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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Linux for Kids? (yall.theatl.social)

submitted 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

120 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I'm thinking about building a desktop with one of my kids and I would really prefer to put Linux on it. My wife is not a fan of the idea, however.

I'm wondering are there any good Linux distros/utilities for children that include parental control features and things like that? And that are easy to use for a child who has only used basic Chromebooks in the past?

For reference the child is under 12.

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 6 months ago (2 children)

dont use parental controls. Its fake, doesnt make sense, and limits learn oportunities. Any Linux works out. Linux Mint works great

[–] [email protected] 11 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (4 children)

dont use parental controls

That's how you get your kid to encounter MLP porn. Or worse, discover Gab and 4chan.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (2 children)

And then you’d have to talk to them about it. Can you imagine the horror!

[–] [email protected] 14 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago)

Who said I'd never talk to them about it? I'd just like to do it in a controlled manner at an appropriate age and prepare them without them seeing the most depraved shit right off the bat. Is that unreasonable?

Don't assume the intentions of other people.

[–] [email protected] 12 points 6 months ago

I know your intentions are good but if my kid stumbled across gore or animal abuse they're going to require a level of "talking to" that is waaay beyond my skill level, and a content blocker is a lot cheaper than a child psychologist.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 months ago

Early access in a controlled environment is a really good way to make sure people don't fall down rabbit holes.

Obviously it depends how old, but if you block a specific website it's only a matter of time before they work out a way around the block

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago

Thats when you show them the picture of 4chan meetups and ask them if they want to end up like that.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Custom DNS settings?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago)

I use a combo of Pihole + OpenDNS with filters. And my kid's user account does not have privileges to change network settings. Yet. Things will be enabled one by one in due time until he's in 100% control of his own computer.

And if he actually knows what a DNS server is and is digging around for the setting, and trying to hack my shit, then I'd say he's ready for the "adult" computing world.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Bypassing parental control is a great learning opportunity, tho :D

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago

Probably have a porn and PC game filter to thank for my career in IT