Set Up Google Family Link

Google Family Link is the Android equivalent of Apple's Screen Time. It's built into Android and completely free. You can manage apps, set screen time limits, see location, and control what your child can access. This is Google's official solution and doesn't require third-party monitoring apps.

Step 1: Create a Google Account for Your Child

Children under 13 need a supervised Google Account managed through Family Link:

1. Download the Google Family Link app on your phone (iOS or Android)
2. Open the app and sign in with your Google Account
3. Tap Create child account
4. Enter your child's name and real birth date
5. Create their email address and password
6. Confirm parental consent

Step 2: Set Up Your Child's Device

On your child's Android device:

1. Factory reset the device (recommended for a clean start)
2. During setup, sign in with your child's new Google Account
3. When prompted, confirm your parental account to link supervision
4. Follow prompts to enable Family Link supervision

If the device is already set up, go to Settings > Google > Parental controls and follow the prompts.

Step 3: Manage Apps

In the Family Link app on your phone, select your child and go to Controls > Google Play:

• Require approval for: Set to "All content" to approve every app install
• Content restrictions: Set age limits for apps, games, movies, TV, and books

When your child tries to download an app, you'll get a notification to approve or deny it.

Step 4: Set Screen Time Limits

Under Controls > Screen time:

• Daily limit: Set maximum hours per day (can vary by day)
• Downtime: Set hours when the device is locked (bedtime)
• Bonus time: Add extra time if needed

When the limit is reached, the device locks. Your child can request more time, and you'll get a notification to approve.

Step 5: Set App Limits

You can set time limits for individual apps:

1. Go to Controls > App limits
2. Select an app (like YouTube or a game)
3. Set a daily time limit for that specific app

This lets you allow more total screen time while limiting time on specific apps.

Step 6: Manage Website Access

Under Controls > Google Chrome:

• Try to block explicit sites: Enables SafeSearch filtering
• Only allow certain sites: Whitelist-only mode
• Manage sites: Block or approve specific sites

Step 7: Location and Safety Features

Under Location:

• See your child's device location on a map
• View location history
• Ring the device if it's lost

Note: Location requires the device to be on and connected to the internet.

Step 8: YouTube Settings

For YouTube specifically, you have three options:

• YouTube Kids: Curated content for younger children
• Supervised YouTube: Restricted mode with parental controls
• YouTube (unrestricted): Full access with Restricted Mode on/off

For children under 13, YouTube Kids or Supervised YouTube is recommended.

What Family Link Can't Do

Be aware of these limitations:

• Can't read your child's text messages or call logs
• Can't monitor what's typed in apps
• Can't record screen activity
• Some apps may not report usage accurately

Family Link is designed for supervision, not surveillance. It controls what can be accessed, not monitoring everything that's done.

Bottom Line

Google Family Link is free, built into Android, and sufficient for managing your child's device. Require app approval for all downloads, set screen time and app-specific limits, use downtime to lock the device at night, and enable location for safety. No third-party parental control apps needed.