If you’vebought your child a Chromebook, you’re probably wondering whether it has any features that allow you to manage their activity and screen time. The short answer? Yes, it does.
Google has an app, called Family Link, that is designed to give parents more control over their children’s Android phones and Chromebook laptops. Parents can do things like give their OK to websites and apps they don’t mind them using, set screen time limits, set a bedtime restriction, remotely lock devices, and monitor usage and activity.
Essentially, Google’s Family Link app lets you create a Google Account for your child, and then limit what your child can or cannot do on the Chromebook that they’ve signed into with their Google Account. Here’s what you need to know.
How Chromebooks work with Family Link
In general, children signed in to their own Google Account on a Chromebook will have a similar experience to adults. But features like screen time limits, remote device locking, apps from Google Play, and location reporting are also available for your child’s Chromebook. Here’s what they - and you (the parent) - can expect:
Getting started with Family Link
The basic set-up process involves the following steps:
Family Link device requirements
How to create a Google Account for kids
For children under 13 in the US and EU, the Family Link app will let you create a Google Account for your child, which we recommend if you want to control their activity on a Chromebook.Once you’ve done that, you cansimplyadd your child’s Google Accountto their Chromebook. After your child is signed in to their laptop, your (the parent’s) password is required to add new users.
If you (the parent) are the Chromebook’sowner account, be sure todisable guest mode and control who can sign in.
Follow these steps to create a Google Account for your child under 13 when you’re setting up a new device:
Add your child’s Google Account to a Chromebook
To a new or factory reset Chromebook:
How to manage your kid’s activity on a Chromebook
You can also control all this by clicking your kid’s name fromthe Family Link site.
Manage browsing
You can manually control what your child can browse, or you can allow Google to smartly decide for you.
Block or allow websites
If you’d rather manually block or allow sites yourself, follow these steps:
Manage site permissions
you’re able to decide whether your child can give site permissions to their location, camera, and notifications. When “Permissions for sites and apps” is switched off, kids won’t be able to grant permissions to websites.
Manage screen time
When you create a Google Account for your child using Family Link, you will be given the option to set screen time limits. That way, you can lock your child’s device at bedtime, or when you want them to stop using it during the day.
Set a bedtime
Daytime limits
See or delete search history on Chrome
This one is a little obvious, but in case you don’t know, follow these steps:
See Chrome history
Delete Chrome history
Remotely lock or unlock
And finally, to truly annoy your child, you’re able to lock down their Chromebook to stop them from using it. Here’s how.
Want to know more?
Pocket-lint has a guide on how to use Family Link to control Android devices.Go here to check that out.
