Google Family Link, the parental control app that lets you keep an eye on your child’s digital activity, is rolling out some new features designed to help you keep your kids safer.
In today’s announcement, Google detailed several changes coming to the app, including a redesigned interface, improved scheduling controls, and the ability to limit who can contact a device. Here’s what’s new.
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First up, the app is unveiling a new look that Google says is more intuitive to use and navigate. You’ll see a new “Screen Time” tab that consolidates all screen-time management tools in one place, including specific app usage summaries, time limits, downtime, and school time schedules.
Managing a child’s account is easier too, as Family Link is streamlining parental controls for blocking specific websites and app downloads.
Second, Google is rolling out “School time” on Family Link for Android phones and tablets. The setting, previously available on the Samsung Galaxy Watch for kids and the Fitbit ACE LTE, works to minimize distractions during school hours by silencing notifications and limiting phone functionality. Parents can choose exactly which apps are silenced and restricted, and see which apps your child accesses during school hours. You can adjust the calendar to account for vacation days, summer break, and even lunch or recess times.
Lastly, Family Link is adding the ability for parents to control which contacts can text or call an Android phone. With this feature, parents can specify approved numbers, and only those numbers can contact the child’s device. Children can request new contacts, but they’ll need parental approval. This will only limit the Google Messages and dialer app, not third-party messaging or social media apps. (But you can limit those apps from being installed in the first place.)
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If you’re not familiar, Google Family Link is a free app for both Android and iOS devices that lets you set limits on a device, receive alerts related to web and app usage, and even enable GPS for location tracking. Many features can be used only when children are under 13, but this is a fantastic option for younger kids.