Parental controls I actually trust - Android version

Dec 31 min read

Setup I'm using for my 10yo's Android tablet:

Google Family Link (free, built-in)
Screen time limits by app category
App approval queue (I have to approve new apps)
Safe Search enabled
Can remotely lock the device

Better than I expected honestly. Not perfect but way better than trying to manually check everything. There's also a "Device lock" feature where you can literally lock the whole device remotely if needed. Costs nothing and gives me actual peace of mind vs the iOS options which seem more expensive. Anyone else using this?

10 comments204 views

Comments(10)

HHank L.RegularDec 4

The app approval queue is the move. Forces a conversation instead of just silently blocking. How does your 10yo respond to having to ask first?

CCarlos M.New DadDec 4

This is way simpler than the setup I was researching. Everyone wants to sell you their parental control app but Google already built this in. Is Safe Search actually blocking much or is it pretty permissive?

LLou P.RegularDec 4

Real question: does he try to work around Family Link or does the visibility part actually make him honest? My 10yo is already getting sneaky.

DDave K.RegularDec 4

Saving this. Using some janky third-party app right now that doesn't even work half the time. Google Family Link is free and you're saying it actually does the job?

DDex J.New DadDec 5

The app approval queue is genius. Forces you to actually know what he's trying to download instead of it just happening in the background.

PPaul T.RegularDec 5

How strict are you with the app category limits? Like do you let him have gaming time during the day or is it after school only?

BBen D.RegularDec 5

Wait, you can actually restrict by app category? I thought Family Link was just screen time limits. This is actually useful info

TTom P.RegularDec 5

The fact that it's free matters too. All these parents paying for paid parental control apps when Google literally built this in

WWyatt C.RegularDec 6

Family Link is genuinely underrated. Nobody talks about it because you can't monetize people telling you about free tools

CChris R.RegularDec 4

Combining screen time limits with approval queue prevents the workaround where they just jump to a different app. Smart setup