How to Use Parental Controls on Android

Edited 6 months ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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In today's digital age, it has become increasingly important for parents to monitor their children's online activities. With smartphones becoming more accessible, it's important to understand how parental controls can be used to manage and restrict the content and apps children can access on their Android device. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up parental controls on an Android device. We'll explain the general setup, some examples of customizing the controls, and the importance of each step in detail.

Understanding parental controls

Parental controls are tools that allow you to manage what your child can see and do on their Android device. They can help you control screen time, limit access to certain apps, prevent in-app purchases, and more. Parental controls give you peace of mind, helping to ensure your children are safe when using their device.

Setting up parental controls on Android

Step 1: Set up a Google Family Link account

The first step to setting up parental controls on an Android device is to create a Google Family Link account. Google Family Link is a free app that allows parents to guide their children's online journey. Here's how you can set it up:

1. Download the Google Family Link app from the Google Play Store onto your device.
2. Once installed, open the app and create a Family Link account.
3. Follow the instructions to link your child's Android device to your account. This step usually requires you to use your Google account credentials.
4. Once your child's device is linked, you can begin managing their device settings remotely.

Step 2: Setting up basic device controls

Once you've set up your Family Link account, you can get started with some basic controls. These basic controls include setting screen time limits, managing apps, and more.

Screen time limit

One of the most important controls is Screen Time. This feature lets you set limits on how much time your child can spend on their device. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the Google Family Link app.
2. Select your child's account.
3. Tap Screen Time.
4. Here, you can set daily limits for different days of the week. You can also set a “bedtime” that will lock the device during those hours.

Managing apps

Another important feature is that you can control which apps your child can use. Here is how you can manage the apps:

1. Select your child's account in the Google Family Link app.
2. Tap Manage apps.
3. Here, you can approve or block the apps your child wants to download or use.
4. You also have the option to set restrictions based on app ratings so that your child only gets access to age-appropriate content.

Preventing in-app purchases

Kids often make in-app purchases without realizing they are spending real money. To prevent this:

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your child’s device.
2. In the top-left menu, tap Account.
3. Select Purchase Authorization.
4. Select Require authentication for all purchases.

Step 3: Advanced controls

As your child grows older or becomes more familiar with technology, you may need more advanced parental controls.

Location tracking

If you're concerned about your child's location, Family Link also allows you to track where your child's device is. Here's how to enable it:

1. Go to your child's profile in the Google Family Link app.
2. Tap Location and turn it on.

Whenever your child's device is turned on and connected to data, you'll see their location on a map.

Browsing controls

Ensure safe browsing by limiting the websites your child visits:

1. On your child's device, open the Chrome browser.
2. Tap the three-dot menu and go to Settings.
3. Select Privacy and Security → Safe Browsing, and choose the appropriate mode (Advanced Protection, Standard Protection, or No Protection).
4. You can also manage site categories through the Family Link app by selecting Manage settings → Google Chrome.

Step 4: Regular monitoring and adjustments

Once you have set all the necessary controls, it is important to review these settings regularly and adjust them as needed. Technology and your child's needs are constantly evolving, so keeping up to date with these changes ensures a safe and controlled environment.

Additional tips and ideas

While parental controls are a great tool, they should be part of a comprehensive strategy. Having open conversations with your children about internet safety, setting clear rules, and educating them about potential dangers online are also important elements to keeping your child safe.

Consider instituting these additional strategies:

• Encourage your child to ask permission before downloading any new app, even if it seems harmless.
• Educate your child about the importance of protecting personal information such as addresses, phone numbers, and passwords.
• Set ground rules about technology use during family time or before bedtime.
• Keep equipment in common areas of the home as much as possible.

Conclusion

Managing your child's technology use through parental controls on Android devices can help protect them from inappropriate content, excessive screen time, and other digital dangers. As a parent, staying involved and engaged in your child's activities is one of the most effective safety measures you can take. By setting up a Google Family Link account, using its many tools, and combining these steps with good communication, you can create a safe and balanced digital environment for your children.

This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively set parental controls on Android. Embracing these tools as both you and your child grow through digital evolution will ensure a harmonious relationship with technology, nurturing a healthy balance.

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