Parents can try out Google's new Family Link app, which makes Android phones safer and more secure for children..
Google has a new app for parents who want to manage Android phones used by their kids.
Smartphones and children have a delicate relationship. While phones can be entertainment hubs for children, these devices are designed for adults, and children's privacy and innocence are vulnerable, especially if children have their own phones. Google aims to empower parents and protect children who use Android phones through its Family Link app..
The way of operation
Family Link allows you to create a Google account on your child's Android phone and set rules for that account to restrict app management and screen time, and even schedule a 'bedtime' after that the phone cannot be used.
Previously, Google's terms of service restricted anyone under the age of 13 from having an account - although a quick poll around the office seems to indicate that many parents have bypassed this restriction on children's access to email. , calendars and the Google Play Store..
Requirements
Family Link works on Android phones from Android 7.0 or higher nougat.
The Family Link app requires two Android smartphones (your phone and your child's phone). Both phones must be running Android Nougat 7.0 or higher.
At this time, the Family Link app is only available in the United States and by invitation only. Also, your child's phone must be a new device or one that has been cleaned and set up as new.
The configuration
Install the Family Link app on both phones.
On your phone:
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Open the Family Link app.
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Select “Create a Google account for your child”.
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Follow the on-screen instructions through the information to be provided.
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On the Parental Consent tab, enter your credit card information.
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Google will charge 30 cents à la carte to verify if you are a parent.
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Enter your child's first and last name.
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Enter your child's birthday and gender (optional).
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Create a Gmail username for your child.
Then, on your child's phone:
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Place your child's phone next to your phone when prompted.
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Open the Family Link app.
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Sign in to the app with your child's Google account.
Management settings
You can manage settings for everything from Google Play Store access to location privacy. Parameters include:
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Controls on Google Play
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Websites on Chrome
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Filters on Google search
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Android apps
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Location
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Account Info
Controls on Google Play
Some controls are meant to protect your child, others are to protect your wallet. Whether it's games or streaming content, maybe apps could take the money. Now's your chance to change your child's access settings to the Google Play Store .
Your first option is to protect your wallet. You can allow or deny your child to buy apps, limit in-app purchases, or deny all access to the Play Store.
If you want to make sure your kid can watch movies like “Moana” and not horror movies like “Hush”, you can also set qualifying content ratings for apps, games, movies, TV, books and music.
Websites on Chrome
You can limit your child's access to the Internet under this section. You can choose to allow them to visit all websites, only websites without mature content, or a custom list of websites that you create.
Filters on Google search
You can enable a Safe Search filter here to limit sexually explicit and violent results when your child uses Google Search.
Android Apps
Under this setting, there are two lists: one for blocked apps, the other for allowed apps. These controls are only suitable for apps on your child's phone.
Location
This setting allows you to see the location of your child's phone. The phone must be activated and the child's account must be logged in. Your kids will know when their location is recorded by you - a great feature that encourages conversation between parents and kids.
Account Info
This section contains all the information about your child's Google Account. It should be especially noted that this is the only place where you can change your child account password.
More
The loosely named "More" section is where you can let your child turn on the use of Google photo sharing and decide if they can manage their own Google activity.
Conversation
Google Family Link can help you manage how your kids use their phones, but that doesn't matter for apps designed for adults - Tinder won't be safe for kids, for example. Family Link is simply a tool. It is always recommended to have conversations with your children about how to use their phones and their safety and responsibility.
