One challenges that families face when they and their kids are online – dealing with pop-up advertisements and notifications. Pop-ups can be not only annoying but also potentially harmful if they lead to malicious websites or unwanted content such as pornography, hate, or online violence. As a parents and caregivers, it’s essential to understand what pop-ups are and how to manage them, particularly on popular web browsers like Safari and Google Chrome.
What are Pop-Ups? Pop-ups are small windows that appear on your computer or device without your consent while you’re browsing the internet or even playing online gaming. They can contain advertisements, notifications, or prompts to download software or take you to another site that it believes you would be interested in . While some pop-ups are legitimate, others may be generated by malicious websites or malware.
Pop-ups can disrupt your browsing experience, slow down your device, and, in worst-case scenarios, expose you or your child to scams, viruses, or inappropriate content. Therefore, it’s crucial to know how to control and, if necessary, disable them, especially when your children are using the computer or a phone that has access to the internet.
Managing Pop-Ups
Safari:
Safari is the default web browser on Apple devices, including Mac computers, iPhones, and iPads. Here’s how you can manage pop-ups:
Mac’s and MacBooks:
- Open Safari.
- Click on the Safari menu in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
- Scroll down and click on “Pop-up Windows
- You can choose to allow or block pop-ups entirely by selecting the appropriate option.
- Additionally, you can allow pop-ups for specific websites by adding them to the “Allow” list.
- To block pop-ups on individual websites, add them to the “Block” list.
iPhones and iPads
- Click on Settings
- Scroll down and click on “Safari”
- Scroll down and click on “Block Pop-ups”
Google Chrome:
Desk Top or Lap Top Computers
Managing Pop-Ups on Google Chrome: Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers across various devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets. Here’s how you can control pop-ups on Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome on your device.
- Click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner of the browser window.
- Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
- Scroll down and click on “Privacy and security” in the left sidebar.
- Under the “Privacy and security” section, click on “Site settings.”
- Scroll down and click on “Pop-ups and redirects.”
- You can toggle the switch to block or allow pop-ups globally.
- Additionally, you can allow pop-ups for specific websites by adding them to the “Allow” list.
- To block pop-ups on individual websites, add them to the “Block” list.
Android Phones:
- Open Chrome Browser
- To the right of address bar, tap “More” and “Settings”
- Tap “Permissions” – “Pop-ups and redirects”
- Turn off “Pop-ups and redirects”
Pop-ups are a common annoyance on the internet, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can effectively manage them to create a safer online environment for you and your children. By understanding what pop-ups are and how to control them on popular web browsers like Safari and Google Chrome, you can help protect your family from potential risks while enjoying the benefits of today’s onlife world.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
