Android
What is Android?
Android is the operating system used by phones and tablets from Google, Samsung, OnePlus and many other manufacturers. It is not a single app: the device can connect apps, browsing, a Google Account, payments and communication.
A supervised Google Account can give a child access to services such as Search, Chrome and Gmail while allowing a parent to manage parts of the experience through Family Link. [2]
Age limit: The age at which a child can manage their own account varies by country. [2]
Whether a teen can end supervision without a parent depends on their age and country, and Google may still require parent approval below 18. Family Link shows what applies to the account at the time the request is made. [7]
Why do kids like it?
- Communication — messaging, calls and social apps keep children in touch.
- Apps and games — Google Play provides a large choice of apps and entertainment.
- Choice — Android phones come in many sizes and price ranges.
- Customisation — Android lets you change the home screen, widgets and themes. Children like making the phone “their own”.
- Friends have one — many children want whatever their friends are already using.
What are the real risks?
- Apps, browser and content — Google Play, Chrome and YouTube can provide access to apps, websites and media that may not suit every child. Chrome’s supervised filters try to block explicit sites, but Google does not present them as a guarantee. [4]
- Apps outside the usual store flow — Android can, in some cases, allow installation outside the usual approval flow, which can weaken filters and security controls if settings are not locked down.
- App permissions — apps with camera, microphone or location access can collect or share more information than the child expects.
- Payments — app and in-app purchases can create unexpected costs if purchase approval is not configured.
- Nearby file sharing — Quick Share can make the device visible to nearby people when its receive screen or temporary “Everyone” option is active. [6]
Settings to check
- Create a supervised account: Create or add supervision to your child’s Google Account in Family Link. For children under 13, or the applicable age in their country, a parent provides consent. When the account reaches that age, open Family Link to see whether the teen can end supervision alone or still needs your approval. [2] [7]
- Review app and purchase approvals: Open Family Link → select your child → Controls → Google Play, then choose which downloads and purchases need approval. Availability and labels can vary by device and country. [1]
- Set content limits: Open Family Link → select your child → Controls → Google Play, then review the content restrictions for apps, games and media. Ratings are a filter, not a promise that every item will suit your family. [1]
- Check Search and Chrome: Review SafeSearch in Family Link; it is on and locked by default for a supervised child account, although parents can manage it. Open Family Link → select your child → Controls → Google Chrome and Web, choose a site filter and review allowed or blocked sites. Search setting labels vary between Family Link versions. [3] [4]
- Set device time: Open Family Link → select your child → Controls → Daily limit or Downtime, then set a schedule. Limits apply separately to each Android device or Chromebook. [1]
- Check location and remote locking: Open Family Link → Location or Controls → Devices. These features need a supported supervised device that is powered on, connected and recently active. [1]
- Choose a YouTube experience: Open Family Link → select your child → Controls → YouTube. Choose YouTube Kids or, where eligible, a supervised YouTube account with one of the available content levels. [5]
- Limit Quick Share visibility: Open Settings → search for Quick Share → Who can share with you → choose Your devices or Contacts. “Everyone for 10 minutes” is temporary and returns to the previous choice. [6]
- Review app permissions: Open Settings → Security & privacy → Privacy → Permission manager, then check camera, microphone and location access. Labels vary by Android version and manufacturer.
How to talk about it
“Which apps do you use most right now, and what do you like about them?”
“What do you do if you get messages or files from someone you don’t know?”
“What kind of device schedule would work well on school days and weekends?”
Last reviewed: September 2026