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How to Set Parental Controls on Devices

Ensuring the safety and security of your child’s digital experience is a priority for many parents. Setting up parental controls on your child’s devices is a crucial step in addressing this concern. This comprehensive guide will take you through the essentials of setting up and managing parental controls across multiple devices. You will learn about the requirements, how to initiate and manage supervision on Android devices and Chromebooks, and the role of Google services in keeping track of your child’s online activities. Finally, we’ll dive into what you can and cannot do with these controls, equipping you with the confidence and knowledge to protect your child in the online world.

Requirements

Before diving into the setup, ensuring your devices and accounts meet certain requirements is essential for a seamless experience. All devices should have the latest software updates, as security and features are significantly enhanced. Older versions may lack critical functions necessary for effective parental supervision.

You will also need a Google Account for yourself and your child. The parent’s account will supervise and the child’s account, managed through Google’s Family Link, which is at the heart of parental control features. Having these prerequisites prepared makes the setup smoother and more efficient.

Add supervision

What to know before you start

Adding supervision means you have insights into your child’s digital activities while respecting their privacy. Before starting, remember that transparency with your child is vital; discuss why supervision is essential and how it helps keep them safe.

It’s also pivotal to understand limitations. While supervision is comprehensive, it’s not foolproof. Achieving digital safety also requires traditional parenting methods like open dialogue and establishing trust.

Start supervision on your child’s device

To begin supervision, open the Settings app on your child’s device. Navigate to the ‘Digital Wellbeing and parental controls’ section. Here, you can set up a Family Link account or link your child’s device to an existing setup.

Connecting the device through Family Link enables various settings, including approval for app downloads and managing screen time. Through this initial setup, you lay the groundwork for more detailed supervision.

Set up supervision from your child’s Android device

Setting up parental controls on an Android device requires the Family Link app. First, ensure Family Link is installed on both your device and the child’s device. This app is instrumental in real-time supervision and management of activities.

With the app installed, you can create a child account. If your child already has an account, link it to Family Link by following the on-screen instructions carefully, allowing you to apply the necessary restrictions and settings directly from your smartphone.

Set up supervision on your child’s Chromebook

To set up supervision on a Chromebook, log in to the Chromebook with the child’s account. Access the Family Link setup through the Settings menu; here, you’ll enter your parent account credentials to start synchronization between devices.

This synchronization allows parents to manage multiple features, such as monitored screen time and controlled app installations, directly from the Chromebook itself, ensuring comprehensive management of your child’s online use.

Set up supervision from web or a non-Android device

If you’re using a non-Android device or wish to set up from a web interface, logging in to Family Link via a standard web browser can be an effective method. The process involves signing in to Family Link and managing the connection similarly to an Android setup.

This setup provides the same controls, enabling you to supervise and manage without needing a dedicated Android device, thus making it accessible and convenient for many parents.

Manage supervision and filter settings

Install Family Link for parents

Family Link is central to managing your child’s digital activities. Once installed on your device, it offers a comprehensive suite of tools, allowing you to set screen time limits, approve or block app requests, and view activity reports.

The flexibility of Family Link ensures you stay updated on your child’s activity while giving you the authority to adjust restrictions in response to your child’s changing maturity and responsibility levels.

Manage your child’s account, devices, apps & more

Management does not stop at setup. Regular adjustments to screen time, website filters, and app permissions are vital to keeping the system relevant. With Family Link, parents can manage these settings from a single interface.

Moreover, turning off location services or pausing internet usage are options that ensure supervision adapts to different scenarios, such as bedtime or study periods, making management dynamic and situational.

Stop supervision

If the time arises where supervision is no longer necessary, or a child reaches an age where they’re deemed responsible, stopping supervision is straightforward. Through the Family Link app or web interface, navigate to your child’s account, and select the option to remove supervision.

This process is permanent and should be considered as your child gains digital independence. However, it is essential to have discussed this step with your child, emphasizing responsible online practices as they navigate digital spaces independently.

What parents can check and do with added supervision

Google services & your child’s Google Account

Supervision extends into several Google services, providing reports on app usage, screen time, and security alerts. This informed approach ensures your child’s Google Account operates with monitored oversight, safeguarding digital exposure.

Parents can control purchases within apps and restrict downloads, thereby maintaining a safe and budget-friendly environment while their child explores the internet.

What parents can’t check or do

While supervision is extensive, there are restrictions on visibility. For example, parents will not have access to emails or private messages. This limitation underscores the necessity of trust and communication as pillars of digital parenting.

Additionally, parents cannot browse through search history beyond certain limits, and personal data protection is a priority for both the child’s privacy and Google’s operational policies.

Next Steps

Topic	Summary
Requirements	Ensure all software is up to date and Google Accounts are ready before starting the supervision process.
Add Supervision	Communicate with your child, understand what supervision entails, and initiate setup on their device through Family Link.
Set up Supervision on Android	Use Family Link on both parent and child devices to establish control over usage, approvals, and screen time.
Set up Supervision on Chromebook	Link a child’s account through parent credentials, enabling supervision through Family Link on the Chromebook.
Manage Settings	Adjust filters, manage apps, devices, screen time, and approve permissions via Family Link app or web.
Stop Supervision	End supervision when appropriate, after discussing digital responsibility with the child.
Parental Capabilities	Parents can monitor activity, but limited access to private messages ensues, emphasizing responsible communication.

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