SafeSearch is a feature supported by most search engines that removes explicit results from a search. It can be enabled and enforced for all supported search engines with the Content Policy. If enforced with your Content Policy, any connected device will automatically enable SafeSearch where available.
Search engines that don't support SafeSearch can also be blocked.
Adding a Safe Search Rule to the Content Policy
The quickest way to get started is to create a rule using the SafeSearch preset.
This will create a SafeSearch rule type with the Search Engines category selected. You do not need to specify domains or apps, just this category.
After a few minutes, Search Engines like Google and Bing should start enforcing SafeSearch. You can also clear your browser's cache to speed up the process.
Using Safe Search Domains
Brave and DuckDuckGo provide a dedicated web address that has Safe Search locked on. The previous approach should work for DuckDuckGo, but we've seen mixed results with Brave search. A workaround to consider is blocking the general search domain while allowing the safe search domain.
Here's the general process:
1) Add the Safe Search Domain to an Allow rule
Using this address will enable SafeSearch even if the web interface says otherwise.
- Brave
- safe.search.brave.com
- Duckduckgo
- safe.duckduckgo.com
2) Add the Unsafe Domain to a Block Rule
- Brave
- search.brave.com
- Duckduckgo
- duckduckgo.com
3) Update your Browser Home Page and Address Bars to use the SafeSearch domain
The browser's search bar and home page will need to be modified to point to the safesearch domain, otherwise, search won't work. We've included instructions in these guides:
Block Unsupported Search Engines
Not all search engines have the option for SafeSearch. If you want to disable other search engines while allowing supported ones, pay careful attention to these steps.
1) Create a SafeSearch rule
Make sure you have a SafeSearch rule created with the Search Engines category selected.
2) Create an Allow rule
Create a new Allow rule below the SafeSearch rule that allows specific Search Engine apps:
For Brave Search, you'll need to specify brave.com or search.brave.com in the domains section of your rule.
3) Create a Block Rule
Finally, create a new Block rule below both rules on your Content Policy that blocks the Search Engines category.
The final result should look like this:
Note: You must order your rules this way for this to work properly. Learn more about ordering rules.
Troubleshooting SafeSearch not being enforced with the Content Policy
If SafeSearch isn't enabled, follow these troubleshooting steps in order:
- Verify your Connection to Cloudflare DNS.
- If your device is connected to Cloudflare properly, the next step is troubleshooting your Content Policy Rules
See troubleshooting SafeSearch for more help.
Alternative Methods to Enforce SafeSearch
Additional resources from our website:
- Force Google SafeSearch
- Force Bing SafeSearch
- Force SafeSearch on the Brave Browser
- SafeSearch on DuckDuckGo
For device-specific guides: