Brave Search Safety Settings

Brave Search finds websites, images, videos and information from its own search index. Children and teenagers may use it for homework, interests or quick answers, particularly when it is their browser’s chosen search engine. This Brave Search safety settings guide helps parents review that everyday searching with them.

In addition to traditional links, Brave offers generated answers and conversational research through Ask Brave. However, privacy and content safety are separate issues. A service that limits tracking can still return an upsetting result or an inaccurate answer.

Age Rating and Child Safety Warning

Brave Search is a general search service rather than a search environment designed only for children. Standard web search does not require an account. However, that does not establish that every result or AI feature is appropriate for a child.

The reviewed general terms do not establish a separate child search profile, parent approval process or age assurance setting. Therefore, do not treat an app store rating, a private search claim or a paid subscription as evidence of child suitability.

Read Brave terms of use and Brave Search privacy policy for the applicable requirements.

Restrictions Available

Start with filtering, then review privacy and any AI features. The instructions identify settings that families can change and explain fixed protections separately. However, ordinary preferences do not create a parental password lock.

Set Safe search to Strict

Safe search filters adult results.

• Open Brave Search settings.
• Find Safe search and select Strict.
• Return to settings and confirm the choice on each browser.

Why it matters: Strict offers stronger filtering than Moderate. However, the user can change this preference and filtering can miss harmful material. Moderate may still show adult links and some adult images.

Enforce Strict on a managed network

A DNS override can enforce filtering on a managed network.

• Ask the network administrator to open the DNS management service used by the devices.
• Add a CNAME for search.brave.com pointing to forcesafe.search.brave.com.
• Override only that hostname. Do not create a DNS zone that redirects all Brave subdomains.
• Save using the provider’s controls, then test connected devices.

Why it matters: This adds enforcement beyond a cookie preference. However, another network, a VPN, alternative DNS or a different search engine can bypass it. Recheck both IPv4 and IPv6 routes.

Report an adult result that passes filtering

Reports help Brave investigate missed results.

• Record the result URL and a brief description without downloading explicit material.
• Use your email app to write to search-abuse@brave.com.
• Explain that the result appeared with Strict enabled, then send the report yourself.

Why it matters: Reporting can improve filtering. However, it does not provide an immediate block or an emergency response.

Turn off automatic Answer with AI

Answer with AI can show generated answers automatically.

• Open Brave Search settings.
• Find Answer with AI and clear its checkbox.
• Search again and review whether automatic answers appear.

Why it matters: This reduces automatic exposure. However, it does not prevent someone opening Ask Brave or remove every use of AI in search descriptions and indexing.

Avoid sharing AI conversations publicly

An AI conversation may contain several follow up questions.

• Review every message before using the conversation sharing feature.
• Keep conversations containing a child’s identity, school or private circumstances unshared.
• If a link has already been shared, stop distributing it and use Brave support for concerns about its contents.

Why it matters: Sharing creates access beyond the original device. Brave documents up to seven days for shared conversations, while ordinary AI conversations expire after 24 hours of inactivity. However, recipients can copy content before expiry. A verified link revocation route was not established.

Turn off Anonymous local results

Local results can use an approximate location from the connection.

• Open Brave Search settings.
• Clear Anonymous local results.
• Review location related results after a fresh search.

Why it matters: This reduces location based tailoring. However, switching it off does not hide the connection’s IP address from every service or remove location from text the child enters.

Limit accurate location requests

Use accurate location requests more precise browser location.

• Open Brave Search settings and review Anonymous local results.
• Avoid selecting Use accurate location unless it is needed.
• If the browser asks for location permission, choose its refusal option. Alternatively, use Set location manually and a broad area rather than a home address.

Why it matters: A broad area is often enough for local information. However, these preferences do not control permissions already granted to other websites. Review those in the browser separately.

Turn off Anonymous usage metrics

Brave offers optional aggregate measurements. Brave anonymous usage metrics help

• Open Brave Search settings.
• Clear Anonymous usage metrics.
• Return to settings to check it remains off.

