Now, parents can control smartphone activities of kids, courtesy Google
Google has finally launched Family Link device management capabilities in India, Business Today reported. The feature would allow parents to control the smartphone activities of their kids and limit their screen time and app usage accordingly. The idea behind the feature is to create a healthy digital environment for kids and keep them away from addiction or inappropriate content. Here are the finer details.
What exactly is Family Link?
Google introduced Family Link as part of its efforts to ensure kids interacted with their smartphones, safely. It was launched last year for those under 13, but owing to the demand of the feature, the search giant expanded it for teens as well. However, the control options for teens are slightly different and can only be activated if they provide consent.
What control options parents get?
For kids under 13, parents get full access to device activities, including detailed reports on their overall screen time as well as the time spent on individual apps. They can set time-limits for apps, approve or disapprove downloads from the Play Store, and even check their locations. And, if the set rules are broken, they can remotely lock/unlock their phones and/or change their passwords.
Partial control for teenagers
For teenagers, parents will have partial control and won't be able to change their passwords. Plus, if they have been locked out for crossing the screen time limits, they can always log back in, which would simply notify their parents.
How to use Family Link?
In order to start using the feature, parents will have to get the Family Link app for parents on their devices, while the children version on the phones of their kids. Then, after creating an account (if not already there) and pairing the two devices, they can start tracking the activities and managing the smartphone actions of their children.
