How to Set Up Google Parental Controls and Use Google Family Link

Knowing what your child searches for online and what sites they browse is a valuable tool for keeping them safe on the internet. Setting up Google parental controls through Google Family link helps parents filter content, manage screen time, and monitor app activity. However, these tools also have limitations. In this article, we’ll go over how to set up Google parental controls, where those controls fall short, and how to fill in the gaps. 

Why should I monitor my child’s Google account? 

The internet is a fabulous resource, but it can also be a risky place for children and teens. As a parent, it’s important to know if they encounter potential risks, such as: 

• Inappropriate content (adult images, self-harm material, or substance-related searches)
• Online predators and scams
• Harmful algorithmic recommendations on social media

Monitoring your child’s Google account can help you protect them from digital dangers and support them in making good choices. 

How do I put parental controls on Google? 

To set up Google parental controls, you’ll need to use Google Family Link. Here’s how:

Step 1: Set up Google Family Link

1. Go to familylink.google.com or download the Google Family Link app. 
2. Sign in with your Google account and create a new account for your child (or link an existing account).
3. Follow the onscreen prompts to set up supervision.

Step 2: Enable parental controls

Once you've added supervision to your child's Google account, here are some of the things you can do:

• Filter explicit results on Search.
• Manage your child’s access to websites.  
• Let your child access Google Assistant through a controlled account.
• Adjust account settings. 
• Set app and screen time limits. 
• Check the location of their device. 
• Set content restrictions for all Google services such as Chrome, YouTube, and Search & Play.
• Require approval for downloads and purchases

Heads up: Google Family Link gives parents control over their child’s digital environment, but it doesn’t provide full visibility into all online activity.

What happens to my child’s Google account when they turn 13?

At age 13 (or the applicable age in their country), children using Family Link can choose to continue parental supervision or manage their own Google account.

If your child is over 13 or has a birthday coming up and you’d like them to be on a supervised account, explain your reasons to them and discuss options together. 

As children mature, it makes sense to adjust your approach to supervising them, so it may be appropriate to keep their managed account in place but loosen some of the restrictions.

What can Google parental controls see?

Google’s parental controls don’t provide unlimited access to a child’s account. Here’s what it allows you to see:

• Device location tracking
• Account information, such as name and date of birth (you can also change these)
• Which apps they install from the Google Play Store and usage time
• The battery level on their device
• Ability to reset passwords or delete accounts

Google’s parental controls don’t:

• Show Google and YouTube search history
• Provide insights into viewed images and videos
• Offer text message or social media monitoring

Where Google parental controls come up short

Although Google parental controls are a valuable tool, they don't provide comprehensive monitoring. Many parents want to know what their kids are searching for, watching, or messaging about, especially for kids and younger teens — but Google doesn’t provide that level of visibility. 

BrightCanary fills in the gaps left by Google parental controls. Using powerful artificial intelligence, BrightCanary scans your child’s activity on their phone and the internet and alerts you to any red flags. This allows you to stay informed without the headache of scanning through a long list of Google searches or their entire YouTube history. 

How to get full online visibility with BrightCanary

While Google parental controls help with basic filtering, BrightCanary goes beyond by providing on concerning activity. Here’s how it works:

• Monitors Google and YouTube searches 
• Tracks social media activity and text message threads
• Flags concerning messages and online interactions 
• Provides AI-powered alerts instead of overwhelming parents with data

Want to enhance your child’s online safety? Try BrightCanary for free today.

Final thoughts

Google parental controls are a useful tool for keeping your child safe on the internet. However, they fall short when it comes to fully monitoring their online activity. 

In order to keep an eye on their Google searches, viewed images, and YouTube watch history, you’ll need a third-party monitoring app like BrightCanary. And, as always, keep ongoing and open conversations with your child about their digital world. Here’s how to have an online safety check-in.