Most cable boxes have built-in parental controls that allow you to control what your kids watch — even
when you're not there. You can block specific channels and, with a digital box, even programs by TV ratings.
To learn how, follow the instructions below that match the system in your home.
Press the Settings button on your remote control twice, and the General Settings menu will appear.
Use the Up and Down arrow keys on your remote to highlight one of the following options: Block: Channels, Ratings or Timer.
When you have chosen the area that you want to control, press OK/Select. When you have set a block, you will be asked to enter a four-digit number to be used as your Parental Control ID or Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Highlight the channel you want to block and press Select. Blocked channels are displayed on the right side of the screen.
Press the menu button on your remote control to access the Settings Menu.
Use the Up and Down arrow keys on your remote to highlight Parental Control.
Press Select on your remote and input your PIN number. If you have not previously input a parental control PIN number, you will be asked to create one.
Note: You may need to turn on the locking feature.
Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the category you decide to block. You may select programs by title, time or rating, or you may choose to block an entire channel.
Use the Up and Down arrow keys to highlight Lock Ratings, Lock Channels, or Lock Time.
Under Lock Ratings, select the lowest rating that you would like blocked.
Scroll down to that rating by using the Up and Down arrow keys.
Once the desired rating is highlighted, press Select on remote control.
Note: All ratings that are above your lowest allowable ratings will be blocked.
Under Lock Channels, scroll through the list of channels and press Select on the channels that you want to block.
Under Lock Time, highlight the time that you would like to begin blocking Press Select on the remote.
Highlight the time that you would like to stop blocking all channels. Press Select on the remote.
Note: When choosing the Lock Time option, all channels will be blocked during the designated time.
Most analog boxes will allow you to block channels. The steps include:
Using your set-top box's remote control or keypad, create a PIN code.
Repeat the control procedure for every TV set/set-top box combination in your home. Children will not be able to view the blocked channel(s) or change the control settings without entering the PIN code.
Another helpful parental resource is the V-chip, which is available in newly manufactured TV sets with screens 13" or larger. Working in conjunction with the TV ratings system, it blocks programs that have received a specified rating level. The settings are password protected and can be changed at any time. Follow the directions in your TV manual or visit www.tvguidelines.org for more information on the V-chip and TV programming ratings overall.
Educating parents about controlling TV programming in their homes is a major priority for the cable industry overall. In fact, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association has created a Web site with extensive information about parental options for choice, control and education. Visit www.controlyourtv.org to learn more.
Digital cable service offers you the most control and flexibility in taking charge of your TV. But if you don't have a set-top box, then Cox can block channels by installing an electronic filter that "traps" out a particular channel. This filter is physically installed on the cable equipment outside your home and provides complete blocking of the specific channel until the device is removed.
This is not available in all Cox markets, including Kansas. To find out if this
is available to you, contact your Cox customer care center for assistance.
Another helpful parental resource is the V-chip, which is available in newly manufactured TV sets with screens 13" or larger. Working in conjunction with the TV ratings system, it blocks programs that have received a specified rating level. The settings are password protected and can be changed at any time. Follow the directions in your TV manual or visit