Android

What is Android?

Android is the operating system that runs on most smartphones and tablets outside of Apple — including Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus and many others. It’s not a single app, but the device itself. Everything starts here: apps, browser, Google account, payments and communication.

Giving a child an Android phone means giving them access to the Google Play Store, Chrome, YouTube, Gmail and much more — all linked to a single Google account.

Why do kids want one?

• Communication — messaging, calls and social media require a smartphone.
• Apps and games — access to millions of apps via the Google Play Store.
• Affordable — Android phones come in all price ranges and are often cheaper than an iPhone.
• 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?

• Google Play Store gives access to a vast range of apps, including apps that are not suitable for children. Without restrictions, children can download anything.
• Chrome browser provides access to the entire internet. SafeSearch is not always enabled by default.
• Sideloading — Android allows installation of apps from outside the Play Store (APK files). This bypasses all content filters.
• The Google account is the key to everything — YouTube, Gmail, Google Drive, Maps and more. Without supervision, a child can access content that is not age-appropriate.
• Location sharing — apps can request access to location, and children may share their position without understanding the consequences.
• NFC payments — with Google Wallet, a child can make contactless payments using the phone.
• Nearby Share (now Quick Share) can receive files from strangers nearby if not restricted.

Settings to check

1. Google Family Link — set this up first: Create a child-friendly Google account through Family Link. This is the most important tool. It gives you control over apps, screen time and settings from your own phone.
2. App approval: In Family Link, require approval for all new apps your child wants to download from Google Play.
3. Google Play content restrictions: Family Link → Google Play settings → set age limits for apps, films, books and music.
4. Google Chrome — SafeSearch and site blocking: Family Link → Chrome settings → enable SafeSearch and block specific websites. Consider restricting to approved sites only for younger children.
5. Location tracking: Family Link shows your child’s location. Be transparent with your child about the fact that you can see this — trust matters.
6. Screen time and bedtime: Set daily time limits and a bedtime when the phone locks. Both are managed in Family Link.
7. Lock the device remotely: Family Link lets you lock the phone immediately from your own device.
8. YouTube supervised experience: Set up YouTube Supervised Experience in Family Link to restrict available content.
9. Google SafeSearch: Ensure SafeSearch is enabled in Google search settings.
10. Nearby Share / Quick Share: Set to “Contacts only” in the phone’s settings to prevent strangers from sending files.
11. Review app permissions: Regularly check which apps have access to the camera, microphone and location. Settings → Apps → Permissions.

How to talk about it

“Which apps do you use the most at the moment? Are there any you use that I don’t know about?”

“Do you ever get messages from people you don’t know? It’s fine to tell me — you’re not in trouble.”

“Did you know that many free apps collect data about you — like where you are and what you search for? Let’s look at what permissions your apps have.”

“When an app asks for access to your camera or microphone — do you know why? Let’s look at it together so we both understand what it’s doing.”

Last reviewed: March 2026