Google has unveiled a new parental control feature called “School Time,” which has been integrated into its Family Link app. This innovative feature is designed to limit access to a child’s Android phone during school hours, helping to minimize distractions and promote a focused learning environment.
While School Time effectively locks down the device, it’s not entirely restrictive. Parents can set up emergency contacts and allow access to specific apps during the lockdown period. Essential applications such as the phone and calculator can remain accessible, striking a balance between minimizing distractions and ensuring safety.
The functionality of School Time closely resembles Android’s Focus mode. However, it offers the benefit of being manageable through Family Link and can be customized to align with individual school schedules.
User Interface and Functionality
When School Time is active, the child’s phone displays a prominent notification. This notification informs the user about the active School time and indicates when the device will be unlocked. A small tab provides access to the apps parents have been permitted to use during this time.
Availability and Rollout
The School Time feature debuted earlier this year on Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatches. Google plans to expand its availability to Android phones and tablets by next year. However, the company has not yet provided specific information about the distribution timeline for different countries.
Google’s commitment to enhancing digital safety for young users extends beyond School Time. The tech giant has announced several other features aimed at monitoring and improving the digital routines of children and teenagers:
- YouTube Account Linking: An upcoming update will allow parents to link their YouTube accounts with their children, facilitating better monitoring of minors’ activities on the platform. This feature is expected to launch by the end of the year.
- Family Link Enhancements: The app has been updated to include supervision options for all available age groups, offering parents greater flexibility in content control.
- Default Safety Features: Google has taken a proactive approach by enabling all safety features by default for users under 18. This includes activating SafeSearch and disabling YouTube autoplay.
As technology continues to play an increasingly significant role in education and daily life, such innovations aim to strike a balance between access to digital resources and maintaining a safe, focused environment for young users.
![](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alltechnerd.com%2Fgoogle-family-link-can-block-teens-cell-phones-during-school-hours%2F&media=https://www.alltechnerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1722683506_i922123.png&description=Google has unveiled a new parental control feature called "School Time," which has been integrated into its Family Link app.){kind=link}