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  • How to set up parental controls?

    • Parental controls are essential tools for helping children stay safe online. Whether you’re worried about inappropriate content, screen time, or online interactions, UK broadband providers offer built-in features to help you manage what your children see and do online.

      This guide walks you through how to set up parental controls with major UK providers—Sky, Virgin Media, and BT—and offers practical tips for keeping your family safe across devices.

      🧠What Are Parental Controls?

      Parental controls are settings that allow you to:

      Block access to adult or harmful content
      Set time limits for internet use
      Monitor online activity
      Restrict app downloads or purchases

      These controls can be applied at different levels:

      Network level: Filters applied to your home broadband
      Device level: Settings on phones, tablets, consoles
      App level: Controls within platforms like YouTube, Netflix, or TikTok

      🏠Setting Up Parental Controls with UK Broadband Providers

      🔐Virgin Media

      Virgin Media offers two main tools: Essential Security and the Connect App.

      🔐Essential Security

      Included with all Virgin Media broadband packages, Essential Security automatically blocks harmful content like pornography, violence, and drugs. It's activated by default when you join Virgin Media.

      To customise parental controls:

      Log into your My Virgin Media account
      Go to Account Settings
      Select Parental Controls
      Choose categories to block (e.g. hate, hacking, self-harm)
      Set time filters if needed

      Only the main account holder can change these settings. Changes are saved even if controls are turned off temporarily.

      📱Connect App

      The Connect App lets you pause WiFi on specific devices (great for bedtime or homework) and shows all connected devices. It's available on iOS and Android.

      To use the Connect App:

      Download the Virgin Media Connect App
      Open the app and sign in
      Tap on a device and select Pause WiFi

      This gives you real-time control over internet access at home.

      🔧BT

      BT offers BT Parental Controls, which are free and easy to activate.

      How to Set Up BT Parental Controls:

      Log into your BT account
      Go to My Security Settings
      Select BT Parental Controls
      Choose a filter level: Strict, Moderate, or Light

      You can also:

      Set time limits for internet access
      Block specific websites
      Schedule when controls are active (e.g. block social media after 9 pm)

      BT’s filters apply to all devices connected to your home broadband.

      🛠Troubleshooting BT Controls

      If BT Parental Controls aren’t working:

      Ensure your broadband is active
      Restart your router
      Visit BT’s help page for fixes

      🛡️Sky Broadband

      Sky offers Sky Broadband Shield, which filters content and allows time-based restrictions.

      How to Set Up Sky Broadband Shield:

      Log into your Sky account
      Go to Broadband Shield Settings
      Choose a filter level: PG, 13, or 18
      Block specific websites if needed
      Set Watershed times (e.g. adult content only allowed after 9 pm)

      Sky Broadband Shield is free and included with all Sky broadband packages.

      📱Setting Controls on Devices

      Even with broadband filters, children may access content through mobile data or public WiFi. Add extra protection on individual devices:

      🍎iPhone & iPad

      Go to Settings > Screen Time
      Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
      Set a passcode
      Restrict apps, websites, and purchases

      🤖Android

      Open Google Family Link
      Link your child’s account
      Set app limits, content filters, and screen time

      💻Windows PC

      Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & Other Users
      Add a child account
      Use Microsoft Family Safety to manage activity

      🎮Gaming Consoles

      Restrict games by age rating
      Limit online chat and purchases

      🌐Public WiFi and Mobile Data

      Children may connect to public WiFi in cafes, shops, or schools. Look for the Friendly WiFi symbol, which means filters are in place to block adult content.

      For mobile data:

      Contact your mobile provider to enable parental controls
      Use apps like Google Family Link or Apple Screen Time to monitor usage

      🧩Other Tools and Tips

      Browser and app-level controls can add extra layers of safety:

      Google SafeSearch: Filters explicit results
      Microsoft Edge Kids Mode: Child-friendly browsing
      Firefox Add-ons: Content blockers
      YouTube Restricted Mode, TikTok Family Pairing, Netflix maturity profiles

      🗣️Talk to Your Children

      Filters are helpful, but not foolproof. It’s important to:

      Discuss online safety openly
      Encourage children to ask questions
      Teach them how to report harmful content

      The UK Safer Internet Centre recommends combining technical tools with regular conversations.

