The Restrict AI-powered mode setting in Securly Filter is a feature that already blocked Google’s AI Mode, and with our latest update, it now lets schools block Google AI Overview. Students keep full access to Google Search results, without an AI-written answer on top.
Two places AI shows up in Google Search
Google now generates AI content in two spots in Search. AI Mode is a chat-style search with its own tab. AI Overview is the summary that appears above the regular results on the All tab, and it appears whether or not the student asked for it.
AI Overview is the one that catches districts off guard. A school could block every AI chatbot on its network, and students would still read an AI-generated answer each time they searched Google. Restrict AI-powered mode closes that gap.
How it works
When Restrict AI Mode is on, Securly Filter hides and/or redirects students away from AI Mode and AI Overview. Whether these elements are entirely hidden or students are just redirected away from them depends on the filtering method (Browser extension, SmartPAC, or SmartDNS). No matter the method, the end result is that AI Mode and AI Overviews are not accessible to students.
Students can still use Google search and get complete results. Images, Videos, News, and Google’s other tabs work as usual, and SafeSearch is managed in separate settings.
Roll out AI at your own pace
Districts are making AI decisions on different timelines, and most are making them one group at a time. Some block AI completely while AI policies are solidified. Others only allow it for specific classes or approved tools.
Securly Filter supports whatever stage your school or district is at. Restrict AI-powered mode is set per policy. You can keep Google’s AI features off for elementary students and open them up to high schoolers. You can block AI chatbots across the district and allow the one tool your teachers approve. When your guidance changes, you can update your policies the same day.
See how students use the AI you allow
Once students have AI access, the next question is what they do with it. Securly AI Transparency, included with Securly Filter, gives district leaders a view of student AI use across tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. You can see usage by school, grade, or classroom, which platforms students use, and what topics their conversations cover. You can also set guardrails on what AI chats will discuss, and districts that use Securly Aware can have concerning AI conversations flagged for review.
Between December 2025 and October 2026, AI Transparency gave over 1,800 districts control and visibility over more than 6.2 million student AI conversations.
How to turn it on
In Securly Filter, go to Policy Editor, select a policy, open Settings, and turn on Restrict AI-powered mode in search engines.
See everything Securly Filter can do to manage AI across your district.