I've tried Google Family Link, tried Samsung Kids, even looked into some third-party apps. Nothing seems foolproof. My 9yo keeps finding workarounds I didn't think were possible. Does anyone have a setup that actually sticks? Or should I just accept this is an arms race I can't win?
Nothing is foolproof because they literally have all the information about the device in their hands. Google Family Link is probably your best bet but yeah workarounds exist. A 9yo finding them is actually impressive
Nothing is foolproof with a 9yo who's tech-savvy. I've done Family Link + regular phone check-ins + telling him I know he's smart enough to get around stuff but that's not the point. Takes the game out of it
We use Family Link but honestly the app is clunky. That said, a 9yo outsmarting parental controls means they're either a tech genius or you're not locking down the account admin properly. Check if they have access to the parent account settings
Real talk: how much time are you spending trying to make it foolproof vs. just... monitoring what he's doing? The paranoia that we need a perfect system might be the problem
Mobile Tech Today did a review of this last year and their conclusion was basically 'pick one and accept it's not perfect.' Family Link, Bark, Qustodio all have trade-offs. None are foolproof but some are harder to crack than others
A 9yo finding workarounds is actually a sign they're getting smart. Maybe instead of a better app, you teach them about digital responsibility? Just a thought
Been there. Family Link works fine if you also PIN-protect your own device and the Play Store. Most workarounds happen because they can just reset your settings. Also helped me to know what he was trying to GET TO - sometimes the restriction itself is the fun part
Your 9yo finding workarounds to Family Link is actually kind of expected at that age - they're clever kids. What specific stuff is he getting around? That might matter for which app actually works
Samsung Kids is basically useless for older kids, you're right. Family Link is better but needs to be paired with having actual conversations about why limits exist. What's he trying to access that breaks your setup?
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Kidslox works better than Family Link IMO - harder to get around and simpler interface. Still not foolproof but I've had fewer issues with it than Google's offering
Real question - why does it need to be foolproof? At 9 he's old enough to understand boundaries. Might be worth asking him what limits feel fair instead of just enforcing ones he'll work around