This article is written for Google Workspace for Education Administrators.

Introduction

The Insert Link feature in Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Drawings is a powerful tool that allows users to easily add hyperlinks to their documents and presentations. This feature can be particularly useful in educational settings, where students and teachers may need to reference external sources or provide links to additional information.

However, in the context of education, the Insert Link feature can also pose a potential risk to online safety. So, We need to Block Insert Link Feature in Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets. Students, especially younger ones, may inadvertently or intentionally navigate to inappropriate or harmful websites, exposing themselves to unwanted content or potential cybersecurity threats.

Why disable the Insert Link feature for education?

Disabling the Insert Link feature in Google Docs and Slides for educational purposes can provide several benefits:

  • Enhanced Online Safety: By removing the ability to insert links, educators can ensure that students remain within the confines of the educational materials and resources provided, reducing the risk of exposure to inappropriate or potentially harmful content.
  • Focused Learning: Without the distraction of external links, students can stay more focused on the content and tasks at hand, leading to improved learning outcomes.
  • Controlled Content: Educators can maintain better control over the information and resources available to students, ensuring that the learning environment is tailored to their specific needs and aligned with the curriculum.
Insert link feature in Google Docs

Insert link feature in Google Docs

Introducing Safe Doc - A solution for disabling the Insert Link feature

Safe Doc is a powerful browser extension designed specifically for educational institutions using Google Workspace for Education. It provides a simple and effective solution for disabling the Insert Link feature in Google Docs, Slides, Sheets and Drawing. By leveraging Safe Doc, administrators and educators can customize the settings of various Google Workspace applications, including Google Docs, to align with specific educational requirements. We need to Block Insert Link Feature in Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets using Safe Doc tool.

How Safe Doc blocks the Insert Link feature in Google Docs and Slides, Sheet and Drawing?

Blocking the Insert Link feature in Google Docs

Once Safe Doc is installed and configured, the Insert Link feature in Google Docs will be disabled. When a student attempts to insert a link, they will not receive any suggested links. 

Safe Doc blocks the Insert Link feature in Google Docs

Safe Doc removes the link suggestions in Google Docs

Blocking the Insert Link feature in Google Slides

Similar to the process for Google Docs, Safe Doc can also be used to disable the Insert Link feature in Google Slides. When a student attempts to insert a link, they will not receive any suggested links.

Safe Doc blocks the Insert Link feature in Slides.

Blocks the link suggestions in Google Slides using Safe Doc

Blocking the Insert Link feature in Google Sheet

Safe Doc blocks the Insert Link feature in Sheet.

Safe Doc blocks the link suggestions in Google Sheet

Locking the Insert Link feature in Google Drawing

Safe Doc blocks the Insert Link feature in Google Drawing

Safe Doc locks the link suggestions in Google Drawing

Steps to disable the Insert Link feature

Step 1: Install Safe Doc: 

The first step is to install Safe Doc in your Google Workspace environment. Safe Doc is a browser extension that seamlessly integrates with Google Slides, providing enhanced control and security features.

Step 2: Configure Safe Doc settings: 

Once Safe Doc is installed, you can configure its settings to start disabling Insert link feature in Google Docs And Slides

Step 3: Access Google Admin Console: 

Now, navigate to the Google Admin Console. In the Google Admin Console, click on Devices followed by Chrome. Then, select Apps and Extensions and click on Users and Browsers.

Step 4: Copy the Policy: 

Locate the policy that you wish to apply and copy it. The policy will display in a specific format similar to the example provided below:

"EnableExplore": {

    "Value": false

  },

Step 5: Save the Policy: 

After copying the policy, click the Save button to apply it.

How to configure Safe Doc?

First of all, ensure the deployment of Safe Doc on your students' Chrome browsers, and review the xFanatical Safe Doc Configuration document.

Subsequently, incorporate the BlockInsertlink policy into your Safe Doc configuration, setting its value to true.

Conclusion

Disabling the Insert Link feature in Google Docs, Slides, Sheets and Drawing can be a valuable step in enhancing online safety and creating a more focused learning environment for students. Safe Doc provides a user-friendly and effective solution to achieve this goal, empowering educators to maintain better control over the content and resources available to their students.

By implementing Safe Doc, educational institutions can foster a safer and more productive digital learning experience, ultimately leading to improved learning outcomes and better-prepared students for the digital age.

To learn more about how Safe Doc can help enhance online safety in your educational institution, visit our website  Safe Doc.

If you have yet to install Safe Doc, please get a 30 days trial.