If you’re planning to hand an old Android phone to your child for learning and entertainment, don’t just pass it on as is. An unprotected device can expose them to inappropriate content or accidental purchases. Follow this guide to transform the phone into a secure, kid-friendly device.
Content
- 1. Create a Google Account For the Child
- 2. Factory Reset the Phone
- 3. Update the Operating System
- 4. Use the Google Family Link App to Manage App Access
- 5. Restrict App Downloads and In-App Purchases
- 6. Add Kid-Appropriate Content
- 7. Monitor Phone Usage and Track Location
- 8. Set Up a Kid-Friendly Launcher
1. Create a Google Account For the Child
A dedicated Google account for the child is necessary to manage their phone activity. Google’s child accounts are COPPA compliant, and Google automatically filters content according to the child’s age.
Go to Google account creation page, click on Create account, and then select For my child.
Enter the child’s information like name, date of birth, username, etc.
To confirm the account creation, you’ll have to provide your own Google account details. Google will use your account to create the child’s account and allow you to fully manage it using your account.
2. Factory Reset the Phone
The easiest way to make your phone looks like a new one is to factory reset it. This will remove all your personal data and apps that you have installed. This will streamline the setup process and also improve phone performance. However, do remember back up your data first before you reset the device.
To reset the phone, you need to find the Factory Reset option in Android Settings. On most Android phones, it’s inside the Backup & Reset option or System -> Reset. You can also use the search bar in the settings and type “factory reset” to open it on any phone.
Tap on the Erase all data option and provide the screen lock password to start the reset process. It will take a few minutes for the factory reset process to complete.
When setting up the phone again, use the child’s Google account we created in the first step.
3. Update the Operating System
Factory resetting the phone will bring it back to its original state and undo all the updates you have done over the years. That is why after the initial set up, you need to update the operating system to make sure it is running the latest version.
After setting up the phone, go to phone Settings. Look for the Check for Updates option, which should be inside the Software Update or About Phone options.
Once found, tap on it and your phone will look for updates automatically. If there are any updates available, tap on download and let it install. Your phone will likely restart to update.
4. Use the Google Family Link App to Manage App Access
Having complete control over the child’s apps is crucial to ensure they only access what you find right and for an appropriate time. Google Family Link is a comprehensive app to take full control over the child’s app access. It’s completely free and you can control everything from your own phone.
The app will allow you to block or allow specific apps, set app usage limits, and remove app access on demand. You can also set it up to always require your permission to install a new app.
You have to install the Google Family Link app on your phone and the Family Link parental controls app on the child’s phone. Then follow the instructions here to set up the Google Family Link app.
5. Restrict App Downloads and In-App Purchases
Although the Google Family Link app does provide some control over app downloads, you need to take some extra steps for better control. You can use Google Play Store parental control features to control app downloads based on your child’s age. Furthermore, it also offers controls to manage in-app purchases, so kids don’t accidentally purchase something using your card.
6. Add Kid-Appropriate Content
Having some pre-screened kid-friendly apps is a good way to keep the child busy with what is beneficial for them. You’ll also decrease the chances of stumbling upon inappropriate content when looking for apps to download. Below are some kid-friendly apps you can try installing:
- YouTube Kids: allows children to view YouTube videos based on their age in a kid-friendly interface. You can restrict screen time as well.
- Khan Academy Kids: offers free educational videos and games tailored for young learners aged 2-8.
- SPIN Safe Browser: a kids-friendly browser that automatically blocks lots of harmful content, including domains and content inside web pages.
- Bloxels: a great introduction to game design principles. The app lets kids use simple tools to build their own game world and create a story.
- Solar System Scope: it’s a solar system simulation with an interactive model of the solar system and night sky. Offers facts, 3D visuals, and exploration of planets.
- Sketchbook: a simple yet powerful drawing app for digital art and sketching. The tools feel just like physical ones when drawing.
7. Monitor Phone Usage and Track Location
In the Google Family Link app, you should be able to view how your kids are using the device. Go to the Highlights section to get a detailed view of app usage for the day.
Additionally, you can go to the Location section to track the child’s current location. Tap on Family places to label places and get notified when your child arrives or leaves those places.
8. Set Up a Kid-Friendly Launcher
If your child is very young – like a preschooler – you might prefer a child-safe launcher rather than Google Family Link. Using a kids-safe launcher will let you greatly limit what the child can do on the phone, including the ability to change phone settings or access calls/messages.
The Kids Place Parental Control app can fully limit the phone as needed. After providing the essential permissions and setting up PIN, select the apps that you want your child to access. You can set screen time and app usage limits if you want.
Kids Place will replace the home screen with the selected apps and child-friendly visuals. The child can’t access anything else from this screen without the parent’s PIN. Leaving the app or opening the notification bar will immediately undo the action. From the setting, you can also enable airplane mode to limit the device further.
These steps will ensure you have complete control over the phone while still giving the child the freedom to use the phone for all their needs. Remember, no solution is perfect, kids can get around parental controls as well. Keep checking their phone routinely for any changes.
Image credit: Freepik. All screenshots by Karrar Haider.
Karrar Haider –
Staff Writer
Karrar is drenched in technology and always fiddles with new tech opportunities. He has a bad habit of calling technology “Killer”, and doesn’t feel bad about spending too much time in front of the PC. If he is not writing about technology, you will find him spending quality time with his little family.
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