Parental controls on The 4th Utility
Router admin only
The 4th Utility supplies broadband to multi-dwelling units (apartment blocks, build-to-rent) across the UK. Controls are router-admin only.
How to switch it on
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01
Sign into the supplied router admin (address on the router label, typically a TP-Link gateway).
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02
Find Parental Controls in the menu. Add devices and set per-device schedules.
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03
For category filtering, set the router DNS to Cloudflare for Families: 1.1.1.3 / 1.0.0.3.
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04
Install Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link on each child's device.
How to remove this later
Go back to your provider parental controls page, switch the filter to Off or a lighter level, then save and wait for the change window shown by your provider. If your child is older, step down one layer at a time rather than removing everything in one go.
What it covers and what it does not
Covers
Per-device schedules at router level. DNS layer adds category-level filtering.
Does not cover
No app-based filter from the provider. No per-child profiles.
Add a free DNS filter
The 4th Utility does not run a network-level parental control filter. The fastest fix is to add a free DNS filter at your router. It covers every device on your Wi-Fi in one step and takes about ten minutes.
Common questions
How long does setup usually take?
Most parents can complete this in 15 minutes.
Can a child bypass this?
Network controls reduce exposure but cannot cover everything, especially mobile data and VPN bypass. Use this layer with device controls and regular check-ins.
How do I relax controls as my child gets older?
Lower one control at a time (for example strict to moderate) and review outcomes before removing all controls.
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