Obviously, I know its impossible to completely child-proof a PC, but theoretically, what steps would you take? Assume its a laptop with internet access, meaning you'd want local solutions and something like a pi-hole wouldn't work well.
I would personally assume, you'd want to:
A) discourage internet exploration by offering ready-to-use options for most needs, such as thumbnails/bookmarks for common websites.
B) Implement some sort of blacklist for common or easy-to-stumble-upon negative content. Maybe something as simple as a Ublock filter?
C) Robust monitoring tools, although I have no idea what.
Edit: To be clear, I know education is the number one tool, but let's say a tech illiterate friend is asking for help. What might you set up for them, or recommend they use - tools to assist in parenting, not replace it.
Somehow I lucked out. Following my lead, my kids refused to get social media accounts.
I taught them from a young age to value their privacy and showed them what I could find out about virtually anyone who had an online presence. Then I showed them what showed up about me, and challenged them to find out more. Then I pointed out that I could do the same thing with their identity whenever I wanted.
I’ve always ensured they have totally unfiltered access to the Internet and an open door to my office. Being their only reliable Internet safety net has it’s advantages.
TL;DR: my kids know that there’s nothing in place protecting them from the Internet. So they act appropriately, just like when using knives and burners in the kitchen.