DuckDuckGo Safety Settings

DuckDuckGo is a search engine that helps people find websites, images, videos, news and answers without building a personal search history for advertising. It can be used in an ordinary browser, as a default search provider, or through DuckDuckGo’s own browser and extensions. Children and teenagers may use it for homework, interests and everyday questions, or because a family prefers its approach to privacy.

DuckDuckGo safety settings cover several different experiences. Private Search has adult content filtering, while Search Assist adds generated answers and Duck.ai offers AI conversations. Browser protections apply when using the relevant DuckDuckGo browser or extension. A private search does not make every result suitable for a child or make an AI answer accurate.

Age Rating and Child Safety Warning

DuckDuckGo Private Search is a general search service rather than a children’s search engine. An app store age label describes a particular app and store, and does not guarantee safe results. There is no parent dashboard or child search account that locks all settings across devices.

Duck.ai’s terms say it is intended for adults aged 18 or over. Under 18s may use it with a parent or legal guardian’s supervision. This permission is not a recommendation that an AI conversation is suitable for younger children. Duck.ai terms and privacy

For younger children, search together and consider disabling AI entry points. Safe Search does not cover every disturbing subject, misinformation, scams or websites opened from results. Privacy protections are separate from child safeguarding.

Read Duck.ai terms and privacy and DuckDuckGo privacy policy for the applicable requirements.

Restrictions Available

Review the child’s search route and device together. DuckDuckGo safety settings include search preferences, separate AI controls and protections available in its browser. The steps below identify which experience each control belongs to.

Set Safe Search to Strict

Safe Search reduces adult content in results.

• Search on DuckDuckGo.
• Open the Safe Search dropdown below the search box.
• Choose Strict. Alternatively open Search Settings and set Safe Search to Strict.
• Save changed settings and check the chosen level on each browser.

Why it matters: Strict is the strongest available level. It can miss harmful results and is normally changeable by the user.

Use the Strict search address

A dedicated address forces Strict for searches made there.

• Open Safe DuckDuckGo.
• Bookmark it and use that bookmark for searching.
• Check searches still start at that address.

Why it matters: This reduces accidental changes, but children can visit a different address. It is not a parent password lock.

Enforce Strict on a managed network

Administrators can enforce DuckDuckGo’s Strict route using DNS.

• Ask the school or home network administrator to open the DNS service used by the devices.
• Create a CNAME for duckduckgo.com pointing to safe.duckduckgo.com.
• Save the DNS change using that provider’s instructions.
• Test DuckDuckGo on a connected device and check Strict is enforced.

Why it matters: Provider menus differ. Other networks, alternative DNS, VPNs and search services need separate controls. This does not filter the whole web.

Hide Duck.ai from Search

This removes Duck.ai search entry points. AI opt out instructions

• Open Search Settings.
• Choose AI Features.
• Set Duck.ai to Off.
• Select Save and Exit. In the DuckDuckGo browser, also review Settings, AI Features, Duck.ai.

Why it matters: Hiding entry points reduces exposure. It does not block direct access to duck.ai or other AI websites.

Turn Search Assist off

Search Assist adds generated summaries to search results. AI opt out instructions

• Open Search Settings, then AI Features.
• Set Search Assist to Never.
• Select Save and Exit.

Why it matters: This keeps generated summaries out of this search route. Settings can be changed, and AI content can still exist on linked websites.

Choose when Search Assist appears

Families allowing generated answers can choose their frequency. Search Assist help

• Open Search Settings, then AI Features.
• Review Search Assist: Often, Sometimes, On demand or Never.
• Choose the agreed option and save.
• When a summary appears, open its sources and compare their evidence.

Why it matters: On demand gives more choice about when to request a summary. Source links do not guarantee the answer faithfully represents them.

Hide generated images

The image filter aims to remove AI images from image results. AI image filtering

• Open DuckDuckGo Images results.
• Use the AI images filter and select Hide.
• For a saved preference, open Search Settings, General or AI Features, and turn Hide AI-Generated Images on.
• Save the change.

Why it matters: This can reduce synthetic images mistaken for real evidence. The block lists are not exhaustive and genuine images can also mislead.

Use the address without AI features

A separate search address removes AI entry points and hides AI images. AI image filtering

• Open DuckDuckGo without AI.
• Save it as the search bookmark used by the child.
• Check Safe Search separately and set it to Strict.

