What you need to know
As the back-to-school season approaches, Google is unveiling a new feature designed to enhance parental control on select Android devices, tablets, and Samsung Galaxy Watches. This feature, aptly named “School Time,” aims to provide parents with greater oversight of their children’s phone usage during critical learning hours.
With School Time, parents can customize the days and times their children are allowed to access certain apps, effectively locking away the rest of the device until the designated time has passed. This functionality mirrors a similar initiative by Fitbit for its Ace LTE devices, emphasizing the importance of managing screen time for younger users. Children will have the ability to view a curated list of available apps during these periods, ensuring they remain focused on their studies.
In addition to School Time, Google is rolling out enhanced safety settings for all users under the age of 18. These measures are designed to offer parents a sense of security as their children navigate the digital landscape. Among these settings, SafeSearch will be activated, and auto-play features on YouTube will be disabled, creating a more controlled online environment.
Furthermore, Google has recently expanded access to its Gemini AI model for teen users, following the introduction of the 1.5 Flash version. This model promises improved accuracy and faster response times, making it a valuable tool for students seeking assistance with homework or research. Notably, Gemini is equipped with safeguards to prevent exposure to inappropriate content, ensuring a safer experience for younger users.
Parents will also have the option to establish a specific list of contacts that their children can communicate with during School Time, allowing for controlled interaction as they transition back to their academic routines. The rollout of School Time is expected to occur over the next year, with Google actively working to provide more details on the specific devices that will support this feature.
As part of its ongoing commitment to family safety, Google is also enhancing the Family Link app, which will soon allow parents to link their accounts with their teens. This will enable parents to monitor their children’s watch history and manage exposure to certain apps, adapting to their evolving needs as they grow.
In summary, with the introduction of School Time and the expansion of safety features, Google is taking significant steps to empower parents while fostering a safer digital environment for children and teens alike.
