How to Setup Screen Time Settings On an Android Device Without Causing A War

Our children of today have access to smart devices which opens their world to so many wonderful opportunities on the internet. However, this abundance of data and knowledge comes with its pitfalls. The internet is also flooded with inappropriate content which our children need to be protected from. Samsung and other non-Apple devices use the operating system called Android which can be configured to set screen time limits and parental control settings to protect your child from harmful content.

With Android, the approach is different to Apple’s IOS in that the screen time limits need to be set directly on the child’s device. Content restrictions and management thereof can be set via the “Family Link” settings using Google Accounts.

I advise that depending on the child’s age and maturity, it is always wise to have a conversation with them before setting restrictions. Explain to them the dangers on the internet and how harmful the content could be to their growth and health. Then agree the time limits for device use without compromising the content restrictions for pornography, hate speech, drugs, gambling etc. i.e. ensure these are blocked at all times. I will show you how.

What is Screen Time?

You can utilize Screen Time to track the amount of time you spend on your smartphone. If you are managing a child’s device, you can configure the Family Link settings from your own device to set content restrictions. You will need to download the family link apps for parents and children from the Play Store, however that is explained further on in this post.

H3: Reasons You Need to Know How to Setup Screen Time.

I will show you how to set up screen time on the child’s device and how to restrict content via the Family Link app. This will ensure you have configured the settings correctly and can rest easy that your child is safe. I have been managing my childrens devices for years and it is a very useful way to ensure that they are not straying into content they shouldn’t be viewing.

Restrictions are important in this digital age due to the vast amount of inappropriate content on the internet. Children don’t always intend to come across bad content, but sometimes they accidently are presented with images that would make your hair stand on end.

Below is a guide on how to set up your family devices and protect them from the dangers of the internet.

Step-by-Step Instructions to set up Screen Time on an Android Device

• Open the ‘Settings’ app on your Android device.
• Scroll down and tap on ‘Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.’ If prompted, set up a new profile or select an existing one.

• Tap on ‘Parental controls’ and then tap ‘Get started.’ Set up a PIN or pattern to protect the parental controls settings.
• Tap on ‘Set up’ next to ‘Screen time’ and select the device(s) you want to set restrictions on.
• Set a daily time limit for the device(s) by dragging the slider or entering a time limit manually.
• Tap on ‘Set up’ next to ‘Bedtime mode’ to set a schedule for when the device(s) should be turned off at night.
• Toggle on the switch next to ‘Bedtime mode’ and set a start and end time for the schedule.
• Customize the ‘Wind down’ settings to gradually reduce screen time before bedtime.
• To block access to specific apps or games, tap on ‘App controls’ and toggle on the switch next to ‘Approved apps.’
• Select the apps or games you want to block and tap ‘Done.’
• To block access to specific websites, tap on ‘Content & privacy restrictions’ and toggle on the switch next to ‘Web content.’
• Choose the age range for the user and select the types of websites to block or allow.
• Tap ‘Save’ to apply the Screen Time restrictions.

That’s it! You have successfully set up Screen Time restrictions on your Android device. If you ever need to adjust the settings or turn off the restrictions, simply go back to the ‘Digital Wellbeing & parental controls’ section of your device’s Settings app and make the necessary changes.

Step-by-Step Instructions on How to set up Restrictions on an Android Device using the Family Link App

• Download and install the Family Link app from the Google Play Store.
• Open the Family Link app and sign in with your Google account.
• Tap on the child’s account that you want to set Screen Time restrictions for.
• Tap on ‘Set up or manage Google Family Link for your child.’ Follow the on-screen instructions to link the child’s device to your Family Link account. See how to create a childs google account if needed.
• On the child’s device, open the Google Play Store app and download the Family Link for children & teens app.
• Open the Family Link for children & teens app and sign in with the child’s Google account. Follow the on-screen instructions to grant the necessary permissions and set up the app on the child’s device.
• On your own device, open the Family Link app and tap on the child’s account.
• Tap on ‘Manage settings’ and then tap on ‘Screen time.’
• Set a daily time limit for the device(s) by dragging the slider or entering a time limit manually.
• Tap on ‘Bedtime’ to set a schedule for when the device(s) should be turned off at night.
• Customize the ‘Wind down’ settings to gradually reduce screen time before bedtime.
• To block access to specific apps or games, tap on ‘App limits’ and select the apps or games you want to restrict.
• To block access to specific websites, tap on ‘Website filters’ and select the types of websites to block or allow.
• Tap ‘Save’ to apply the Screen Time restrictions.

That’s it! You have successfully set up Screen Time restrictions for your child’s device using the Family Link app. If you ever need to adjust the settings or turn off the restrictions, simply go back to the ‘Screen time’ section of the Family Link app and make the necessary changes.

