If your child owns an electronic device, you likely want to know what they used to do with it. The web can be an advantageous site; however, it can also be risky, which is why kids need to be aware of these dangers.
If your child has an Android device, the best factor to consider is the device comes with a parental control application named Family Link. This article will provide information on the basics of Google Family Link and how it can help protect children on the internet.
What Is Google Family Link?
Google Family Link is an application that lets parents limit their children’s access to the internet. It is possible to create a Google account on behalf of your kid and another for yourself (you probably already have one) and then connect the two accounts. Combining the two accounts makes it possible to remotely control your child’s tablet or smartphone using your gadget.
Family Link is primarily explicitly built for Android devices, but it also runs for iOS. It can be run on any iPhone with iOS 11 or higher.
Be aware of this: Google Family Link is rudimentary at its best.
It must provide a detailed overview of how your children utilize their devices. It gives an overall time using apps throughout the period, but it doesn’t offer the option of drilling down to find out what apps were used or for the duration.
It’s possible to lock or play music on your children’s devices; however, there’s no method of interacting with them (e.g., the push-to-talk function).
There aren’t any app categories that allow you to block applications in one go. Rivals permit you to stop streaming websites with just a click; then, you can tweak that to your liking by allowing only users access to Disney+.
There is no way to establish granular times for an app per app. This includes, for instance, the capability to access certain apps only for specific days or certain times.
Google Family Link Features
Google Family Link comes with the following attributes:
Filtering apps and websites -Select which websites children can access and the apps that they can download.
Limitations on time: Decide when your children can access their devices or applications.
Tracking your location: Tell the kids where they are.
Scheduling: Choose when your child can use their gadget during the week or day.
Reports on activity: Provides you details about your child’s use of the device, such as the time spent on screen, apps installed applications, apps that are used, and much more.
How do Family links work?
Google Family Link connects your Android or iPhone with your child’s Android tablet or phone to allow you to set and adjust specific digital base rules for your entire family. The features are:
- Control the apps that your child has access to. Block or approve applications your child would like to install from the Google Play Store.
- Be aware of screen time. You can see how often your child uses their favorite apps by submitting daily or monthly activity reports. Limiting the time they spend on screens each day on their devices is also possible.
- Set device bedtime
- See your child’s device location.
- Secure their device remotely whenever you’re ready to play, study, or even sleep.
Parents and their carers can download Google Family Link onto their devices. Then, they can set up a Google Account for their child via the application. This setup process may take between 30 and 60 minutes, based on your experience with the procedure.
After you have downloaded your app, the process is divided into three stages:
- Step 1: Download and install the app, ensure you’ve got everything you require, and log into your Google account. 3 minutes
- Step 2: Create an account for your kid’s Google account. It should take about. 10 minutes
- Step 3: Connect your child’s device child’s device to your device using your Google Family Link app: approximately. 15 minutes
What is the deal with Chromebooks?
Family Link can also be utilized to monitor your child’s Chromebook usage and time on the screen. Once they’ve signed in to a Chromebook, the device listed within Family Link will be shown. Family Link app – and you’ll be able to define time limits for every device. Additionally, you’ll receive notifications when you log in with the Chrome browser.
How to Add People to Your Family Link Account
Everyone in the Family Link account must have a Google account so you can connect it to your Google account.
- Make your child’s Google account for your child. Input your credit card number for the final step.
It is important to note that the credit card will be used to pay the obligatory, refundable $0.30 fee required under federal privacy laws to guarantee parental consent before taking personal data from children. Learn more about the requirements in Family Link’s Family Link FAQ. This transaction can be canceled once the process has been completed.
- Install the Family Link application to your device of the child and log on using the child’s account login details. Your phone will have a message that the child’s device has been linked.
- Log in to your child’s device using their Google account. Your device informs you that it’s connected to your child’s account.
Follow the above steps for each family member you want to include in Family Link.
Notice: Family Link controls also apply to Chromebooks. If a parent has set up a Chromebook using the child’s Family Link managed Google accounts, the user can connect a school account to their child. This will allow the children to access school applications under their parents’ supervision.
Conclusion
Family Link is very effective in establishing parental control. Although it could be better, it has many options that help ensure your child uses their device and can surf the internet safely. The best part is that it’s completely accessible for free, in contrast to other parental tools, which usually require a monthly subscription.
