Google has announced an expansion of its Android Parental Controls, bringing new tools for screen time management, app controls, and family supervision. The company has also increased its U.S. digital wellbeing fund to more than $50 million as part of its efforts to support healthier technology habits among kids and teens.
The updates are intended to provide parents with more control and support age-appropriate digital experiences for children.
Expanded Android Parental Controls
Android Parental Controls were first introduced on Pixel devices last year and are now expanding to all Android devices that update to Android 17. Integrated directly into Android Settings, the feature provides a single, convenient home for both built-in device controls and Google Family Link.
The controls are protected by an easy-to-set PIN and are designed to support a balance between screen time and offline activities. Whether children are using their devices or disconnecting during downtime, the controls provide parents with device management options in one place.
Parents can use Android Parental Controls to:
- Set the amount of screen time their child can spend on a device each day to help establish healthy habits.
- Create downtime schedules that automatically lock the device at night to help ensure restful sleep without distraction.
- Apply Google Play app store filters to manage the highest content rating their child can download.
- Limit time spent on specific apps or block apps entirely.
Android Parental Controls also provide a direct path for parents to set up Google Family Link through the Family Link app on a parent’s phone. Family Link offers capabilities such as School Time, Google Play app purchase approvals, location alerts, and more.
Google increases digital wellbeing fund to $50 million
Building on its long-term commitment to digital wellbeing, Google is increasing its U.S. digital wellbeing fund to more than $50 million.
The company said the funding will support a healthier, more resilient generation of kids and teens. The investment will help introduce new interventions focused on best practices for healthy technology interactions and support programs designed to combat social isolation.
Availability
Android Parental Controls will be available on Android devices that receive the Android 17 update. The controls will be accessible directly through Android Settings and will work alongside Google Family Link.