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How to Set Up Parental Controls on Android
Edited 1 day ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
Parental ControlsAndroidMobileSmartphoneSecurityDevice ManagementUser InterfaceGoogleGoogle ServicesPhone SettingsDevice ConfigurationApp ManagementDevice CustomizationContent FilteringPersonalizationDevice SecurityDevice SettingsData ProtectionFamily SettingsApp Settings
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In today's digital age, kids are more connected to technology than ever before. As a parent, it's important to ensure that your child's digital experience is safe and appropriate. Android devices come with a variety of features that allow you to set up parental controls. This guide will provide detailed information on how you can set up parental controls on an Android device. We'll walk you through the process step-by-step, covering important aspects such as creating a child account, setting up content filters, and managing app access.
1. Set up a Google Family Link account
Google Family Link is an app that helps you manage and control your child's activity on their Android device. You can use it to enforce digital ground rules as they learn, play, and explore online.
Step-by-step instructions
- Download the Google Family Link app:
To get started, you'll need to download the Google Family Link app on your device. You can get it from the Google Play Store.
- Create a Google account for your child:
To create a Google account for your child, open the Family Link app and follow the instructions. If your child already has a Google account, you can link it to your Family Link account.
- Install Family Link on your child's device:
Download and install the Family Link app on your child's device and sign in with the child's Google account.
- Link the device:
Follow the prompts to link your child's device to your Family Link account. You'll be asked to enter your Google account credentials to complete the linking process.
2. Setting up content filters
Content filters allow you to control what type of content your child can access on their Android device. You can restrict access to explicit content, set safe search settings, and block inappropriate websites.
Step-by-step instructions
- Open the Family Link app on your device:
Start by opening the Family Link app on your device.
- Select your child's account:
Tap your child's account from the list of managed accounts.
- Go to "Google Play Controls":
Scroll down to the section called "Settings," then tap "Controls on Google Play."
- Set content restrictions:
You can now apply content restrictions based on different categories such as apps, movies, TV, and books. For example, you can set age limits for apps and games or block explicit content in music.
3. Managing screen time
Monitoring and managing screen time is important to your child's well-being. With Family Link, you can set daily screen time limits, schedule a device bedtime, and remotely lock a device when it's time for a break.
Step-by-step instructions
- Open the Family Link app:
Open the Family Link app on your device.
- Select your child's account:
Select your child's account from the list.
- Tap on “Daily Limit”:
In the “Daily Limit” section, you can specify how many hours per day your child is allowed to use their device.
- Set a bedtime routine:
Go to the “Bedtime” section to set the time during which the device will remain locked, which will help ensure that your child gets enough rest.
- Lock the device remotely:
In the "Screen Time" section, you can lock the device on demand, which is especially useful during family time or study time.
4. Monitoring app activity
It's important to keep track of the apps your child uses. Family Link provides detailed reports on your child's app activity, including how much time they spend on each app.
Step-by-step instructions
- Open the Family Link app:
Open the Family Link app on your device.
- Select your child's account:
Tap your child's account from the list of managed accounts.
- Check "App Activity":
Scroll down to the “App Activity” section to see a detailed report of the apps your child used and how much time they spent on each app.
5. Approving and blocking apps
Family Link gives you control over the apps your child can install and use on their device. You can approve or block apps remotely.
Step-by-step instructions
- Open the Family Link app:
Open the Family Link app on your device.
- Select your child's account:
Tap your child's account from the list of managed accounts.
- Go to "Manage Settings":
Tap "Manage settings" and then select "Controls on Google Play."
- Enable "Require approval for new apps":
Enable the option to require parental approval for new apps. Whenever your child wants to download a new app, you will receive a notification to approve or deny the request.
- Approve or block specific apps:
You can also go to the “App Activity” section to approve or block specific apps your child has already installed.
6. Set up location tracking
Safety extends far beyond the digital world. Family Link includes a location tracking feature that allows you to stay informed of your child's whereabouts.
Step-by-step instructions
- Open the Family Link app:
Open the Family Link app on your device.
- Select your child's account:
Tap your child's account from the list of managed accounts.
- Tap “Location”:
Scroll down to the "Location" section and make sure it's enabled. You can now see the current location of your child's device on a map.
7. Setting up Safe Browsing
Safe Browsing helps protect your child from visiting dangerous websites. This feature can be enabled through the Chrome browser settings on your child's Android device.
Step-by-step instructions
- Open the Chrome browser:
Open the Chrome browser on your child's Android device.
- Go to Settings:
Tap the three dots in the top right corner and select “Settings.”
- Enable Safe Browsing:
In the "Settings" menu, go to "Privacy and Security" and enable "Safe Browsing."
8. Blocking specific websites
If you want to block specific websites, you can use a third-party app like “BlockSite” to create a customized list of restricted websites.
Step-by-step instructions for using BlockSite:
- Download BlockSite:
Download the BlockSite app from the Google Play Store and install it on your child’s device.
- Set up BlockSite:
Open BlockSite and follow the on-screen instructions to activate the app. You'll need to grant BlockSite the necessary permissions to control web access.
- Add blocked websites:
Tap the "+" button and enter the URLs of the websites you want to block. These websites will no longer be accessible from the device.
9. Review parental control settings regularly
It is important to periodically review and adjust parental control settings based on your child's age, maturity level and specific needs.
Step-by-step instructions
- Open the Family Link app:
Open the Family Link app on your device.
- Select your child's account:
Tap your child's account from the list of managed accounts.
- Review and adjust settings:
Periodically check various settings such as screen time limits, content filters, app approvals, and location tracking to make sure they are still appropriate for your child.
10. Educate your child about online safety
In addition to setting parental controls, it's also important to educate your child about online safety. This helps them make better decisions when you're not around.
Here are some tips:
- Discuss the importance of privacy: Explain the importance of keeping personal information private and not sharing it with strangers online.
- Talk about cyberbullying: Make sure your child understands what cyberbullying is and encourage them to talk to you if they ever experience it.
- Encourage safe online behaviour: Teach your child to be respectful and kind in online interactions, just as they would in real life.
- Set a good example: Model good digital habits yourself, as children often copy their parents' behaviour.
Conclusion
Setting up parental controls on an Android device is a comprehensive but important step to ensuring your child's safety in the digital world. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively monitor and manage your child's online activity. Remember, technology should be a positive force that enhances learning and fun, while also keeping your child safe from potential online dangers. Be proactive, make adjustments as needed, and maintain an open dialogue with your child about their online experiences.
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