Smartphones have the potential to open up a vast world of bad content for young children, but Google has provided a free and easy way to help reduce this risk on Android smartphones, according to Consumer Reports.
Using Google's Family Link app, parents will be able to limit the screen time of their children, set up limited access to apps and other content, and protect the privacy of the user.
Once the free app has been downloaded and installed, navigate to the screen time settings to set a total amount of time each day that the phone can be used.
Another good idea is to specify a period, such as bedtime till morning, that the phone can't be used at all to prevent kids from staying up too late and not getting enough rest. After that, use the app to take advantage of one of the Android operating system's most powerful features – multiple user accounts. A parent can set up a separate account, still linked to theirs, that the child can use on their own phone that has some parental controls set up by default. Parents can then remotely monitor activity through a dashboard as well as get email alerts and require approval for new app installs. Privacy is essential for children, and the app will also allow parents to disable the sharing of photos and limit Google's ability to keep information about web searches and other activities.
