if you manage to block him from downloading Opera mini from the play store, he can still install it by downloading apk files hosted everywhere online (assuming he knows how to).

 

[UncleMike]

I recommend that you install Opera Mini yourself, then use an "app lock" type app to lock the installed app. He won't have access to the installed app, and the fact that it's already installed will make installing from another source impossible (I think).

If there are limited things you want him to be able to do with your phone, you may also want to look for a "lock" app that allows you to whitelist apps, allowing him access to selected apps. I used to do this using Tasker; I created a widget that would start the game the kids wanted to play, and it would lock the phone the moment they switched out of that game.

 

[amarie82]

I use perfect app protector! I have it on my tablet so my son can't do things I don't want him too! It works great! You have to have a pin code to even get into the apps I don't want him in and he can't uninstall because I set it up as an admin!

 

[bjacks12]

Take the damn phone away. If he absolutely needs one for you to get ahold of him, get him a feature phone without MMS capability(if those even still exist).

 

[dvhttn]

Take the damn phone away. If he absolutely needs one for you to get ahold of him, get him a feature phone without MMS capability(if those even still exist).

+100. "If" you're supplying the phone then supply him with one that means he has to follow your rules.

 

[funkylogik]

It's a really hard one. You'd have to use an app lock to lock down Play, any other browsers on the phone and the settings app.
You'd be as well buying him a dumbphone

What I'd do is threaten him.
Next time his phone gets severely locked down or Internet access removed.
I'm no prude but I think porn in high doses is bad for young teens :thumbup:

 

[bjacks12]

I've seen so many lives affected by pornography. It's very harmful, especially to such young minds. It causes self-esteem issues, relationship issues, and unhealthy perceptions and expectations. The best thing you could ever do for your son is to get rid of his access to it.

 

[nps531]

Weather or not you block it or do whatever you can for him not to access porn one of his friends will show him how to get around the locks or show him the porn himself. If he wants to see it bad enough he will.

 

[funkylogik]

I know this is a tech forum but if you haven't already, try and explain to him that porn is nothing like real s** with someone you really like and most body's aren't shaped like that, the actors are basically freaks.
Porn is everywhere now :thumbdown:
And it's probably just a phase. When i was a kid it was magazines but as an adult it just didnt/doesn't interest me.
Good luck 🍀

 

[lunatic59]

I know everyone means well, but these types of threads always turn into parenting discussions. The op didn't ask for advice on how to deal with a private family issue, but how to make a phone do something. The reasons should be irrelevant. Let's try not to forget that.

"Free advice is worth what you've paid for it."
-- Optimus Prime