Friday, 21 February 2025
26.8 C
Singapore
27.9 C
Thailand
20.8 C
Indonesia
25.8 C
Philippines

Google updates Family Link to help kids stay focused

Google updates Family Link with improved screen time controls, school time features, and contact supervision, helping parents manage digital habits.

Google has introduced new updates to Family Link, aiming to provide parents with better supervision tools to manage their childrenโ€™s screen time and encourage healthier digital habits. The changes are designed to make it easier to set clear rules, enforce them effectively, and reduce digital distractions for your kids.

Family Link will receive several new features and improvements to help parents manage their childrenโ€™s digital activities more efficiently in the coming months.

Improved screen time controls

One of the major updates is a redesigned Screen Time tab, which brings all time management features into one place. You will now have access to a device-specific summary, making monitoring how much time your child spends on their phone or tablet easier. You can also set daily limits and schedule Downtime or School time with just a few taps.

These updates simplify how you manage your child’s screen usage, ensuring they balance online and offline activities.

Expanded school time feature

The School time feature, originally introduced on the Samsung Galaxy Watch for Kids, is now available on Android phones and tablets. This feature allows you to limit your childโ€™s phone functionality and silence notifications during school hours.

With this update, you can choose specific apps your child can access during school time, such as educational tools, while restricting entertainment apps and social media. You can also view which apps your child uses outside of School time and temporarily turn off restrictions during holidays or vacations by putting School time on a โ€œbreakโ€.

These improvements aim to help children stay focused in school without unnecessary distractions.

Parental control over phone contacts

A new contact supervision feature lets you control who your child can call and text. You can add approved contacts on their Android devices, ensuring they only communicate with trusted individuals. Additionally, your child can request to add new contacts, which you can approve or decline.

This feature was initially introduced on the Samsung Galaxy Watch for Kids but is now extended to Android phones. It makes it easier to monitor and manage your childโ€™s communication.

Launched in 2019, Google Family Link is a parental supervision tool designed to help you manage your child’s digital activity. It provides screen time management, content filtering, and even location tracking through Google Maps.

Beyond limiting screen use, Family Link also allows you to control the type of apps your child can download from the Google Play Store. This helps ensure they only access age-appropriate content.

In 2023, Google reported that parents in Singapore with children aged 5 to 17 were particularly concerned about misinformation and deceptive advertising. This highlights the growing need for digital safety tools as younger generations become more tech-savvy.

With these new updates, Family Link aims to give parents even more control over their childrenโ€™s digital habits, promoting healthier screen use and better online safety.

Hot this week

OPPO Find N5 review: A foldable experience refined

OPPO Find N5 features a lightweight design, AI-powered enhancements, a large immersive display, fast charging capabilities, and a long-lasting battery.

Ulanzi VL49 Rechargeable Mini LED Light review: A pocket-sized lighting powerhouse

A detailed review of the Ulanzi VL49 Mini LED Video Light, exploring its design, performance, mounting options, and ideal use cases for content creators.

Hitachi Vantara: Building AI success without falling into financial traps

Discover how Hitachi Vantara guides Southeast Asia firms to maximise AI's ROI through strategic planning, scalable infrastructure, and targeted use cases.

Perplexity introduces its own deep research tool

Perplexity launches its Deep Research tool, offering fast, professional-grade AI research with accurate citations.

MOVA unveils innovative smart cleaning solutions in Singapore

Experience the future of smart home cleaning with MOVAโ€™s latest innovationsโ€”the Z50 Ultra robot vacuum and X4 Pro wet & dry vacuum. Unveiled at Jewel Changi Airport, these cutting-edge appliances redefine effortless cleaning with AI-driven intelligence, advanced mopping, and powerful suction.

Sonar acquires AutoCodeRover to boost AI-powered software development

Sonar acquires AutoCodeRover to enhance AI-powered coding, automating debugging, improving security, and speeding up software development.

ASUS launches ZenScreen Duo OLED MQ149CD, a portable monitor with dual OLED displays

ASUS unveils the ZenScreen Duo OLED MQ149CD, a portable dual-screen monitor with OLED technology, delivering stunning visuals and flexible work setups.

Apple may introduce reverse wireless charging on iPhone 17 Pro

Apple may introduce reverse wireless charging in the iPhone 17 Pro, allowing users to power AirPods and Apple Watch without extra cables.

Pop Mart and CapitaLand launch love-themed CryBaby collaboration

Pop Mart and CapitaLand are bringing love to the malls with a CryBaby-themed collaboration that will run until March 14.

Related Articles