Why it matters: This limits optional metrics. However, it does not stop every form of processing. The privacy policy separately describes storage of deidentified query text and technical details.

Hide Discussions results

Discussions adds forum material to search results. Brave Discussions help

• Open Brave Search settings.
• Clear Discussions.
• Review the next results page with the child.

Why it matters: This reduces one route to forum content. However, ordinary web results can still link to discussions, misinformation or strangers. It does not block forum websites.

Recheck filters after deleting cookies

Brave stores preferences in cookies without a unique user identifier. Brave anonymous cookies help

• Before deleting browser site data, note Safe search, Answer with AI, location and metrics choices.
• After deletion, open Brave Search settings again.
• Restore Strict and the other agreed choices, then test a new search.

Why it matters: Cookie deletion can remove preferences as well as data. Therefore, deleting cookies is not a reliable way to retain child protection. Browser history also needs separate review.

Check shortcuts that leave Brave

Bang shortcuts send a query to another service. Brave bang shortcuts help

• Look at the address bar after using a search beginning with an exclamation mark.
• If it opens another search engine, review that engine’s own filter before continuing.
• For a younger child, use ordinary searches within Brave instead of unreviewed shortcuts.

Why it matters: Brave’s preferences do not automatically apply at the destination. Similarly, a direct website address can avoid search filtering entirely.

Request removal of personal search results

Search removal is separate from deleting the original website. Brave search removal requests

• Ask the website owner to remove the source where appropriate.
• Write to privacy@brave.com with the subject Right to be forgotten request.
• Include the person’s name, affected URLs, contact details, your relationship to them and why removal is justified.
• For images, include the original image URL and Brave thumbnail URL where available.
• Provide identity documents only if Brave requests necessary verification through its stated process.

Why it matters: Removal may reduce discoverability. However, it is assessed rather than guaranteed, may take time, and does not erase copies, the original page or other search engines.

Discard unwanted domains with Rerank

Rerank can omit a domain from ordinary results. Brave Rerank help

• Search on Brave, then select Rerank at the top right.
• Under Quick Tune, find the unwanted domain from the current results.
• Select its Discard control, labelled with that domain.
• Check it appears under Discarded domains, then test another search.

Why it matters: This narrows results in that browser. However, the user can remove the rule and cookies store it locally. Direct visits and other search engines still work. A unique rule combination may also be identifying.

Review community Goggles before using them

Goggles changes result ranking using community rules. Brave Goggles help

• Select Goggles beside the search result tabs.
• Review the available Goggle and its owner before following it.
• Apply only a reviewed Goggle to the query, then compare results with All.

Why it matters: A community filter may help a specific task. However, its owner can change the rules and it is not parental enforcement. Followed Goggles use browser local storage, which is separate from cookies.

Report a harmful or inaccurate AI answer

Feedback helps Brave review answer problems. Brave feedback help

• Find the generated answer on the results page.
• Select Bad response underneath it.
• Describe the issue using the feedback controls shown, without adding private information.
• Stop using the answer while you check an original source or ask a trusted adult.

Why it matters: Feedback is not a guarantee of correction. Therefore, do not rely on the answer while waiting, especially for health or safety decisions.

Brave Search Safety Settings and Why They Matter

Filtering, privacy and AI choices address different risks. For example, a private search can still return inaccurate information or a scam. Review the strongest available filter alongside the child’s browsing habits and explain how to ask for help.

How to Use Brave Search Safely

For younger children, search together and choose a small set of trusted learning websites. For teenagers, agree when independent searching is appropriate and how to ask for help after an upsetting result. Encourage questions without blaming a child for content they encounter.

Check the publisher, date and evidence before trusting an answer. Sponsored links may lead to scams, and generated answers can cite material that does not support their claim. Avoid submitting school details, passwords, private photos or sensitive family information in a search or AI prompt.

Essential Safety Advice and Current Concerns

Brave Search combines web links with Answer with AI and Ask Brave. For example, a teenager may receive a summary before opening any source. Therefore, check cited pages and whether they actually support the answer. Brave Leo belongs to the browser and has separate controls.

