Smartphones and tablets are central to children’s lives — for learning, gaming, and staying in touch with friends. But without guidance, screens can easily dominate family life or expose children to risks they’re not ready for.

On Android devices, parents can use two built-in tools:

• Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls (found in Settings)

• Google Family Link (a free app that lets parents manage kids’ devices remotely)

Together, these tools let you monitor, guide, and limit how your child uses their Android phone or tablet — helping create balance without taking devices away.

Why Use Screen Time Controls on Android?

• Balance: Prevents endless gaming or social media scrolling.

• Sleep: Encourages device-free rest by blocking late-night use.

• Focus: Helps kids concentrate on homework without distraction.

• Safety: Filters age-appropriate content and controls app access.

• Transparency: Reports show how time is spent across apps and activities.

How to Get Started

Option 1: Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls (on the device)

1. Open Settings → Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.

2. Tap Set up parental controls.

3. Follow the prompts to link your child’s Google account to yours (this uses Family Link).

Option 2: Google Family Link app (on your phone)

1. Install Google Family Link for Parents from the Play Store.

2. Set up your child’s account (or create one).

3. Link their device to yours, so you can manage limits remotely.

The Main Settings Explained

1. Daily Screen Time Limits

• Where: Family Link → Your child → Daily limit.

• What it does: Set how many hours your child can use their device per day.

• Why it matters: Builds natural boundaries and prevents marathon sessions.

• Example: Allow 2 hours on weekdays, 4 hours on weekends.

2. Bedtime / Device-Off Hours

• Where: Family Link → Your child → Bedtime.

• What it does: Blocks device use during chosen hours (except for calls or alarms).

• Why it matters: Protects sleep by ensuring phones aren’t active late at night.

• Example: Set downtime from 9 pm to 7 am.

3. App Limits

• Where: Family Link → Your child → App activity → Set limit.

• What it does: Restrict specific apps (e.g. TikTok, YouTube) to daily time caps.

• Why it matters: Encourages moderation with the most addictive apps.

• Example: Limit TikTok to 30 minutes a day.

4. Always Allowed Apps

• Where: Family Link → Your child → Always allowed.

• What it does: Choose apps that stay usable even after limits or at bedtime.

• Why it matters: Keeps essentials like Phone, Messages, and educational apps available.

5. Content Restrictions

• Where: Family Link → Controls → Content restrictions.

• What it does: Block inappropriate apps, websites, music, films, and books based on age.

• Why it matters: Ensures kids only access age-appropriate material.

• Example: Restrict Google Play downloads to apps rated “Everyone” or “Teen”.

6. App Approvals

• Where: Family Link → Controls → App approvals.

• What it does: Children must request approval before downloading apps.

• Why it matters: Prevents surprise downloads or unsafe apps.

• Example: Child requests Minecraft → parent approves in Family Link app.

7. Location Sharing

• Where: Family Link → Your child → Location.

• What it does: Lets you see your child’s device location.

• Why it matters: Offers peace of mind when kids are out.

8. Usage Reports

• Where: Family Link → Your child → App activity.

• What it does: Weekly and daily reports of app use.

• Why it matters: Gives you real data for conversations about habits.

Tips for Parents

• Involve your child: Explain limits as support for balance, not punishment.

• Start small: Focus first on daily limits and bedtime; expand later.

• Adjust over time: Relax controls as kids show responsibility.

• Model healthy habits: Use your own Digital Wellbeing tools too.

The Bigger Picture

Screen time limits aren’t about control — they’re about teaching children how to manage technology responsibly. With Family Link and Digital Wellbeing, parents can set boundaries, encourage balance, and protect children while still giving them the freedom to explore.

👉 Takeaway: Download Google Family Link today, set a few simple rules, and use the reports as conversation starters. It’s a practical way to guide your child toward healthier digital habits.