Google is adding new tools with Google Family Link to help parents manage their child’s devices.
First, Family Link has a new look that Google says is more intuitive for parents to use and navigate. There’s a screen Screen Time tab that consolidates all screen-time management tools into a single place. In addition to the app and device-specific usage summary and time limits, the Screen Time tab also makes it easier for parents to set and adjust Downtime and School time.
Managing a child’s account, privacy settings, and content filters are now easier than ever on the Controls tab. Key controls have been streamlined so parents have what they need, including the ability to manage account data settings, approve app downloads, and block specific websites.
Juggling multiple kids and their devices is also easier. Swipe between child profiles and manage devices from a single page.
School time on Android is a feature available on smartwatches like the Fitbit Ace LTE and Samsung Galaxy Watch for Kids, and it will now be rolling out to Android phones and tablets as well. Starting next week, parents will be able to use this feature to help reduce distractions during school hours by scheduling limited phone functionality and silencing notifications through that time period. There’s an option to turn this off during recess and lunch as well as for vacations or time off. Adjust settings and set a “Break” as needed.
Parents can choose the specific adds to be silenced or restricted, as well as learn what apps their child uses during school time, or even outside of school. This will allow parents to enable access to certain apps that are necessary for studying or otherwise need to be accessed for school purposes.
With Samsung Galaxy Watch Kids, Google will soon add the ability for parents to approve contacts for kids to call and text to Android phones, and add these contacts from Family Link directly to the child’s device. They can also limit calls and texts to only those approved contacts. Children can also request to add new contacts to be approved by parents in Family Link.