One UI 7, Samsung’s latest Android skin, offers significant visual and functional enhancements compared to its predecessor. Along with improved aesthetics, a touch of AI integration, and a pill-shaped control reminiscent of iPhone’s Dynamic Island, the stable version (currently exclusive to the Galaxy S25 series) introduces parental control features designed to limit children’s exposure to age-inappropriate content.
These new Digital Wellbeing filters empower parents to restrict website and app access, filtering out potentially harmful content, as recently reported by Android Authority. Galaxy S25 owners, and users of other devices slated to receive the One UI 7 update, will have the ability to automatically restrict adult websites on their children’s phones. Samsung hasn’t clarified whether it utilizes a simple blacklist or more sophisticated methods like AI to filter “sexually explicit and violent sites,” acknowledging that it may not be able to block all inappropriate content.
Beyond website filtering, parents can also control app downloads. The updated settings enable restrictions based on age filters, offering options like “12+,” “16+,” and “18+.” Alternatively, limitations can be linked to the child’s Samsung account.
Age filters for web content and apps on One UI 7.
During the initial setup of a child’s Samsung device, parents can configure permissions requiring their approval for app downloads.
However, these new controls have a significant limitation: they only function within Samsung’s own ecosystem, specifically the Samsung Internet browser for websites and the Galaxy Store for apps and games. Both parent and child must also use a Samsung device with an active Samsung account.
This limitation arguably stems from the Android operating system itself, suggesting that a more comprehensive solution would require Google to integrate similar functionality as core Android features, extending availability beyond a single brand.
The new parental controls in One UI 7 offer valuable tools for managing children’s digital experiences. While the current implementation has limitations tied to the Samsung ecosystem, the features represent a positive step towards enhanced online safety for younger users. Hopefully, future Android updates will address the broader accessibility issue, empowering parents across various device platforms.
