Secure Net Focus mode configuration

[runciblehat]

Just trying to setup Secure Net but have an issue with Focus Mode. My son has all his school work on Microsoft Teams (using the 'Assignments' feature). However, teams.microsoft.com is blocked in Focus mode so he cannot do his homework - rendering this feature useless.

Is there any way to set the allow list (or maybe add exceptions) for Focus Mode. It's a great idea and really simple to just click on the button to apply when you need the kids to focus... but if it stops them accessing sites they need to, it loses all it's value.

[Gemma]

Hi @runciblehat - I've reached out to our Support team about this. They've advised that Teams is currently categorised as “chat”,  which is the same with any other chat platform like WhatsApp for example. This is why the access during Focus time is shut down.

Focus time only allows Music and minimal web searches for homework purposes, for example kipedia or other educational resources. For Teams to be recategorised, it would still not fall under anything else that is allowed in Focus time momentarily.

You can temporarily switch the content filters on the 'child profile' to custom and allow only the Social Media and Chat category during homework time, although not using Focus time. The content filters can be reverted easily to a set category when homework is done, just the same as stopping Focus time. This would then enable the access to all Social Media and Chat platforms.

[Cynric]

@Gemma Wow! There's a mistake by VF that needs revising. The latest builds of Microsoft Office have the new version of Teams. Lots of education establishments are using Office because of the discounts they get.

[runciblehat]

Thanks for the reply Gemma. However, this means that if I allow Social Media and Chat it will then allow him to access social media which is the last thing I want to do! So not really a fix. Also, it means one of the key selling points (a simple button to click to enable focussing) is lost. Finally, his school has already taken steps to stop chats in Teams (as its an issue in lessons too) with monitoring and school policy. Teams is used by an increasingly greater number of schools in the UK (ref: https://ukstories.microsoft.com/features/uk-leads-the-way-on-using-technology-in-schools/) so classing their app as 'chat' is ridiculous.

I'm having lots of issues with my child struggling to focus during screen time. It was (and I'm being really honest here) the MAIN reason for me selecting Vodafone as my new provider - there were other providers cheaper and faster - but the marketing for Secure Net was a real seller for me. I'm not alone here as many other parents are also struggling and you could have a real USP in the market if you just made this a little more usable. If this doesn't work, I may just change supplier and try someone else.

What can be done to request a change to the functionality of the app please?

[Cynric]

@runciblehat  Would you be willing to consider using PiHole to manage DNS and DHCP?  If your child doesn't have admin permissions on their computer where they could change the DNS settings, then you can manage the access to specific URLs. There are a number of contributors in this forum who use PiHole, myself included.

https://docs.pi-hole.net/

[Mark]

Hey @runciblehat Our Secure Net team have whitelisted Teams for you. Please let us know how you get on when your son tries this.
Mark

[runciblehat]

Hi @Mark - yes that looks to be working. Focus mode is on and he is working on microsoft office stuff including teams... thanks very much for that and please pass on my thanks to the secure net team 😊

[anie67]

It sounds like you're facing a challenge with Focus Mode blocking necessary sites. To resolve this, check if your Secure Net settings allow you to create an exceptions list for specific URLs like Microsoft Teams. This way, you can enable Focus Mode while still allowing access to essential sites for homework. If that option isn’t available, consider reaching out to your support team for further assistance. It's a great feature, but it should support your son's learning too! Also, if you’re looking for a break, check out some local [Removed].

[MOD EDIT: This post has been edited to remove off topic content please see Community Guidelines].

[Cynric]

Moderator notified 

[chistery]

Vodafone should just delete and block AI generated content

(also including Tobi)