On the first smartphone, a new world is Apère for our children, fascinating to explore, but also dangerous as a jungle. The worst is not so much related to the usual dangers of the web, but rather because it becomes impossible to release yourself from the phone screen, to see, play and text videos with friends continuously.
For parents, keeping an eye on their adventures online without becoming in private detectives. In recent years I have known various behaviors of the parents of the companions and friends of my daughter: who forbids the smartphone, regardless of the age that leaves him free to use it as much as they want and that instead sets almost impossible strict rules. In the end it takes the right balance, control yes, but without exaggerating.
Google Family Link It is one of the most practical and immediate solutions to manage the use of the mobile phone of the youngest, thereby stabbing interests without cheating their desire for discovery. This free tool, offered by the Mountain View Giant (yes, those who want all our data) allows you to check apps, usage time and even the position of the device, with a simple interface that does not have to be expert technicians.
What is Google Family Link and how it is configured
Google Family Link is an app from parental supervision Designed to check and manage the use of the smartphone or tablet for children, especially for those who are less than 13 years old. Available for Android and iOS, it is downloaded both on the parent’s device and that of the son. The configuration is quite intuitive, but requires a little initial patience.
The app is installed on the parent’s phone Google Family Link And it connects to a Google account. On the child’s device it is important that a special Google account is used. If the child does not have an account, the parent can make one directly from the app, as long as the minor is less than 13 years old.
The configuration requires that both devices are at hand. The son’s account is connected to that of the parent, the conditions are accepted (yes, Google always wants to know everything) and the first lines have been established. A tip: better to do this with the child and explain the reason for these checks. Transparency beats confidentiality, especially with the older person who may not appreciate control. Once configured, the parent can manage everything from his phone without having to touch his son’s.
Manage apps: Freedom with a vigilant eye
One of the strengths of Familyink It is the possibility to check which app Children can download or use. When the minor tries to install an app Google Play StoreThe parent receives a notification to approve or block it. This avoids surprises such as games full of in-app purchases or apps that are not suitable for age. It is also possible to block already installed apps, even if some are installed in advance (such as Google O Play shop) cannot be switched off in full. Just pay attention that the updates of the approved apps do not require new authorization, so it is good to periodically check the granted permits, because some apps can “expand” with new, not exactly innocent functions.
I personally had new apps installed my daughter to check them later. The only interest I have put is at the time of using the apps, especially for YouTube, Tiktok and the like that wasting a lot of time.
For content, Familyink This allows you to activate filters Google Play To limit apps, films or books based on age. On YouTubeYou can choose between a guided experience or Youtube -childrensafer for the little ones. Attention, however: on iOS devices, control over the apps is more limited, because Familyink It cannot immediately manage the Apple operating system. In these cases, restrictions on Google Search O YouTubeBut for a more complete control on iPhone or iPad, it is better to rely on Apple’s native tools.
Time for use: Rules for not exaggerating
Not all moments that have been passed on the screen are the same. Looking at a documentary is not like spending hours on an infinite game. Familyink helps find a balance so that you can set Daily time limits before using the device. You can decide how many hours the child can pass on the smartphone and even a Block time Night, when the phone becomes unusable (perfect for avoiding sleepless nights to chat). There is also the option “School hours“, Who limits their use during the lessons, with a screen that the son reminds himself to concentrate.
Reports about the activity are a different bait on the sleeve. They show how long the child passes each app, with daily, weekly or monthly details. If you notice that your baby spends a virtual building game for three hours a day, you can set a specific limit for that app. Unfortunately you cannot still set a time limit for each individual app, a gap that many parents hope will soon be filming. Personally, I think that the system of relationships is a remedy -all: you not only give a clear picture of digital habits, but it can be a starting point to talk to the children of how they use the phone, without looking like an inquisitor.
Geolocation: Know where they are (or at least try it)
The geolocation It is one of the most appreciated, but also more discussed functions. Familyink This allows you to see the position of the son’s device, as long as it is on, connected to the internet and with active GPS. It is useful to know if I am safe when they come out or to find a lost phone. However, it is not infallible: some users complain about delays in location or functions that have not been updated, especially after the latest updates. If geolocation is a priority, it is better to test it first in controlled situations to understand if it is suitable for you.
Not all boys appreciate to be geoloed, so you have to use it in moderation and, if necessary, explain.
Privacy and security: The inevitable compromise
Talk about privacyGoogle is not exactly a paladin of discretion. Of FamilyinkParents can manage app authorizations (microphone access, camera, contacts) and activate Saeeaarch To filter explicit content on Google. For minors of 13 years, Saeeaarch It is active as standard, but can be deactivated or fully blocked. However, no filter is perfect: the most geesest -boys could find ways to bypass the limitations, as demonstrated by a user who told about a twelve -year -old who bypassed the controls within half an hour.
The price of security is to give a little privacy to Google, which collects data about the use of the device. If you worry, read the privacy information of Familyink To understand what is being shared.
Alternatively a Google Family Link
Of Familyink It does not convince completely, there are other free or freemium options that deserve a look. Screen time parental supervision It is a solid choice, available for Android and iOS, with time control functions on the screen and adaptable blocks.
It is easy to use and less invasive in terms of data. Another option is KidsloxWith which you can manage multiple devices and offer a clean interface, even if some advanced functions require a subscription.
For people with an iPhoneIl Parental supervision Integrated in iOS It is a powerful alternative, especially to limit apps and content on Apple devices.
Microsoft Family Safetyper Android one iOSis similar to Google Family Link, free without subscriptions, with almost the same checks. The difference is that it binds to the Microsoft account and that it also works to control our child’s PC if we want.
Familyink It’s not perfect. The control is limited on iOS compared to Android, and some functions, such as the block of apps, require compatible devices (Android 7.0 or higher, or Chromeos). Geolocation can be fickle and recent updates have made the interface less intuitive according to some users. In addition, older children (older than 13 years) can deactivate supervision, even if parents receive a report. This can be good to encourage autonomy, but requires an open dialogue to prevent conflicts.
I use FamilyinkEspecially to set time limits when using the smartphone and for playful apps. I always leave the option to call and WhatsApp available for messages. It is clear that the tool is void if we do not talk to the children of what they see or can see online, if they do not instruct them about the dangers of shares of private things and if you are too rigid with the rules.
Also read: Check the children’s smartphone and set limits
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