      ✅Summary Checklist

      Task Provider/Device How to Access
      Set up network filters Virgin Media My Virgin Media account
      Pause WiFi Virgin Media Connect App
      Choose filter level BT My BT account
      Schedule access times BT BT Parental Controls
      Set age filters Sky Sky Broadband Shield
      Block specific sites Sky Sky account settings
      Device-level controls All devices iOS, Android, Windows settings
      App-level safety All platforms YouTube, TikTok, Netflix settings

      📚Further Resources

      For more detailed guides, visit:

      Virgin Media Parental Controls Guide
      BT Parental Controls Help
      UK Safer Internet Centre Provider Guides

      💡Final Thoughts

      Setting up parental controls doesn’t need to be complicated. With built-in tools from UK providers and a few simple steps on your devices, you can create a safer online environment for your children. Combine these tools with open conversations and regular check-ins to help your family navigate the digital world with confidence.


    • View More: Pay TV How to set up parental controls?
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    • View Answer at
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    • This article was generated for general information only and does not constitute legal or any other form of advice.
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  • Why I cannot find any HD channels ?

  • I cannot find all the channels I think should be available even after retuning my HD receiver.

  • Why some channels in the EPG are displayed without programme information and instead have the message "no info availalbe-other network"?

  • How to set up your own Sky+ HD box

    • 1. Getting started - the first steps

      GettingStartedThese self-help instructions apply only if you are upgrading from a Sky+ box to a Sky+HD box in the same home location. 

      If you have Sky Multiroom and wish to enjoy your existing Sky+ box in another room please contact us on 08442 41 41 41 
      as additional wiring and set-up may be required.

      The estimated set-up time is 30 minutes. 
      This includes a 10 minute software download that you’ll need to activate. 

      Getting started

      First, make sure you have room to access 
      the back of your Sky+HD box, TV, and that 
      no cables are pulled out or overstretched. Once you can reach all of the connections at the rear switch off and unplug your existing Sky+ box, as well as any devices like DVD players and gaming consoles.

       

      You’ll also need to:

      • Completely remove the SCART cable that connects your Sky+ box to your TV
      • Disconnect the two satellite cables from the back of your Sky+ box
      • Unplug the telephone line from the back of your Sky+ box
      • Remove the viewing card from your existing Sky+ box. This can be found behind the flap on the front

      Now unpack your box and make sure you have received all of the essential components from Sky:

      • Sky+HD box
      • Sky+HD remote control and batteries
      • Sky+HD user guide
      • Power cable
      • HDMI cable (essential in order to enjoy HD TV)

      2. Getting connected - the right leads in the right sockets

      The next step is replace your current Sky+ box with your brand new Sky+HD box.

        All_Cables        

      1. Connect telephone line (orange socket)

      Note: Be careful to not insert your telephone line into the green Ethernet socket. 
      This is the existing telephone line that was used to connect your Sky+ box. If this is currently not in place, please ensure you connect a telephone line so that you can activate your viewing card and channels.


      2. Connect HDMI cable (pink socket)

      Plug the pink end of your new HDMI cable into the pink socket on your Sky+HD box and the black end into the HDMI 1 socket (or another available HDMI socket) on the back of your TV. This is to get high definition pictures. If you don’t have an HD ready TV, use your old SCART cable.

      3. Connect satellite cables (brown sockets)

      These are the existing satellite cables that were used to connect your Sky+ box to your satellite dish. It does not matter which satellite cable is connected to Dish Input 1 or Dish Input 2. Ensure you do not bend the copper wire in the middle of these connections and that you screw the satellite cable all the way onto the back of the box until it is secured tightly. 
      Note: If you have one satellite connection, please refer to the " I only have one satellite connection from the dish to my Sky+HD box" link in the Troubleshooting section below.

      4. Connect power cable (blue socket)

      Plug the blue end of your new power cable into the blue socket of your Sky+HD box and switch on at the mains.

      Once you have completed all of the above steps, the connections at the back of your Sky+HD box should match the final set-up image.

      5. Put batteries into your Sky+HD remote

      Insert batteries into the back of your new Sky+HD remote control.

