Google has brought significant updates to the Family Link application so that parents can manage their children’s activities in the digital world more effectively. These updates are manifested in a wide range from the interface of the application to time management, even communication limitations. It is aimed to control the time spent at the screen and keep it away from the distributors during school hours.
The Family Link’s renewed interface allows users to process more easily and faster. The new “Screen Time” tab offers parents a detailed summary of the use of their children. Under this tab, there is a combination of information such as how long the certain applications are used, daily time limitations and rest periods. In addition, it is now more practical for parents to limit or restrict their application to their websites.
With school time settings, attention distributors are minimized
Google’s “school time” feature, which is added to Family Link, aims to protect children’s focus during their training hours. This feature was previously used on devices such as Samsung Galaxy Watch for Kids and Fitbit Ace LTE. During the school hours, notifications are silenced and the phone’s specific functions are restricted. Parents can customize which applications can be used or prevented. It is also possible to see which applications the child has accessed during school hours. Calendar adjustments can be made for holidays, summer holidays, noon and break hours.
Another remarkable feature of the application is communication limitations. Parents can determine who can send or call to their children’s device. Persons other than approved numbers cannot reach the child’s device. If children want to add new people, parent approval is required. However, this limitation only applies to Google messages and phone app. Third -party messaging or social media applications are out of this scope. However, parents can prevent these applications from being installed on the device.
Considering the current features of Family Link, it is seen that the application offers a comprehensive solution for children’s digital safety. Parents can limit their children’s device time, and receive notifications on web and application usage, and follow location with GPS feature. Many features of the application can be used when children are under 13 years of age. This provides a great advantage, especially for young children.
Google’s updates aim to ensure that parents’ children are more safe in the digital world. In spite of everything, it is of great importance that parents are conscious about the correct use of technology and use such tools effectively. On the other hand, it is as important as these controls that children develop digital literacy skills.
As a result, the new features of Google Family Link can be considered as an important step for parents to better manage their children’s digital life. However, in addition to such tools, it is also important to communicate with children and raise awareness about the correct use of technology. When all of this comes together, it is possible that children are more safe in the digital world.