How to Set Up Parental Controls on a Chromebook?
Technology has its benefits, but it also has its drawbacks. The internet can be a risky place for kids, and as a parent, you may be concerned about the content they access online. Luckily, there are ways to control your child’s activity on a Chromebook.
Today, I’ll show you everything you need to know about setting up parental controls on a Chromebook. You’ll learn how to monitor and manage what your child sees on the web. Let’s keep reading to create a safer environment for your little one.
How to Set Up Parental Controls on a Chromebook?
Chromebooks don’t come with built-in parental controls, but you can use Google’s Family Link app to take care of that. This app allows you to create a supervised account specifically for your child. From your phone, you can monitor their activity, set limits, and block certain websites or apps. Here’s how you can create a Family Link child account:
- Go to the official Family Link website and click on “Get App.” You can also download it from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and tap the plus icon to create a new profile.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to register an account. If the registration is successful, you’ll receive a confirmation email.
Alright, let’s get started with setting up the controls. With Family Link, you have the power to control your child’s online activities. You can restrict browsing in incognito mode, block apps and websites, and even prevent your child from downloading apps without your permission. Here’s how you can block an app using Family Link:
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- First, open the Family Link app and go to your child’s account.
- Next, tap on “More” under “Apps Installed”.
- Now, choose the app that you want to restrict.
- Finally, slide the toggle button next to “Allow app” to the left.
If you want to prevent your child from downloading mature apps, follow these instructions:
- Launch the Family Link app and select your child’s account.
- Then, click on “Manage Settings” and go to “Google Play”.
- Scroll down to the “Content Restrictions” section.
- Here, you can set your preferred filters for apps, games, movies, books, and music.
Parents often face issues with their children making unauthorized purchases on apps, especially when their card information is saved on their Chromebook. But don’t worry, if you have Family Link set up, you can prevent your child from making any purchases on your Google Play account without your approval. Here’s how:
- Login to your Google Play Account page.
- Click on “Family” and then “Family Group”.
- Choose your child’s name from the list.
- Select your desired purchase limits – you can allow your child to purchase any content, only in-app content, or nothing without your permission.
Whenever your child tries to make an app purchase, you will receive a notification request. To approve it, simply enter your password and tap “Approve”.
How to Set Up Parental Controls on a Chromebook With a Parental Control Router?
The Family Link app is not the only option for setting up parental controls on your Chromebook. You can also use a parental control router to monitor and manage your child’s online activities.
Keep in mind that the parental control options and setup instructions may vary depending on the router model you have. In this article, we have reviewed some of the best routers currently available on the market. Generally, you will need to log in to your router’s dashboard through a web browser and navigate to the Settings tab. From there, you can customize your preferred restrictions.
How Can I Keep an Eye on My Child’s Chromebook?
Hey there! Have you ever wondered how you can monitor what your child is doing on their Chromebook? Well, with Google’s Family Link app, it’s super easy. Let me show you how in just three simple steps:
- First, open up the Family Link app. Easy peasy!
- Next, find your child’s profile. They’re in there somewhere!
- Lastly, just tap on “App Activity.” Voila! Now you can see what apps they’ve been using.
But wait, there’s more! You can also check out detailed weekly and monthly reports that show you how much time your child is spending on each app and even their location. Pretty cool, huh? However, I have to break it to you that you won’t be able to see their browsing history with the app. If you want to do that, you have to log in to their Chromebook account and open up Chrome. Follow these steps to see their browsing history:
- Click on the three-dot icon in the upper right corner to open up the menu.
- Select “History.” Almost there!
- Now, just follow the instructions on the screen to create an account. If everything goes smoothly, you’ll get a confirmation email. Easy as pie!
Can I Set Limits on My Child’s Chromebook?
Absolutely! The Family Link app not only lets you control what your child can access but also allows you to set limits on their screen time. Here’s how:
- Open up the Family Link app and choose your child’s account. You got this!
- Look for the “Daily Limit” card. It’s right there waiting for you.
- Tap on “Set Up” or “Edit Limits” to begin the process.
- Just follow the instructions on the screen to set the screen time limit. That’s it!
If you’d like, you can also set a bedtime for your child to make sure they can’t access any apps after a certain time. Here’s how:
- Open up the Family Link app. You’re almost done!
- Go to your child’s profile and find the “Bedtime” card. It’s waiting for you there.
- Set the bedtime and use your special parental access code to confirm your choice.
Keep Your Child Secure
Now that you know how to use parental controls on your Chromebook, you can keep your child safe and sound while they’re online. It’s important to remember that kids can be pretty tech-savvy, so don’t underestimate their skills. They might try to find ways around the restrictions you’ve set up. One way to make it harder for them is by using a parental control router alongside the Family Link app. It’s an extra layer of protection!
What do you think parents should be aware of before letting their kids go online? We’d love to hear your tips and experiences in the comments section below. Let’s help each other out!