Google launches new supervision tools for parents

Google has announced new tools for parents to help manage their child’s devices with Google Family Link.

Family Link’s new design is more intuitive for parents to use and navigate. A new Screen Time tab consolidates all screen-time management tools in a single, easily accessible 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.

Google advised that parents will find managing their child’s account, privacy settings and content filters is now easier than ever on the Controls tab. They have streamlined key controls so parents have what they need right at their fingertips, including the ability to manage account data settings, approve app downloads and block specific websites.

Juggling multiple kids and their devices is also getting easier. Simply swipe between child profiles and manage devices from a single page, with more advanced settings just a tap away.

The School time feature was brought to the Fitbit ACE LTE and Samsung Galaxy Watch for Kids as a way to help minimise distractions on smartwatches for children during school hours. From next week, Google will roll out School time support for Android phones and tablets as well.

School time can help reduce distractions, by scheduling limited phone functionality and silenced notifications during school hours. If there is a holiday or planned day off, or even just planned lunches, parents can easily adjust the settings and set a “Break” to fit their children’s schedules.

Parents can choose the apps that are silenced and restricted, and learn which apps their child uses while in School time or outside of it. Google noted that there are times when certain apps are useful for studying, which is why parents can choose a set of allowed apps, and select which are allowed during School time or in other selected modes.

Galaxy Watch for Kids launched with lots of new features for kids and parents. In the coming months, Google will be bringing the ability for parents to approve contacts for kids to call and text to Android phones, too. Parents can add these contacts from Family Link directly to their child’s device and 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.

To learn more about how Google is helping families more safely explore online, visit families.google.

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