Presenting your child with their first Android device can be a rite of passage: “Use this well, kiddo because you’re about to explore and enjoy a whole new world of knowledge, information and cat videos that you never knew existed.”

But while everyone, regardless of age, has the right to as much learning and information as they can process, there are some things that you as a parent should be cautious about when it comes to curious kids, their devices and the internet. 

Here’s where Google’s Family Link app can help. Launched in 2017, Family Link allows you to set digital ground rules when your child is online, whether it is blocking selected apps, limiting the time spent on websites or remotely locking their device. Since then, Family Link has evolved into a digital babysitter that gives you more control over what your child can, or cannot do, on their device. 

Originally intended for kids under 13, Family Link today also lets parents monitor their teen’s devices, with slight variations that include allowing older children to turn off supervision if they choose to (but you will be notified). You can also create a family group for up to six members, with you as the family manager. 

Setting up Family Link 

You only need about 15 minutes to set up the app. After your child has their new (compatible) device, simply download Family Link onto your device and create a Google Account for your child using the app. Sign your young one into their new device and you are good to go. 

Family Links lets you set these digital ground rules: 

View their activity 

Help your child make informed choices about what they see or do on their devices via Family Link’s weekly or monthly activity reports, which show you how much time your child spends on their favourite apps. 

Manage their apps 

You probably don’t want to hear your child say “OK Google, download all the apps” and then smile winningly at you. The Family Link app alerts you when your child wants to download an app from the Google Play Store and then lets you easily block or approve it. You can also manage in-app purchases or hide specific apps on their devices. 

Set time limits on apps + bonus screen time 

Set app-specific time limits (and inform your kids) so they will know why they can only spend a certain amount of time on selected apps. And if your child needs an extra 10 minutes to chat with friends or finish an online lesson, you can gift them bonus screen time directly from your device. 

Send the device to bed 

Children tend to forget everything around them and focus on just one thing, in this case, their smartphone. If you are worried about excessive screen usage, Family Link lets you remotely lock your kid’s device when it’s time to put it away. You can also set daily use limits, for instance, allowing your child to use their device for two hours on school days and four hours on weekends. 

Keep tabs 

Family Link allows you to locate and keep track of your child’s movements as long as their device is powered on, recently active and connected to the internet. 

Device compatibility 

Family Link works on smartphones and tablets running Android 7.0 (Nougat) and higher (it can also be found under Android 10’s ‘Digital Wellbeing and parental controls’ device settings), but it may also work if your kid or teen uses Android 5.0 and 6.0 (Lollipop and Marshmallow). As a parent, you can use Family Link on devices operating Android 4.4 (KitKat) or higher. 

The app is available on Chromebook for kids and teens, and you can also manage some of your child’s Google Account settings from a web browser like Google Chrome. Other features like setting screen time limits, however, are only accessible if you have the app on your smartphone. 

Family Link can also be found on the App Store for iPhones, iPads and other devices operating on iOS 9 for parents and iOS 10 or higher for children and teenagers. 

You can and you can’t... 

There are other things you can do with Family Link. You can share Google Calendars, Google Keep notes and Google Photos with other members of a family group, update selected information on your child’s Google Account and manage data and activity collected by Google. 

While the app can do these and more, it is important to note that it does not block inappropriate content. Many apps offer filtering options; Google Search and Chrome have ones that you can find in Family Link. These filters are not comprehensive and unsuitable content may still find its way into the devices. It is advisable to periodically review the app settings on your child’s device, as well as the settings and tools available on Family Link, to ensure your child is not exposed to content that is not age- appropriate or desirable. 

Family Link also does not allow you to remotely access your child’s Chrome browser or Google search history, read their emails or messages, listen to phone calls or erase data on their devices, among others. 

While the app does give you the ability to implement a set of rules on what, when and how your child uses their devices, it is ultimately up to you to decide what is best overall for them. But you can count on Family Link to help you keep an eye on their online habits, guide young minds in the right direction towards making good use of the internet, and maybe also the occasional cat videos and all. 

An Original Of WADD’s (previously Happenings in Sarawak) Article 

Article contributed by: Zeffri Yusof, Head of Communications and Public Affairs, Google Malaysia.