Setting up parental controls on a child's Android phone helps you manage and monitor their online activities. Here's how you can do it using Google Family Link, a free tool provided by Google, or directly through the phone's settings:

1. Using Google Family Link

Google Family Link allows parents to manage their child’s Android device, set screen time limits, approve or block apps, and more. Here's how to set it up:

● Step 1: Download the Family Link App
• On your phone, go to the Google Play Store and download the Google Family Link app.
• Follow the instructions to create a family group if you haven't already.

● Step 2: Set up Family Link on Your Child’s Device
• On your child’s phone, go to Settings > Google > Parental controls.
• You will be prompted to set up parental controls using Family Link.
• Sign in with your Google account and connect it to your child’s account.

● Step 3: Configure Parental Controls
Once connected, you can control your child’s device from your phone through the Family Link app. Here are some features you can control:
• Screen time: Set daily limits on their device usage or specific app usage.
• App management: Approve or block apps your child wants to download from the Play Store.
• Content filtering: Set filters for apps, websites, and media.
• Location tracking: Check the location of your child’s device.

2. Setting Parental Controls Without Family Link

You can also enable certain parental controls directly on your child’s Android device.

● Step 1: Play Store Parental Controls
• Open the Google Play Store on the child’s device.
• Tap the profile icon in the top-right corner and go to Settings > Family > Parental controls.
• Turn on Parental controls and set up a PIN.
• You can restrict content based on maturity levels for apps, games, movies, and books.

● Step 2: Restricting In-App Purchases
• Go to the Google Play Store.
• Tap the profile icon > Settings > Authentication > Require authentication for purchases.
• Set it to For all purchases through Google Play on this device.

● Step 3: Safe Browsing
You can enable safe browsing to block harmful websites:
• Use the Google Chrome browser and go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Safe Browsing.

● Step 4: Screen Time & Focus Mode
• Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls > Focus Mode.
• You can limit certain app usage and set screen time directly.