Family Link can help you set digital ground rules for your child so that they begin to form healthier digital habits. You can set screen time limits, manage the content that they can see, and even see your child’s location when they are carrying their device. Take a look at these tips to help you and your family get the most out of Family Link.
Guide your child to good content
It’s easy to see how much time your child is spending in their favourite apps with app activity reports. If you feel that your child is spending too much time on a certain app, you can set per-app time limits, or if you want them to take a break from using an app altogether, you can hide it so that it’s no longer accessible on your child’s device. You can also encourage them to use certain apps more frequently by adding them to a list of apps that are always allowed.
Keep an eye on screen time
Children can struggle to manage how much time they spend using their device. Set a daily screen time limit to make sure they don’t go overboard. If you suspect that your child is staying up late looking at their screen, you can also set a device bedtime that will lock their phone until morning. This will help to make sure their device isn’t disrupting their sleep and routine.
Help them put the phone down
Whether it’s dinnertime, time to finish homework or maybe just time for your child to take a screen break, you can remotely lock your child’s device at any time. This will help them understand that it’s time to unplug and focus on something other than screens.
To get started with Family Link, download the app from Google Play or the Apple App Store to manage your child’s compatible Android or Chromebook device.
How parental controls work
You can set up parental controls for Apps & Games, Music, Movies, TV, and Books, but the way parental controls work varies across each type of content. Read the sections below to learn more.
Tip: Parental controls for each type of content aren't available in every country. If you travel to a country where they aren't available, they might not work until you get back home.
You can restrict apps and games on an Android device by using parental controls, which lets you choose the highest content rating you want to allow for downloads or purchases.
However, you may still be able to see apps and games outside of your filter when you search, or by visiting them using a direct link to the app's page.
How parental controls for games work in Play Games
Parental controls don't change the games you see in the Play Games app, including games you've bought or recommended games.
If you try to install a game using the Play Games app, you’ll be taken to the Play Store app where your parental controls settings may restrict access.
Tip: You or your child will still be able to view any apps and games you downloaded before you added parental controls, even if they're outside of the rating you set. If your child’s account is supervised with Family Link, you can block these apps on their Android devices.
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