How to reduce unwanted pop-ups on your child’s laptop

1. Set Google SafeSearch to Filter

Open Google’s SafeSearch settings in that browsing profile. Choose Filter, rather than Blur. Filter attempts to remove explicit images, text, and links from Google results. Blur mainly blurs explicit images; explicit text and links can still appear.

SafeSearch only affects Google Search. It does not control other search engines, websites opened directly, or apps. It can also miss content. Ordinary settings can be changed, so check them again after switching accounts or browsers.

Google says parents manage SafeSearch for child accounts supervised through Family Link. If a setting is locked, follow Google’s explanation before changing anything. A school may manage settings on its own devices.

2. Check Chrome’s pop-up permissions

Chrome normally stops automatic pop-ups. A website may have been given an exception.

1. Open Chrome’s 3-dot menu, then Settings.
2. Open Privacy and security → Site settings → Pop-ups and redirects.
3. Select the default option that prevents sites from sending pop-ups or using redirects.
4. Review the allowed sites. Beside an unwanted site, open its 3-dot menu and select Block.

A useful website might need a pop-up for a particular task. Only allow a site you recognise and trust. These permissions do not remove all advertising within a page.

3. Check website notifications separately

A small message outside the webpage may be a website notification, not a pop-up. Blocking pop-ups does not revoke notification permission.

1. Open Settings → Privacy and security → Site settings → Notifications.
2. Review sites allowed to send notifications. Block any you do not want.
3. To block a known address, choose Add beside the list of sites not allowed to send notifications.
4. Enter the site’s address and choose Add. You do not need to revisit it.

Do not click unfamiliar notification messages to investigate them. Manage permissions from Settings instead.

If interruptions keep appearing

Close the unwanted tab and keep your browser updated. Avoid downloads or payment requests claiming to fix the problem. Persistent interruptions can involve unwanted software, not just website permissions. Google’s pop-up help links to its guidance for those cases.

Recheck the settings with your child’s usual account. Other browsers and devices need their own checks. These steps do not reach inside TikTok, Snapchat, or other phone apps.