      Connecting other devices 
      If you want to connect a surround sound system or gaming console to your Sky+HD box, please consult the       Sky+HD user guide .


      3. Updating your Sky+HD software

      This is the important bit. Just like a computer, you should make sure your Sky+HD box has the latest software available for it, which you can download by following the steps below. Before you begin, you should ensure the power cable of your Sky+HD box is plugged in and has been switched on for at least 3 minutes.

      1. Press sky on your Sky remote control to turn your Sky+HD box on. The standby light will be green when your Sky+HD box is switched on.
      2. Press and hold the standby button on your Sky remote control until the standby light on your Sky+HD box turns red.
      3. Press and hold down the back up button on the top of your Sky+HD box, and with back upstill pressed down, press sky on your remote control once.
      4. The standby light on your Sky+HD box will change from red to amber. Keep holding downback up, and you will see the Sky+HD Please wait... message.
      5. Continue to hold down the back up button until all of the lights on the front of your Sky+HD box are lit, at which point you can release the back up button. If after 40 seconds, the lights have not come on, start this process again.UpdatingSoftware
      6. Wait for ten minutes, during which time you will see a message on your TV screen, "UPDATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE - do not disconnect from the mains supply or satellite dish. This may take up to 10 minutes."
      7. When the download is complete, you will see the Sky Intro channel.
       

      4. Your viewing card - how to insert your viewing card

      Now you’ve updated the software in your new Sky+HD box, insert your existing viewing card.

      YourViewingCard

      1. Open the flap on the right hand side of 
        your Sky+HD box and insert the card with the Sky logo facing upwards.
      2. Make sure the card is inserted firmly, then close the flap.

        



      5. Confirm your installation

      To confirm your Sky+HD installation you need to complete the following steps

      1. Press services on your Sky remote control and you will see the main menu with Optionshighlighted.
      2. Highlight the Settings menu using the right arrow button and press select.
      3. Press 0 (zero), then 1, followed by select to access the Installer Setup menu, with Setuphighlighted (this menu is not listed on the Settings menu options).
      4. Use the left/right arrows to highlight Install (this will change to New Install when reached) and press select.
      5. Follow the on-screen instructions until "Installation Complete" is displayed, then pressselect to continue. 

      You're now ready to move onto the final step and activate your channels. 
       InstallationComplete












      6. Activate your channels

      To make sure you're enjoying all the right channels, you now need to activate your channels through the Sky Guide.

      Important: If you've chosen to take the HD Pack, you must complete this step otherwise you will not receive your HD channels but you will be charged for them.

      1. Press interactive on your Sky remote control.
      2. Press the down arrow to highlight Sky Active, then press select.
      3. Use the up/down arrows to highlight My Sky Account, then press select.
      4. Use the up/down arrows to highlight Activate self set-up and press select.
      5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your set-up.

       ActivateYourChannels












      7. Your Sky remote - one remote for your TV and Sky box

      Insert the batteries provided into your new Sky+HD remote. You should be able to operate your TV set and your Sky box with it, but if you have any problems, or if you have changed the batteries or bought a new TV recently, you may need to program your Sky remote to work with your TV. You'll find instructions on how to do this in our remote control help section.


    • View More: Sky How to set up your own Sky&#43 HD box
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    • View Answer at http://www.sky.com/helpcentre/tv/sky-plus-hd/set-up/self-set-up/
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    • This article was generated for general information only and does not constitute legal or any other form of advice.
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  • Getting connected with Sky+ HD | Sky+ HD self set-up

  • Set up Sky+HD in a flat with a communal satellite system

    • Recording two programmes at once and enjoying full Sky+ functionality requires two satellite feeds, but if you live in a flat, you may share a communal satellite system with a single feed. You'll still be able to use your Sky+HD box, but with more limited personal recording, and you'll need to carry out a few simple steps in order to make the most of your box and its features.

       

      How to check your feed

       

      To check if you have a single or a double satellite feed you need to look at the back of your Sky+HD box. You will find two sockets called "Dish Input 1" and "Dish Input 2." If you have a wire going into each, then you have two satellite feeds and this article does not apply to you.