Step-by-Step Instructions on how to set up a Child Google Account

Create a Google Account for your child

You can create a Google Account for your child under 13 (or the applicable age in your country), and manage it using Family Link. With Google Accounts, children get access to Google products like Search, Chrome, and Gmail, and you can set up basic digital ground rules to supervise them.

Create an account

It takes about 15 minutes to create your child’s Google Account.

On a New Android Device:

Follow these steps to create a Google Account for your child under 13 (or the applicable age in your country) when you’re setting up a new device running Android 5.1 or up.

1. Turn on the new device and follow the instructions on screen to set up the device.
2. When you’re asked to sign in with your Google Account, tap Create new account. If you don’t see “Create new account,” tap More options first.
3. Enter your child’s name, birthday, gender, email address, and password.
4. Follow the instructions to sign in with your own Google Account, provide parental consent, and pick your child’s settings.

On a New ChromeBook:

Follow these steps to create a Google Account for your child under 13 (or the applicable age in your country) when you’re setting up a new device running ChromeOS M71 or up.

1. Turn on the new device and follow the instructions on screen to set up the device.
2. When you’re asked to sign in with your Google Account, tap Create new account. If you don’t see “Create new account,” tap More options first.
3. Enter your child’s name, birthday, gender, email address, and password
4. Follow the instructions to sign in with your own Google Account, provide parental consent, and pick your child’s settings.

On an Android Device that is already set up:

Follow these steps to create a Google Account for your child under 13 (or the applicable age in your country) to sign them into an existing device running Android 5.1 or up.

Note: Instructions for adding and removing accounts on the device will vary. If the instructions below don’t work, search your device’s help center for more information.

1. Remove any existing accounts on the device.
2. Delete any apps, photos, or other data from the device you don’t want your child to have access to.
3. Follow the steps to add a new account to the device.
4. When you’re asked to sign in with your Google Account, tap Create new account. If you don’t see “Create new account,” tap More options first.
5. Enter your child’s name, birthday, gender, email address, and password.
6. Follow the instructions to sign in with your own Google Account, provide parental consent, and pick your child’s settings.

On Another Device or Computer:

1. Go to the create your Google Account page.
2. Follow the instructions on the screen to create your child’s account. You’ll enter info like your child’s name, the email address they want, and their birthday.
3. Sign in with your own Google Account and choose a way to provide parental consent for your child’s account.
4. When you’re done creating the account, you’ll see a confirmation on the screen.

With the Family Link App:

Important: If you live in the European Union and your child is between 13 and 15 years old, follow the steps to set up a new Android device instead.

1. Open the Family Link app Family Link.
2. If you don’t have the Family Link app, visit the Family Link setup page to get started.
3. At the top left, tap Menu Menu and then Add child .
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
5. When you’re done, you’ll get an on-screen confirmation.

https://support.google.com/families#topic=7327495 for any assistance on any of the above instructions.

Key Considerations For Successfully Setting Screen Time Limits for Your Child/Children

In today’s digital age, setting screen time limits for children is becoming increasingly important. While technology has numerous benefits for kids, excessive screen time can lead to a range of negative consequences, such as sleep disturbances, social isolation, and poor academic performance. When setting screen time limits for your children, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. First, it’s important to set clear boundaries and rules. Make sure your children know what the rules are and the consequences if they break them. It’s also essential to communicate why these limits are in place so that they understand the importance of balancing screen time with other activities.

Second, be flexible and adjust the limits as necessary. Children’s needs and interests change as they grow, so it’s important to revisit screen time limits periodically and make adjustments as needed. For instance, if your child is participating in an online extracurricular activity, you may need to increase their screen time allowance temporarily. Similarly, if they’re struggling with excessive screen time, you may need to decrease their time limits for a period.

Third, lead by example. As a parent or caregiver, your behavior sets the tone for your children. If you’re constantly on your phone or tablet, your children are more likely to adopt these habits as well. Try to limit your own screen time and engage in activities that don’t involve technology. By modeling healthy habits, you can help your children develop a balanced relationship with technology and avoid the negative consequences of excessive screen time. Ultimately, setting screen time limits for your children requires a thoughtful approach that takes into account their unique needs and interests, as well as the potential consequences of excessive screen time. By being flexible, clear, and leading by example, you can help your children build healthy habits and a positive relationship with technology

Wrapping Up and My Experience With Setting Screen Time Limits

In conclusion, setting screen time limits for children can be challenging, but it is an important task that can help promote healthy habits and behaviors. Throughout my experience in setting screen time limits for children, I have found that clear communication, flexibility, and modeling healthy habits are key factors in promoting a positive relationship with technology. It is important to remember that every child is different, and what works for one child may not work for another. Therefore, it is essential to adjust the screen time limits as needed and to take into account each child’s unique needs, interests and age. Overall, setting screen time limits can be a valuable tool in promoting healthy technology use, and by being thoughtful and intentional in the approach, parents and caregivers can help their children develop a balanced and healthy relationship with technology.