Google introduced its new Android Parental Controls set of features alongside the Pixel 10 series last year, but they will be reaching more Android phones with Android 17. The new controls will give parents more control over their kids’ phones and their digital wellbeing.
Parental Controls are built into Android’s Settings menu and offer a convenient way to track your kids’ screen time, create a downtime schedule, apply Google Play app filters and limit the time spent on specific apps. Blocking apps altogether is also an option.
For instance, parents can set up an automatic downtime, which will lock the device at night, for example.
Parental Controls will also provide parents a direct path to set up Google Family Link, which helps exert more control from a distance. It offers features like School Time, Google Play app download approvals, location alerts, etc.
Both Parental Controls and Family Link will be available to phones updating to Android 17.