Family Link is a free parental control app by Google that allows parents to supervise and monitor their children’s cell phone usage. Here’s how Family Link works and how it can help parents regulate their child’s cell phone activity.
How Family Link Works:
1. Parents must download the Family Link app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Create a Google account if not already registered and follow the on-screen prompts to set up a child account.
3. Download and install the Family Link app on the child’s phone and link it using the parent’s account.
4. From the parent’s account, set up filters, rules, and monitor/control access as needed to safeguard your child’s online safety and screen time.
Features of Family Link:
1. Screen time management: Parents can set daily usage limits on the child’s phone and schedule bedtimes to prevent phone use at specific hours.
2. App control: Parents can approve or block access to apps, see which ones the child is using, and monitor the time spent using each app.
3. Activity reports: Parents can see a daily/weekly report of their child’s app usage, screen time, etc.
4. Location tracking: Parents can track the child’s location in real-time and share their location with the child.
5. Web filtering: Parents can block access to explicit content, routine searches and set Google SafeSearch.
6. Age restrictions: Parents can enforce age restrictions on installed apps and content.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can the Family Link App block incoming calls and texts on my child’s phone?
No, it cannot block incoming calls and texts on the child’s phone.
2. Can my child bypass my rules on the Family Link App by uninstalling or disabling it?
No, the Family Link app cannot be disabled by the child without the parent’s permission or a security code/password, which only the parent or holder can grant.
3. Can Family Link work without an internet connection?
No, Family Link requires an internet connection on both the parent’s and child’s phone to run.
4. Can I set up multiple accounts for my children on Family Link?
Yes, a parent can set up and manage accounts for multiple children on Family Link.
5. Can the child install new apps or delete apps without the parent’s permission?
No, the child cannot install new apps or delete pre-existing apps on their phone without the parent’s permission using Family Link.
6. Is there any cost involved in using Family Link?
No, Family Link is a free app.
Conclusion:
Family Link is a parental control app by Google that allows parents to supervise and set rules for their child’s online safety and usage. Its features include screen time management, app control, location tracking, web filtering, and age restrictions. It is an excellent tool for parents to monitor their child’s cell phone usage and protect them from harmful or explicit content.
