Category Filtering¶
Category filtering allows you to block entire categories of websites with a single toggle, rather than adding individual sites one by one. Focus includes 47 predefined website categories to give you comprehensive control over what content your child can access.
How Category Filtering Works¶
Focus maintains a database of millions of websites organized into 47 categories. When a child tries to visit a website, Focus checks the site's category against the child's filter settings. If the category is blocked, the site is replaced with a Focus block page.
Enabling Category Filters¶
- Open Focus settings with the admin password.
- Navigate to Parental > [Child's Name] > Category Filtering.
- Toggle categories on or off.
- Click Save.
Available Categories¶
Here is a selection of the 47 categories:
| Category | Example Sites | Default (Under 12) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Content | Explicit material | Blocked |
| Social Media | Facebook, Instagram, TikTok | Blocked |
| Gaming | Online games, gaming news | Blocked |
| Video Streaming | YouTube, Netflix, Twitch | Restricted |
| Violence & Weapons | Graphic content | Blocked |
| Gambling | Betting, casino sites | Blocked |
| Drugs & Alcohol | Substance-related content | Blocked |
| Dating | Dating apps and sites | Blocked |
| Malware & Phishing | Known dangerous sites | Blocked |
| Hacking & Proxies | Proxy/VPN bypass tools | Blocked |
| News | News outlets | Allowed |
| Education | Schools, learning platforms | Allowed |
| Reference | Wikipedia, dictionaries | Allowed |
| Shopping | Online stores | Restricted |
| Forums & Communities | Reddit, Quora | Restricted |
| Entertainment | Movies, music, celebrities | Restricted |
| Advertising | Ad networks | Blocked |
Full List
The complete list of all 47 categories is available within the Focus application. Each category includes a description and example sites.
Custom Overrides¶
Even with category filtering, you can create exceptions:
Allow List¶
Add specific websites that should always be accessible, regardless of their category. This is useful for:
- School websites that might be categorized under a blocked category
- Specific educational YouTube channels
- Family-approved entertainment sites
Additional Block List¶
Add specific websites to block even if their category is set to allowed.
Start Strict, Loosen Gradually
It is easier to start with most categories blocked and gradually allow more as your child demonstrates responsible usage. This approach is safer than starting loose and trying to restrict later.