Brave’s privacy policy describes stored deidentified query text. It also describes AI conversation processing on US infrastructure. Therefore, avoid a blanket assumption that nothing entered into search is stored. Brave Search privacy policy

Ofcom’s 2026 UK research highlights young people’s trust in AI generated information. Ofcom children and AI research These findings concern broader AI use rather than this engine’s error rate or Irish children specifically.

For parents, the practical concern is that a fluent answer may discourage a child from checking evidence. Younger children may need help recognising an answer as generated. Similarly, teenagers should verify claims before using them in homework. These are CODA’s practical implications, rather than measured outcomes for this service.

Responding to harmful content

If a search leads to grooming, sexual pressure, threats or bullying, help the child close the page and speak with a trusted adult. Keep relevant non explicit evidence when safe, report through the service and contact appropriate support. Never download or forward suspected child sexual abuse material.

In immediate danger in Ireland, call 112 or 999. For confidential support, use Childline Ireland. Report suspected illegal online content through Hotline.ie. CODA enquiries are for education and guidance rather than an emergency response.

Platform Support and Regional Differences

These instructions distinguish website controls from browser or mobile app controls. However, menus and feature availability may differ by country or device. Check the child’s actual screen before assuming that an option is available.

After clearing cookies or changing browsers, review the search settings again. Similarly, check links opened through school apps, voice assistants and browser address bars. A chosen homepage does not enforce use of one search engine.

Safety Checklist

• Check the strongest available filter on each browser and device.
• Review cookies, location and search history separately.
• Check AI features and open original sources before trusting an answer.
• Avoid entering personal details into searches or AI prompts.
• Discuss sponsored results and the risks of destination websites.
• Agree supervision, breaks and a way to report upsetting content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does filtering guarantee safe results?

No. Filters may miss harmful content, and websites can change after a result is indexed. Therefore, combine filtering with supervision and reporting.

Does clearing cookies remove browser history?

No. Cookies, browser history and any saved AI conversations are different records. In addition, deleting site data can reset safety preferences.

Is a private search engine automatically suitable for children?

No. Privacy reduces certain data collection, while suitability depends on content, features and the child’s needs. For younger children, search together.

Can AI answers replace checking sources?

No. AI can explain a topic but can also produce plausible mistakes. Instead, open the cited pages and compare reliable evidence.

Related CODA Guides

Continue with Resources for Parents and Video Guides. For further Irish support routes, visit Useful Links and Supports.

References

Sources 1 to 12

• Brave terms of use: General service terms and eligibility requirements.
• Brave Search privacy policy: Search data handling and AI conversation retention.
• Brave Safe Search help: Filter levels, network enforcement and reporting adult results.
• Brave AI search help: Generated answers and conversational search features.
• Brave AI conversation sharing help: Conversation storage and shared link expiry.
• Brave local results help: Approximate, accurate and manually selected location.
• Brave anonymous usage metrics help: Optional aggregate usage measurements.
• Brave Discussions help: Forum material presented in search results.
• Brave anonymous cookies help: Preference cookies and the effect of deleting them.
• Brave bang shortcuts help: Search shortcuts that redirect to other services.
• Brave search removal requests: Requesting removal of personal information from indexed results.
• Brave Rerank help: Local rules for raising or discarding domains.

Sources 13 to 17

• Brave Goggles help: Community ranking rules and their ownership.
• Brave feedback help: Reporting problems in search and generated answers.
• Ofcom children and AI research: UK research on children’s media use and AI literacy. This is broader evidence, not a safety test of this engine.
• Childline Ireland support: Childline Ireland support instructions and supporting information.
• Hotline.ie reporting: Hotline.ie reporting instructions and supporting information.

About Children of the Digital Age

Children of the Digital Age provides online safety education and training for schools, parents and organisations. Our guidance combines practical digital safety with discussion of online behaviour and the decisions people make. For families, settings support ongoing conversations and do not replace safeguarding or professional support.

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Last updated: 10 October 2026