The internet can be a scary place, especially for kids. But it can also be a great tool to help children explore the world and acquire valuable skills.
When it comes to nurturing curiosity, protecting children is paramount. There are laws that prevent kids from opening Gmail accounts, but Google Family Link is a great tool to keep your kids safe online. Creating an account for kids of all ages is a relatively straightforward process.
If your child doesn’t already have a Google account, here’s how to create one using Family Link.
- Download the Google Family Link app for parents.
- Delete all existing accounts on your child’s device.
- Open the Family Link app on your device.
- Select “No” if your child already has a Google account.
- Enter your child’s name and additional information on the next two screens.
- After entering your child’s details, create a Google username and password for your child.
- You will then be prompted to take your child’s device and place it next to your own.
- Next, sign in to your child’s Google account using his or her device.
- You will be required to verify through a prompt (or by another kind of Google’s verification method) that you are trying to sign in from a different device.
- Go back to your child’s device to review and approve any existing apps you’re okay with and that you want him or her to have access to.
- After some time the process will be saved and complete.
- Finally, you will be able to see your child’s device settings and the actions he or she is taking, on your device.
What if your child already has a Google account? What steps should you take?
Attempt steps 1 to 3 above and select “Yes” when asked if your child already has a Google Account. Tap “Next”.
- Download the Family Link app for kids from the Play Store and open it on your child’s device.
- Enter the code on your phone into the Kids for Kids app on your child’s phone.
- You will be prompted to enter the sign-in details for the parent account.
- You will be required to verify through a prompt (or by another kind of Google’s verification method) that you are trying to sign in to a different device.
- Go back to your child’s device to review and approve any existing apps you’re okay with and that you want him or her to have access to.
- After some time the process will be saved and complete.
- Finally, you will be able to see your child’s device settings and the actions he or she is taking, on your device.
Your child can use Family Link on Chromebooks and Android devices with version 7.0 or later. Parents can use Chromebooks, iPhones with Android 4.4 or higher, and iOS 9 or higher, so you have a few more options when monitoring device compatibility.
There are many steps, but the process is relatively simple. Google is good at providing information that you can see and observe while at your end on Google’s Family Link. Your child can also see that they are being watched through the app.
Keeping your kids safe online can be challenging. Family Link is a great first step, but communication with your child is also very important if you want him to know the limits and expectations of Internet use.
