Parental Controls on Android: A Step-By-Step Guide to Protecting Children

You can set up parental controls on your Android by using Google’s Family Link. It can help you monitor your child's phone use, track their location, and block apps.

Keep your child's phone within arm's reach. Phones have many great features, but they can expose children to online dangers. Parental controls can help reduce those risks and ensure your child uses their phone responsibly.

In this article, we'll explore how to use Family Link, the best parental control apps for Android, and other ways to protect your child online.

How to put parental controls on Android

Google offers two parental control options for Android via Google Play and Family Link. 

Set up Google Play parental controls

The first option is setting up parental controls through Google Play. It can restrict what content downloads based on maturity level and block in-app purchases. However, Google Play can't filter content in search results.

To set up Google Play parental controls on your child’s device, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Play app.
2. Tap the profile image in the upper-right corner.
3. Tap Settings, then select Family.
4. Choose and enable Parental Controls.
5. Create a PIN that your child doesn't know.
6. Adjust the parental controls to your preference.

Set up Family Link parental controls

A more robust option is to use Google’s Family Link app. It has content filtering capabilities for Google Search, Chrome, and YouTube. It also lets you set screen time limits and track the device's location.

You can download Family Link from the Google Play Store. Download it on the parent's device and your child's device. Once installed, here are the instructions on how to set it up:

1. Log in with your Google Account.
2. Add your child's Google Account. They must have their own Gmail account for Family Link to work. If you need to create a Google Account for your child, you can follow the instructions in Family Link.
3. Go to the Family Link app on your child's device. Open Settings.
4. On Android devices, go to Google > Parental Controls. For ChromeOS devices, go to People > Parental Controls.
5. Follow the steps to set up parental controls.
6. Go back to the parent's device and select Done when you're finished setting up your child's device.

Let's look at how to set up parental controls in Family Link.

How to set screen time limits

Family Link lets you set daily time limits and weekly schedules. For example, you can allow more screen time on weekends while limiting device use during school hours.

Keep in mind that if you set the daily time limit to 1 hour, it applies to each device. So if a child has an Android and a Chromebook, they will have an hour for each device.

Here is how to set screen time limits:

1. Open Family Link and choose your child's profile.
2. Select Controls.
3. Click Set Up under "Daily Limits" and choose the time limit.

To edit screen time limits, select Change for today under "Daily Limits." If you want to alter screen time limits for each day, select Edit weekly schedule under "Daily Limits."

How to restrict content

Family Link provides filtering options to help restrict inappropriate content. The app can help filter search content, as well as content on Chrome and YouTube. You can also block apps. You can do this by:

1. Open Family Link and choose your child's profile.
2. Select Controls.
3. Tap App Limits and select the app you want to block.

How to control app purchases and downloads

You can create security settings to prevent unauthorized purchases on Google Play — especially in-app purchases and subscriptions.

With Family Link, your child needs parental permission to purchase app features. You can then approve or deny the request. To set this up, follow these steps:

1. Open Family Link and choose your child's profile.
2. Select Content Restrictions.
3. Tap Google Play.
4. Find Purchases and Download Approvals.
5. Choose Require Approval For.
6. Select purchase approval parameters such as all content, paid content only, in-app purchases only, or never.

How to track location

Family Link lets you track a child's Android device. It can offer peace of mind by letting you know where your child is at any time. To track location with Family Link, you need to enable it:

1. Open Family Link.
2. Tap Location.
3. Choose Set Up Location.
4. Select the child's profile.
5. Click Turn On.

Are parental controls on Android any good?

Parental controls on Android are generally effective tools for monitoring a child's online behavior and device use. They also help set online boundaries.

Children often face dangers online such as:

• Cyberbullying: Harassment or bullying online can often lead to poor mental health.
• Inappropriate content: Children are often at risk of viewing material that is too mature for them.
• Online scams: Sharing personal information online can lead to identity theft or other scams.
• Excessive screen time: Too much screen time can disrupt daily activities and create an imbalance in life.
• Online predators: Children may interact with strangers with harmful intentions.

Parental controls can help support your child's overall well-being. They can also help protect them from online scams and predators.

Other ways to keep your child safe

Children face many threats online. While parental controls can help manage these issues, parents can also stay on top of their child's online activities.

Check in with your child

Open communication helps you stay connected. Talk with them regularly about their online experiences and encourage them to share. Then you can address any issues as they arise.

Teach good online habits

Educating your child about good online habits is also crucial to keep them safe online. You can teach them not to share personal information online, not to engage with strangers, and to avoid cyberbullying.

Install a parental control app

Parental control apps are a useful tool for protecting your child online and ensuring they engage in age-appropriate activities. Here are a few parental control apps to consider if you find Family Link isn't the right choice for you.

Bottom line

Parental controls are just one tool to ensure your child can safely search the internet and use apps. You also need to teach your child good online habits to ensure they don't overshare, participate in cyberbullying, or engage with harmful strangers.

Family Link is a good option for parental controls on an Android. It offers many useful features and is free. However, you may find that a standalone parental control app offers more robust content filtering protection.

We've done extensive research and testing to find the best parental control apps on the market. One may be the right fit for your family if Family Link doesn't fit your needs.

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