Parents can now ask Google to lock their teenager's smartphone

Google’s ‘Family Link’ made for parents to control the screen time and smart device usage for kids is now available for teens as well.

Google extends family link features to teenagers

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The search giant has updated ‘Family Link’ that now lets parents lock the smartphones of teenagers using the same Google accounts. Teens can still access the smart device once it has been locked by parents but it will send an alert to them.


“Family Link originally launched for kids under-13, but we’ve heard overwhelmingly from parents that the app is still useful as their kids enter their teen years. This week, parents around the world will be able to use Family Link to supervise their teen’s existing Google Account for the first time,” said Paulo Golgher, director, Kids and Families, Google, in a blog post.

Unlike what’s there for kids, the new ‘Family Link’ features for teens won’t let parents change the passwords of their devices or change the device itself. They can however, simply ask Google Assistant to lock the devices. They can give a voice command “Hey Google, lock Tim’s device” giving them few minutes to finish off whatever they were doing on the smartphones or tablets. For those unaware, Google Assistant can recognize up to six voices.

Same for teenagers?


Golgher says these features are available starting today and will be reaching to every country soon. “Over the coming days, we’ll make Family Link available to more families, on more devices, and in nearly every country in the world,” said Golgher.

The aim here is to not control how children above the age of 13 spend their time on smart devices but just to keep a check, preventing them from excessive usage. With this update, ‘Family Link’ also works on Chromebooks.


“The need for supervision doesn’t end with mobile devices. Now, Family Link is available for Chromebook for kids and teens, allowing parents to manage website restrictions and account settings for their child from their device. Soon, parents will also be able to set screen time limits and manage the apps their child can use on Chromebooks,” Golgher added.

Caveats of Family Link for teens
Teenagers consenting for Family Link should also know that while parents will be monitoring their smartphone activity, they won't have full control.


Unlike the case of kids, they won't be able to change your passwords or devices. In addition, if you have been locked out for crossing the screen time limit, you can always log back in, which would simply notify your parents.

Future Family Link improvements
Google expanded Family Link features after receiving a phenomenal response from parents. As the next step, the company plans to enable the control hub in nearly all countries.


It also plans to integrate it with Google Assistant, which would allow parents to use voice commands to lock, locate their kid's device.

Finally, Google will ensure Chromebook support, allowing parents to manage websites, apps usage.

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