How to block internet access of apps?

[markw10]

I am looking into getting an iPad for my son but have concerns about some apps that he may be using.
I want to be able to block sites such as myspace, facebook, etc. and I understand there are ways that this can be done through a router.
The only problem is even by successfully blocking him getting to these websites, he could use an app for facebook or myspace and get onto Facebook, MySpace, etc. with those.
If he uses those apps, is there any way to block the internet access to them so that even if he opens the app he is unable to actually use the app through the internet such as going to Facebook through the Facebook App.
Would blocking the website actually make it so that he can't use those apps or do I have to block an ip address?
I know that I can block access to the App store but yet since him and his older brother both will use the ipad his older brother is at an age we're comfortable with him using those apps so want to be able to keep the apps on the iPad but yet at other times limit access to those apps and websites such as when my younger son is using the ipad and unfortunately it's hard to supervise him at all times.
Thank you for your help with the above.

 

[ukyo229]

It's good that you are preventing your child from accessing those types of sites. They are seriously harmful to a persons demeanor, and social life. Some people get so detached from reality it's not funny, especially porn addicts.

Unfortunately, this is kinda hard to do on an iPad.

Windows users have a super easy way to block sites without parental controls. Mac users need to use parental control settings, or know how to fiddle with their connection settings.

The latter, which you already mentioned, isn't an ideal solution for the iPad.

There maybe a 3rd party application, but hopefully this feature will be enabled in OS4 for those who need it.

 

[pacmania1982]

I've just looked at the parental controls on my iPad and unfortunately there isn't nothing you can in terms of blocking websites on the iPad itself. If you did disable access via a router to social networking sites, you could disable the ability to install apps on the iPad and thus denying access to social networking site apps.

I have included a screenshot which will hopefully help showing what you can/can't restrict. Basically you can only turn access to the apps on or off, not URL by URL

pac

 

[TraceyS/FL]

Check out Mobicip, it will keep apps from launching safari.

Part of what you want to do you cant block, so you have to sort out that solution for your family. Here, I am the one in charge of putting apps on via my computer and they can't get to the app store on the touch.

My oldest has control of her iPad, I block at the router if needed (mainly to control her access times), and she has to have me type my apple ID password on iTunes. She would be about to lose access to netflix, gunna suck to be her! Lol! In that case I will just pull my pw off for now.

 

[supermanx]

Check out opendns. You can sign up for an account for parental controls and then you just need to change the dns on the iPad to point to opendns.org servers.