Is Google Family Link safe for kids? An honest Google Family Link review for parents.

Google Family Link is a parental control app designed by Google to help parents monitor and manage their children's online activities on Android devices. The app allows parents to create a Google account for their child and link it to their own account, giving them control over the child's device usage.

With Family Link, parents can set screen time limits, control which apps their child can use and download, and manage their child's online access by setting filters for web browsing and YouTube. The app also provides activity reports and allows parents to remotely lock their child's device or locate it if it's lost.

In terms of safety, Family Link can be a useful tool for parents to monitor and manage their child's online activities. It allows parents to have greater visibility into what their child is doing online, which can help them identify and address any potential issues.

However, there are also potential dangers associated with using parental control apps like Family Link. One concern is that parents may become overly reliant on the app and not have enough direct communication with their child about their online activities. This could lead to a false sense of security and a lack of awareness about what their child is really doing online.

Another potential issue is that parental control apps can create a sense of mistrust between parents and children. Children may feel that their privacy is being invaded, which can lead to resentment and a breakdown in communication. Additionally, some children may be tech-savvy enough to find ways around the app's restrictions, which could put them at risk if they are able to access inappropriate content or interact with strangers online.

Overall, Google Family Link can be a useful tool for parents to monitor and manage their child's online activities. However, it's important to use the app in conjunction with open communication with your child about their online behavior and to be aware of the potential risks associated with using parental control apps. By taking a balanced approach and staying informed, parents can help ensure their child's online safety and well-being.

Bark gives you the ability to decide when and if your child can use Google Family Link. This could look like “only in the evenings”, “just for 30 minutes a day”, or “never” if you want to give them a break for a period of time.

In addition to screen time, Bark also empowers you to block websites, create custom screen time schedules, and track location.