Google service lets parents keep an eye on children’s accounts

Google has proposed a service for parents to monitor children’s accounts. For example, parents can approve downloads from the Play Store and set when their children should go to bed by controlling the device on which the account is located.

The service will not be available in the Benelux for the time being and in Google’s home country, the United States, it is also a closed test for the time being, Google says. Family Link allows parents to link children’s accounts after a one-time credit card payment of thirty cents. This payment is necessary to check whether it really concerns the parents.

After that, parents can set that children first need permission to install apps and games from the Play Store. In addition, it is possible to keep track of the screen time of the devices on which the children are sitting and possibly limit it by setting a limit. When children need to study or sleep, parents can remotely lock the device.

With Family Link, Google is making it possible for children under 13 to create an account for the first time. Until now, that was not allowed under the conditions. The closed test program begins Wednesday in the United States. It is not yet known when the service will be publicly available and will work in the Benelux.