Google has unveiled a significant update for its Family Link parental control app, enhancing both its design and functionality to better serve parents navigating the digital landscape with their children. The revamped interface aims to streamline the user experience, making it more intuitive and accessible.
New Features and Enhancements
The latest iteration of Family Link introduces a dedicated Screen Time tab, consolidating all screen-time management tools into a single, user-friendly location. This feature provides parents with a comprehensive device-specific usage summary, facilitating the setup of Downtime and School time on their children’s devices with ease.
In addition to the Screen Time tab, the Controls tab has been updated to simplify the management of accounts, privacy settings, and content filters. Parents can now access essential controls more efficiently, enabling them to manage account data settings, approve app downloads, and block specific websites with minimal effort. The design refresh also enhances the management of multiple child accounts, allowing parents to switch between profiles effortlessly using a new swipe gesture, while advanced settings are just a tap away.
Next week, Google will roll out the School time feature, designed to minimize distractions during school hours. This feature, which debuted with devices like the Fitbit ACE LTE and Galaxy Watch for Kids, enables parents to schedule limited phone functionality and silence notifications during class. Parents will have the ability to select which apps are silenced or restricted, as well as establish break times that align with their children’s school schedules.
Looking ahead, Google plans to introduce parent-managed contacts within Family Link in the coming months. This feature will empower parents to approve which contacts their children can text or call, while also allowing kids to request the addition of new contacts for parental approval directly through the app.
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