Information below on setting up parental controls on Android phones and tablets:
Option 1 - Google Family Link (Recommended)
Google Family Link is a free parental control tool for parents to manage and monitor their child's devices. It can be used to set screen time limits, approve apps and track online activities. It is good way to keep your child safe online.
Here are some of the key features:
•Screen Time Management: Set daily screen time limits and remotely lock your child's device when taking a break e.g. bedtime or study time
•App Management: Approve or block specific apps your child wants to download. You can also view all installed apps and how much time is spent on each app
•Content Filtering: Filter mature content in Google Play, search results and web browsing to ensure only age appropriate content can be viewed. You can also block or allow specific websites
•Location Tracking: View location of child's device on a map
•Activity Reports: Receive weekly / monthly activity reports which show child's app usage, screen time and device activity.
•Parental Notifications: You can receive notifications on your device when a child requests app downloads and for other important activities
To configure follow the steps below:
1) Click Settings
2) Click Digital Wellbeing and parental controls
3) Scroll down and click Parental controls
4) You will then be able to click Let's do this to be guided though configuring the required settings. Your child will need a Google account if he / she doesn't already have one
5) Once configured you can download Family Link on your own phone and sign in as a parent or guardian to monitor and manage your child's Family Link account
Option 2 - Built-in Parental Control on Samsung Devices
All Samsung devices have built in parental controls, the available features varies depending on model of device.
Pros: Free and easy to configure
Cons: Kids can usually easily find ways round it
1) Click Settings
2) Scroll down and click on Digital Wellbeing and parental controls
3) Here you will see a dashboard which shows the following:
•App usage: how long has been spent on each app by name and by category
•Screen time goal: you can set a limit for how much time your child can spend on device each day
•App timers: set a timer for how long is allowed on a specific app
•Focus mode: can customize based on child's activities or location, for example school mode or sleep mode and can set conditions to select mode automatically based on time or location
•Bedtime mode: schedule when your child should go to bed and wake up
Option 3 - Samsung Kids
Samsung Kids is a environment designed especially for children to learn, explore and have fun on Samsung devices. It offers a curate selection of apps, games, books and videos which are age-appropriate giving parents peace of mind.
Also has features such as screen monitoring, and the ability for a parent / guardian to control allowed apps and contacts.
Pros: Free and interactive
Cons: Very basic features, only really suitable for really young children
Features include:
•Add Multiple Kids: Create profiles for each of your children
•See Screen Time: Keep track of how long your kids spend on their devices
•Set BedTime: Schedule specific times for the device to go to sleep
•See Frequently Contacted People: Monitor who your kids are chatting with or calling most often
•Add Allowed Apps: Choose which apps your kids can access
•Add Images and Videos: Curate a collection of pictures and videos for your kids to enjoy
•Add Music: Include music for your kids to listen to while using the device
To configure:
1) Open Quick settings pane by swiping down twice from top of screen and then click on Kids
-OR-
2) Swipe up from bottom of screen and search for Kids in the search bar at bottom
3) Click Continue and follow instructions to set it up
