My boys don’t know what it is like to not have technology at their fingertips. They are growing up in a day and age of game consoles, computers, tablets, and of course smartphones.
It is SO important to know what websites they go on as well as make sure that they don’t overdo their “screen time”. Google developed the Family Link app just for these reasons!
Family Link helps parents manage the type of content their kids see, how much time they are on their devices, and acts as an open conversation starter to lay the ground rules for proper technology usage.
The Internet is amazing and I love that my boys have so much information at their fingertips BUT there has to be a line drawn. There are many sites out there that are not necessarily geared for their age, and to have the ability to regulate what is (and isn’t) served to them makes me feel at ease.
TIME MANAGEMENT
My boys do extremely well in school and participate in multiple extracurricular activities, so when screen time is requested we gladly allow it.
There was a time when we were a bit lax with the time limits. With Family Link, we can set a daily limit for each individual day of the week. Once their time is up, the device locks only allowing them to make calls.
We can also lock the device remotely if we feel that our little one is sneaking some extra screen time when they should be sleeping or studying. (They don’t necessarily like it, but we do!)
CONTENT MANAGEMENT
There are so many amazing content management features within the Family Link app. We can monitor which apps our kids are allowed to download as well as hide certain apps that we don’t want them to be on.
Sneaky in-app purchases are no more with the ability to approve the purchases before they are made.
I personally appreciate that I can block specific sites that I feel are inappropriate. I have peace of mind knowing that they can enjoy surfing without stumbling on mature content.
Set digital ground rules with your family today! Download Family Link today! It’s super easy to set up!
Adriana says
This is such a great idea. It is so insane how everything these days reverts back to technology.
Owen G says
Great tips. It presents a real dilemma for parents in this day and age. I think kids DO benefit from restrictions. We went camping a few weeks ago and all devices were left at home… they loved it and didn’t miss them at all.
Lydia Smith says
This is a great idea and very useful for parent cause technology has taken over everything thou it’s good but the rate at which we all use it is alarming and kind of an hindrance.
maysz says
What a great idea I think all parents should read this article to have an idea about managing technology to their kids’ great info!
Tammie Reinhart says
I love this! It’s a stress free way of monitoring the kids screen time!
twinspirationalparties says
Parents should read this, it’s good that they could learn to how manage their childs technology dependence..
Bree says
I have been struggling with this with my 12 year old and found time management with her screens to be the most effective!
Dana says
Check out Family Link!
Ogbugbu Ejiroghene says
this is definitely most needed, has made life easier but has so much effect on the kids, this a great way to check things
Jackline A says
This is such a great idea more than ever where screen time in general for both adults and kids are increasing. It can be tricky to monitor your kids when adults can get sucked into it too.
Dana says
Jackline, I catch myself getting sucked into it just as you said. We have to lead by example!
Lisa Rios says
I think parents need to have open conversations with kids – so there are rules, but they know why there must be rules.
Madhurima Maiti says
This is something very serious and important. Parents should be vigilant and talk with their kids to make them understand the issues instead of just stopping them. Well-written post.
sudipa says
This looks like a great app to use.Thanks for sharing.I am going to use it
Alexandra Cook says
I am very strict when it comes to kids especially when they are using gadgets. I always make sure that my rules should be follow.
Helen Neale says
This is my first time to hear about family link and it sounds like a great app that coukd help every parents.
David Elliott says
It would be great to put these on my daughter’s iPhone. I will have to check out what I can do. Although her mother is the one paying for her phone . . . . so . . . I have limits on the apps I can place on her phone.
twinspirationalparties says
It was really an important issue, kids should really understand their limitations with technology. Their knowledge about technology is good but we shouldn’t let them depend everything on it.
Dana says
Agreed! Remember the days of playing outdoors and not sitting next to a friend on their iPads/phones?
Riana Shahid says
This is such an important topic to get a handle on now, when so much of children’s lives involve technology in some shape or form
Dana says
Technology is all around us, and we just need to monitor it!
Katherine Rose Rivera says
This is so important. Technology has pros and cons and using gadgets have too. Thanks for sharing this and I will implement some to my son.
Dana says
I am glad this article was helpful for you, Katherine!