Google has revamped its Family Link parental control toolkit, providing enhanced management capabilities for children’s Android phones and wearables. The update introduces a streamlined interface, a new Screen Time tab, and extends features like School Time and contact approval to Android devices.
The redesigned Family Link app simplifies managing linked accounts, implementing content filters, and establishing privacy restrictions. The new Screen Time tab offers a comprehensive overview of device usage, mirroring the functionality of Google’s Digital Wellbeing feature. Parents can monitor app usage times, historical data, and easily switch between multiple children’s profiles and devices.
Previously available on select smartwatches like the Samsung Galaxy Watch for Kids and Fitbit Ace LTE, School Time now extends to Android phones and tablets. This feature allows parents to schedule periods of restricted app access during school hours, minimizing distractions. Parents retain granular control over accessible apps, ensuring school-related applications remain available. Flexibility is provided to incorporate break times and vacations into the schedule.
Contact approval, another feature adapted from the Galaxy Watch for Kids, enables parents to oversee their children’s contacts. Parents can add and approve new contacts directly within the Family Link menu, restricting calls and texts to approved individuals. Children can request new contacts, subject to parental approval. Importantly, Family Link’s contact limit functionality applies only to Google Messages and the default dialer, not third-party communication apps like WhatsApp or Instagram.
This update arrives amidst growing concerns about online safety for children and the impact of smartphone use on education. The broader trend of mindful smartphone usage is also reflected in initiatives like feature phones from brands like HMD and “Digital Detox” features encouraging responsible device habits for all users.
The updated Family Link is rolling out now, with some features becoming available over the next few months.