Why it matters: The no AI route is not the same as the Strict address. It does not block all AI websites or all generated images.

Block a site in results

DuckDuckGo can hide up to five domains in search results. Blocking domains in results

• Select the three dots beside a result from the unwanted domain.
• Choose Block this site from all results.
• Review the block list in Search Settings.

Why it matters: This also hides Instant Answers sourced from that domain. The user can choose Show all results, remove the block, or visit the site directly. It is not a device website block.

Turn autocomplete and recent site suggestions off

Suggestions can expose unexpected topics or previously visited sites. Autocomplete instructions

• For website search, open Search Settings and turn Autocomplete Suggestions off.
• Save changes.
• In the mobile DuckDuckGo app, open Settings, then Private Search.
• Turn Autocomplete Suggestions and, if wanted, Recently Visited Sites off.

Why it matters: This reduces suggestions, not results after a query is submitted. Other browser address bars have their own settings.

Preserve search preferences when clearing cookies

Ordinary browsers use non personal cookies to remember search settings. Settings and cookies

• Set Strict and the agreed AI preferences in Search Settings.
• Open Bookmarklets and settings data.
• Copy the displayed settings address into a bookmark or homepage.
• Start future searches from it and recheck filtering after clearing cookies.

Why it matters: A settings address avoids relying on cookies. DuckDuckGo’s own browser backs up search settings separately, so its Fire Button does not reset them. Neither route prevents intentional changes.

Manage Cloud Save for preferences

Optional Cloud Save restores settings using a passphrase, without a username. Cloud Save help

• Open Search Settings and the Cloud Save area.
• Enter the chosen passphrase and select Save Settings.
• On another browser, load the saved settings using that passphrase.
• To delete the cloud copy, load the existing passphrase and select Delete my data.

Why it matters: It stores settings, not a parental account or search history. The settings file is not encrypted. Deleting it leaves local preferences until reset. Do not put personal information in preferences or reuse an account password.

Clear local browsing data

Browser data can remain on a shared device even though Search does not build a personal search profile. Fire Button and local data

• In the DuckDuckGo browser, select the Fire Button.
• Choose the current tab or the whole browser and the data to delete.
• Review the choice and confirm deletion. On desktop, Delete Browsing Data is also in the browser menu.

Why it matters: This can remove cookies, local history and permissions. Bookmarks, downloads, fireproof website data and search preferences survive. Duck.ai chats need separate review.

Review Fireproof Sites

Fireproofing keeps some website data after the Fire Button. Fire Button and local data

• Open DuckDuckGo browser Settings.
• Review Fireproof Sites.
• Remove exceptions where staying signed in on the child’s or shared device is unwanted.
• Use the Fire Button again and check sign in status.

Why it matters: Exceptions can preserve first party cookies and storage. Deletion does not erase data already held by a website or its account. Exact removal controls vary by browser version.

Stop saving new Duck.ai chats

Chat history is normally saved locally on the device. Duck.ai chat history

• Open Duck.ai and its Settings.
• Find the chat history preference and turn saving history off.
• Review existing chats separately.

Why it matters: Local storage can expose conversations to someone using the device. Turning history off does not delete old chats or establish that generated content is child safe.

Delete existing Duck.ai chats

The chat Fire Button has different behaviour from the browser Fire Button. Duck.ai chat history

• Open Duck.ai’s chat list.
• For all unpinned chats, select the Fire Button at the top and Delete Chats.
• For particular chats choose Selected Chats, select them and confirm with the red Fire Button.
• Delete pinned chats individually through their three dots menu and Delete Chat.

Why it matters: Pinned chats survive bulk deletion. Sync can copy history across linked devices. Check each relevant storage route and avoid assuming browser clearing removed the conversations.

Turn voice features off

Voice chat and dictation are optional, and microphone audio is sent to a model provider. Duck.ai terms and privacy

• Open Duck.ai Settings.
• Turn voice chat and dictation off when they are not agreed uses.
• Decline microphone permission when a website asks for unnecessary access.

Why it matters: DuckDuckGo says audio is not kept after the session or used for training. A voice can still identify someone, and transcripts can be saved under chat history preferences.

Revoke shared chat links

Anyone holding a shared link can view its chat content. Duck.ai terms and privacy

• Open Duck.ai Settings.
• Review the shared links and their expiration dates.
• Delete a link to revoke it before expiry.
• Avoid creating links containing school details, photos or private conversations.

