Google extends parental control to Android smartphones
Illustrative photo (Freepik)
Google will soon allow parents to limit the functionality of their child's phone or tablet during school hours. On Thursday, the company announced that next year it will expand its "School Time" feature to some Android phones, tablets, and Samsung Galaxy Watches, according to The Verge.
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The company first launched the "School Time" mode on its Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatch in May, and adding this feature to a broader range of devices is expected to help reduce distractions in the classroom.
In addition to allowing parents to block access to certain apps, the "School Time" mode can also restrict phone calls and notifications from specific contacts. Parents can configure these settings through Google Family Link.
As noted by Google, teenagers who are not under control via the Google Family Link app can still use focus mode on their devices to block notifications when they need to concentrate.
Later this summer, Google will also start allowing parents to link their YouTube accounts with their teenagers' accounts, enabling them to monitor their activity.
While it's encouraging to see Google expanding the "School Time" mode beyond its own devices, the company has not disclosed which Android smartphones or tablets will support this feature.
Android parental controls (gif: The Verge)
