When the best of age that we have at home begin to access the smartphone world, we must be very aware of the dangers that this implies. It is very possible that most start by taking their parents’ mobile, before having their own. Luckily, many companies like Google have thought about this aspect, and more and more mobiles integrate “Family Link” as standard, a tool that doubles as ” Child Mode”, where you can control your interaction with the device.
We can imagine many situations in which to have controlled the use that minors make of a mobile, either ours or their own. In any case, tools such as Family Link, allow you to avoid problems derived from overexposure to the mobile or that can enter applications that are not recommended for your age.
What is Family Link
It is a Google tool and it is valid for both Android and iPhone mobiles. In some cases, such as OPPO phones with ColorOS 7, it can be integrated as standard, but in any case it is downloadable both from Google Play and from the App Store . Once inside, parents can set limits on children’s phone use, such as how long they can have it or the applications they can access. Modifications to system settings or deletion of applications are also disabled. It is a good way to avoid problems of “addiction” to the mobile by controlling the time spent in front of the screen.
How active?
Choose administrator
Once the app is installed, we will have to configure some previous steps. The first is to confirm that we are the parents or guardians of the minor. In this way we can have access as a family administrator. The next step is to enter an email associated with our son’s mobile, if he does not have it we can always create a Gmail account from scratch.
On the minor’s mobile
Once done, a code will arrive that we will have to enter in the minor’s mobile, to link Family Link between both devices. Then we will have to start Family Link on the mobile of the child or teenager and log in with their account. Now all that remains is to join the group managed by the tutors using the “Join button in the lower left corner of the screen”
What can we do
Deactivate apps and view location
When the steps are completed, we will see a screen where we can disable some of the applications installed on the mobile. Once done, we can have all the management tools at hand and that appear in the Familiy Link menu. Now we can see a history of device locations, with a map that shows the places that our son has been to.
Screen time
We will also have control over the applications that are used, most used and the time they have been running . In the same way, we will have an option of “Screen time” that allows us to configure the hours that the best can use or not use the device. We can configure a schedule including a “Bedtime”. Any use that goes out of the schedule that we mark, will disable the mobile completely and it will not be able to be used.
Manage permissions
Similarly, if the minor installs new applications and we detect that they may not be suitable for their age, we can block them so that they cannot be used. In the same way, we can totally restrict the installation of apps, eliminate certain permissions.