Why it matters: Generated files can be included. Revoking access cannot retrieve copies or screenshots already made by recipients. Link based sharing is not a private parent dashboard.

Review AI data handling before sending prompts

Duck.ai removes identifying metadata and prohibits model training on conversations. Duck.ai data handling

• Read the model privacy information shown for the actual chat.
• Review provider retention exceptions in the official privacy help.
• Avoid uploading personal documents or describing identifiable children.
• If sending feedback, check whether the conversation will be shared for review.

Why it matters: Optional feedback, sync, uploaded file checks and provider exceptions make blanket claims of no storage misleading. Privacy does not guarantee safe, accurate or confidential advice.

Decline unnecessary location access

Linked sites may request location through the device. Location privacy

• When a search result or website asks to access location, choose Don’t Allow unless needed.
• Review the DuckDuckGo browser’s location permission in device settings.
• For sites already permitted, review their permissions or clear permissions using the browser Fire Button.

Why it matters: Location can be shared with the destination site and operating system provider. Declining precise access does not hide approximate location inferred from an IP address.

Keep scam warnings enabled

Scam Blocker belongs to the DuckDuckGo browser, rather than every browser using DuckDuckGo Search. Scam Blocker help

• Review the browser Settings for Scam Blocker and keep protection enabled.
• If a warning appears, leave the site instead of proceeding.
• Ask a trusted adult to check unexpected payments, downloads or account verification requests.

Why it matters: Warnings can help with known scams, malware and phishing. New threats may be missed. The current official page does not specify a universal submenu for every device.

Recognise redirects to other search services

Bang shortcuts perform a query on another service. Bang shortcut help

• Check whether a query begins with a shortcut such as !g.
• For younger children, use ordinary DuckDuckGo queries instead of shortcuts.
• After any redirect, check the destination address and its own filtering and privacy controls.

Why it matters: DuckDuckGo’s Strict and privacy settings do not become the destination service’s settings. A shortcut is not a safe browsing boundary.

Disconnect a synced device

Sync & Backup can copy chats between devices. Disconnecting sync

• In the DuckDuckGo browser, open Settings, then Sync & Backup.
• Choose Turn Off Sync & Backup and confirm.
• In a different browser using Duck.ai, open Duck.ai Settings, Sync & Backup, Manage, then Turn Off Sync & Backup and confirm.

Why it matters: This disconnects that device without deleting local data or the server copy. Other connected devices remain synced.

Delete the synced server copy

A separate control ends sync across devices and deletes encrypted server data. Disconnecting sync

• Keep any information you need before deletion.
• Open browser Settings, Sync & Backup.
• Choose Turn Off Sync and Delete Server Data and confirm.
• For Duck.ai in another browser, use Settings, Sync & Backup, Manage, then Turn Off and Delete Server Data.

Why it matters: Local data is not deleted. Review chats on every device separately. Deleting a cloud copy is different from removing a shared link.

Understand default Global Privacy Control

The DuckDuckGo browser and official extension send a privacy preference by default. Global Privacy Control

• Use the official DuckDuckGo browser or Search & Tracker Protection extension when these protections are wanted.
• Keep it updated and review cookie choices on visited websites.
• Avoid assuming using Private Search in any browser sends the same signal.

Why it matters: GPC is a privacy signal with effects depending on the website and jurisdiction. It does not replace cookie choices, prevent all tracking or filter harmful content.

Use browser tracking protections beyond Search

The browser and extension reduce tracking on linked websites. Web tracking protections

• Use the official browser or extension for the relevant supported platform.
• Keep its protections active when visiting search results.
• Review a website’s cookie choices and reject optional cookies where wanted.
• Check protection exceptions if a website was allowed to bypass protection.

Why it matters: Tracking protections cover multiple methods, but essential site exceptions and platform differences exist. Search privacy alone does not install these protections in another browser.

Request removal of a traditional result

Most traditional links are supplied by Bing. Result removal help

• Open the official DuckDuckGo removal help page.
• Follow its Bing Removal (EU citizens) link for an Irish request, or the relevant other route.
• Complete the form applicable to the concern and supply requested evidence.
• If Bing confirms removal but the link remains in DuckDuckGo, contact privacy@duckduckgo.com with the result details.

Why it matters: Removal eligibility and verification apply. A search removal does not erase the source website. Hiding a domain locally is different from a removal request.

