[GTO]

Guys & gals,

How to set up an Android phone for kids? Something where usage is restricted to only "safe" apps, websites etc. I see that Apple has an inbuilt "kid mode" (link), but don't see the same in the Android OS. Or am I missing something? We're looking at similar levels of controls like iOS offers (restricted apps, no explicit content etc.).

Phone is a Samsung S20 FE.

Any apps that can do this? Or any settings within Android?

Thanks!

[BRV]

Am using Parental control app - Google Family Link in android tab for my kid. I have this installed in my iphone and I have full control over the tab including overall screen time, app time limit on each app, installation of new apps, content restriction on Chrome, YouTube etc.

Also, created a Gmail id with actual age of the kid for which My id is tagged. Used this id for YouTube which by default restricts the content to age specific (still I keep an eye on the browsing content, nothing is fool proof)

[roy_libran]

GTO - I have Google Family Link setup to control usage, content etc. on an Android tab and phone, and whilst they do give some Control, it is not water-tight. I have found that I need to go into specific apps at times and configure them separately for content rating and privacy restrictions, and control access to those features via the family link. It is complex, cumbersome and not a sustainable solution.
So, for my child I setup a iPhone SE, and that provides far better Content Controls and Usage limits. The cascade of the set limits and exceptions across Apps, and App features is seamless and via a single point of Control. Of course, my child is NOT happy. Also the screen size and inherent device limitations serve as an implicit de-motivator for excessive usage.

[deathwalkr]

Been using Kaspersky safe kids for a few years now ever since my child started using devices. She has her own tab now and has a user account in my PC as well.

The time limiting feature is pretty watertight and you can block apps as well. But beyond a point you have to leave it to them to decide.

They will always find a way as the years go by and i have started tuning it down now.

[SmartCat]

Originally Posted by GTO

Guys & gals,
How to set up an Android phone for kids? Something where usage is restricted to only "safe" apps, websites etc.Any apps that can do this? Or any settings within Android?

I do it the manual way:

Step 1:

Do NOT create a new Google Account for the kids' phone or tablet. Instead, either use dad's or mum's Google Account email ID/password.

Advantage is that whatever is searched in Google search engine or chrome browser URL window in kids' device shows up on your desktop/laptop. If the kids are watching Youtube on their phone, it will show up on your Youtube history.

Step 2:

Get rid of Youtube (it cannot be deleted, but it can be taken off the home page). Instead, download YOUTUBE KIDS app



Step 3:

Subscribe to GOOGLE PLAY PASS. Costs just Rs. 100 per month, and for that, you get thousands of free to download, ad-free curated apps. There is a separate "kids" section too. Teach the kids how to download these safe apps (Play Store -> Play Pass -> Children)



Step 4:

If you are worried that kids will wander off elsewhere in the Play Store and download unwanted apps, you can set parental controls.

- Open Play Store app
- Tap on "your face" (your Google Account DP) on top/right hand side
- Tap Settings -> Family -> Parental Controls -> Apps & Games

Here, you can set age limit for app downloads to filter out innappropriate apps:



Step 5: Check the kids' phone or tablet at specific frequency (once a week/month etc) for unwanted stuff.

[DCEite]

Originally Posted by GTO

Guys & gals,

How to set up an Android phone for kids? Something where usage is restricted to only "safe" apps, websites etc. I see that Apple has an inbuilt "kid mode" (link), but don't see the same in the Android OS. Or am I missing something? We're looking at similar levels of controls like iOS offers (restricted apps, no explicit content etc.).

Phone is a Samsung S20 FE.

Any apps that can do this? Or any settings within Android?

Thanks!

Hey, GTO

Just checked my Samsung S21 FE, it has a Kids mode in the settings dropdown:





Since yours is S20 FE, i expect it should be somewhere in the settings, just need to add a shortcut in quick drop down menu.

[deathwalkr]

Originally Posted by DCEite

Hey, GTO

Just checked my Samsung S21 FE, it has a Kids mode in the settings dropdown:

Since yours is S20 FE, i expect it should be somewhere in the settings, just need to add a shortcut in quick drop down menu.

Just verified it in my s20fe. It's there hidden in the quick drop menu option

[dmplog]

Samsung had a kids mode inbuilt. Check it out

https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/apps/kids-mode/

[mrbaddy]

One of my friends family and their friends use this setup. Our families have been on a 10 day vacation together and I have seen it work for their 12 and 15 year old kids and they swear by this. I dont know much details about this.

https://www.qustodio.com/en/

[ph03n!x]

Originally Posted by SmartCat

..
Step 1:

Do NOT create a new Google Account for the kids' phone or tablet. Instead, either use dad's or mum's Google Account email ID/password.

Advantage is that whatever is searched in Google search engine or chrome browser URL window in kids' device shows up on your desktop/laptop. If the kids are watching Youtube on their phone, it will show up on your Youtube history.

...

Agreeing as a good practice, except for this.

Create a new Gmail account for your kid with the actual age, and Gmail will want an existing adult account as an authorizer.

After that's fine, install Google Family Link, login with the adult account - you can control/ see what's being accessed, set time limits for apps/ screen time/ sleep and wake times too.

Makes it more organized, and let's you do the remaining steps without actually needing to login to the child's device or account...

Similar functionality for Windows is with Microsoft Family Safety.

[arnieshwartz]

I have created Gmail and Outlook email accounts for my kids that are used to then set up controls in the Google Family Link / Microsoft Family Safety apps for content filtering, screen time limits, and location sharing. I receive alerts for app install, weekly usage reports, and I am able to monitor browsing history on my phone. I have also set the phone to go into a sort of lockdown mode once screen time for the day is exceeded, and I must enter my password if they need to access any apps. A similar control exists for their accounts on the PCs and on the Xbox.

[GTO]

As usual, the best advice is on Team-BHP . Thank you all for the tips & suggestions.

Tried Google & Android, but typical of Google, there were too many hoops to jump through. On the other hand...

Originally Posted by mrbaddy

One of my friends family and their friends use this setup.

https://www.qustodio.com/en/

Qustodio is brilliant! Fast to set up, easy to monitor, easy to set limits, multiple device support and just 2,000 bucks a year (<200 bucks a month). Thanks, mrbaddy!

[PearlJam]

Sorry, I'm confused about the requirements:

1. The kid has a separate phone, and you want to have a safe setup on that separate phone, to be controlled from your phone?

OR

2. The kid uses your own phone, but you want a "mode" that can be turned on before handing it over to the kid for some time?