       

      If you only have one satellite connection from your satellite dish to your Sky+HD box, you will need to activate single feed mode. Please ensure the dish input cable is connected to Dish Input 1 at the back of your Sky+HD box and that no recordings are currently in progress before following the steps below. 

      One satallite connection

      1. Press services on your Sky remote control and you will see the main menu with Optionshighlighted.
      2. Highlight the Settings menu using the right arrow button and press select.
      3. Press 0 (zero), 1 then select to access the Installer Setup menu (this menu is not listed on the Settings menu options).
      4. Press select to access the Setup menu. Low Band Lo Frequency will be highlighted.
      5. Highlight Single Feed Mode using the down arrow button.
      6. Toggle the setting to ON using the left/right arrows.
      7. Press the green button to save your changes.
      8. You will see a warning message "Single Feed Mode - Caution. This will take a few minutes to complete. Pressing select will reboot your Sky+, and current recordings will be stopped. It will then mean you can only record one programme at a time; and anytime will be unavailable. Press select to continue or back up to cancel."
      9. Press select to reboot your Sky+HD box.

    • View More: Sky Set up Sky&#43HD in a flat with a communal satellite system
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    • View Answer at http://help.sky.com/tv/set-up-your-box/set-up-your-skyhd-box/
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    • This article was generated for general information only and does not constitute legal or any other form of advice.
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      • tvLINK

        If your Sky tvLINK is not working, first check that it is receiving power through its RF connector. The RF outlet power supply is a trip switch, so the process of isolating the power to the tvLINK then restoring it usually resolves this type of problem.

         

        Please make sure that your Sky box is switched off at the mains or unplugged before carrying out the following procedure. Please note that connecting the RF lead without a tvLINK, to either a TV set or video recorder directly, when the power supply is turned on, can damage the equipment. 
         


    • View More: Sky Problems with tvLINK
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    • View Answer at http://www.sky.com/helpcentre/tv/sky-plus-hd/picture-problems/problems-with-tvlink/
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    • This article was generated for general information only and does not constitute legal or any other form of advice.
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  • Programme reminder not appearing

    • If a programme reminder you've set is not appearing, the reminder might have been incorrectly set. Try the following steps to prevent this problem in the future:

       

      Adding a programme reminder into the planner through the TV guide

       
      1. Press tv guide on your Sky remote control then press select.
      2. Use the arrow buttons to highlight the programme you would like to set a reminder for, then press select.
      3. The programme set for reminder will then appear in your planner with the reminder icon next to it.
      4. With the programme highlighted in your planner, press the green button to add a Series Link (if Series Link is available on that programme).

    • View More: Sky Programme reminder not appearing
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    • View Answer at http://www.sky.com/helpcentre/tv/sky-plus-hd/picture-problems/programme-reminder-not-appearing/
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    • This article was generated for general information only and does not constitute legal or any other form of advice.
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  • TVonics Retune Guide

    • The switchover is a two-stage process, which means that you will need to retune your digital box at each of the two stages of the switchover or if you have lost any TV channels. You should retune your TVonics box on a regular basis as this ensures that you keep your equipment up to date, and that you have all the latest channels. Retuning couldn’t be easier, just follow the instructions below:

      • Switch on your TVonics Freeview box, press ‘menu’ on your remote control
      • Using the down arrow button select ‘Tuning’ on the fourth line of the menu. Press ‘OK’.
      • Using the down arrow button select ‘Automatic Search’. Press ‘OK’.
        • You will see a message appear on your screen ‘Your previous channel list will be replaced’
      • Using the right/left arrow select ‘YES’ and press ‘OK’
      • A scanning screen will appear, where no action is required
      • A sorting screen will then appear, where no action is required
      • A confirmation screen will appear. Press ‘OK’
      • BBC1 will play out behind the menu. Press ‘MENU’ to return to normal programming.
      You have now completed the process and can continue to enjoy viewing digital channels. N.B. Depending on the TVonics model, you may be asked to enter a PIN when accessing the tuning menu. If you have not already set a PIN then the default code is 0000.

    • View More: TVonics TVonics Retune Guide
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    • View Answer at https://www.tvonics.com/index.php/retune
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    • This article was generated for general information only and does not constitute legal or any other form of advice.
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