DuckDuckGo Safety Settings and Why They Matter

DuckDuckGo safety settings address different risks. Strict reduces some adult results, AI preferences reduce generated content exposure, and local data controls manage what remains on a device. Private Search does not supply a parental monitoring account. Combine these controls with supervision and device restrictions suited to the child.

How to Use DuckDuckGo 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

Search Assist can give a quick explanation, while Duck.ai supports follow up conversation. That convenience can help a teenager explore a topic, but an authoritative tone may hide an error or an unsuitable response. Duck.ai’s terms warn that outputs can be unreliable or offensive. Open the original source and involve an adult for health, safety or personal distress questions. Duck.ai terms and privacy

Ofcom’s 2026 UK research describes children using AI for information while often doing limited accuracy checking. This supports teaching source verification, but does not measure Irish children’s exposure through DuckDuckGo. Ofcom children and AI findings

eSafety’s 2026 Australian survey found harmful interactions and sharing of sensitive information among young AI users. It concerns AI assistants broadly, rather than a DuckDuckGo safety test. eSafety children and AI research

Private Search’s approach to tracking does not remove the destination website’s cookies, ads, scams or collection of information. Using DuckDuckGo in another browser does not automatically provide the DuckDuckGo browser’s full protections. Read DuckDuckGo privacy policy and review cookie choices on the actual websites visited.

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

Web Search preferences, DuckDuckGo browser preferences and Duck.ai settings are separate. Recheck each after updates or switching devices. School or device restrictions may apply, but Private Search does not provide a family organizer account.

DuckDuckGo does not provide a search account password, two step verification dashboard, parent approval or a child screen time schedule. Use the device’s parental controls for time and access restrictions, with separate guidance for that device. Family Safety filtering documented for Bing and Edge should not be assumed to supervise DuckDuckGo in another browser.

Subscriptions, Email Protection and a VPN are separate services. They do not make search child safe. Do not buy a subscription solely to obtain Strict search or the AI opt out preferences described here.

Safety Checklist

• Use Strict on every search route and recheck after ordinary browser cookie deletion.
• Review Search Assist, Duck.ai entry points and AI image filtering separately.
• Explain that direct AI websites and redirects remain reachable unless the device blocks them.
• Review browsing data, Fireproof Sites, chat history and shared links.
• Decline unnecessary permissions and keep scam warnings enabled.
• Use device parental controls and agree when an adult must join a search.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is private search automatically safe for children?

No. Privacy protection concerns tracking and data. Strict reduces some adult results, but does not guarantee suitable content or accurate answers.

Does the no AI address enforce Strict?

Do not assume this. Check Safe Search separately, because the no AI and Strict addresses serve different purposes.

Does the browser Fire Button delete Duck.ai history?

Not by default in the DuckDuckGo browser. Review the Fire Button inside Duck.ai and pinned chats separately.

Can a parent monitor every search through DuckDuckGo?

Private Search does not provide a parental search history dashboard. Discuss supervision openly and use appropriate device controls without promising a complete activity record.

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

• Duck.ai terms and privacy: Official guidance on duck.ai terms and privacy.
• DuckDuckGo privacy policy: Official guidance on duckduckgo privacy policy.
• Safe Search instructions: Official guidance on safe search instructions.
• AI opt out instructions: Official guidance on ai opt out instructions.
• Search Assist help: Official guidance on search assist help.
• AI image filtering: Official guidance on ai image filtering.
• Blocking domains in results: Official guidance on blocking domains in results.
• Autocomplete instructions: Official guidance on autocomplete instructions.
• Settings and cookies: Official guidance on settings and cookies.
• Cloud Save help: Official guidance on cloud save help.
• Fire Button and local data: Official guidance on fire button and local data.
• Duck.ai chat history: Official guidance on duck.ai chat history.

Sources 13 to 24

• Duck.ai data handling: Official guidance on duck.ai data handling.
• Location privacy: Official guidance on location privacy.
• Scam Blocker help: Official guidance on scam blocker help.
• Bang shortcut help: Official guidance on bang shortcut help.
• Disconnecting sync: Official guidance on disconnecting sync.
• Global Privacy Control: Official guidance on global privacy control.
• Web tracking protections: Official guidance on web tracking protections.
• Result removal help: Official guidance on result removal help.
• Ofcom children and AI findings: Research findings, population and limitations discussed in this guide.
• eSafety children and AI research: Research findings, population and limitations discussed in this guide.
• 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