Google Family Link Update: New Screen Time & Safety Tools

Google Enhances Family Link and Explores Age Estimation with Machine Learning

On Wednesday, Google revealed a suite of updates for its Google Family Link parental control software. Simultaneously, the company announced plans to pilot new machine-learning methodologies designed to approximate user ages. This initiative aims to deliver more age-suitable experiences on children’s devices.

Age Estimation Across Google Products

Previously, Google indicated its intention to leverage machine learning for refining YouTube user age determination to improve content recommendations. Now, Google confirms to TechCrunch that testing will extend to the Google account level. Consequently, this functionality will be applicable across a broader spectrum of Google services, encompassing more than just YouTube.

The initial trials of this age estimation model are scheduled to commence within the United States later this year, with subsequent expansion to additional countries. It’s worth noting that other prominent social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, already employ age estimation and verification technologies.

Improvements to Google Family Link

Google’s Family Link software, a tool for parental controls, is also receiving several enhancements. The application enables parents or guardians to manage children’s content access and oversee privacy and security configurations across various Google services.

These services include Google Search, Photos, Assistant, YouTube, and Chrome. The updates focus on providing more granular control over device usage.

New Features for Focus and Safety

A new feature, School Time, will become available next week on Android phones and tablets. This allows parents to automatically limit or adjust a child’s device usage during designated school hours. It also provides the ability to restrict access to specific applications.

Furthermore, parents will soon be able to designate approved contacts for their child’s device. This will restrict communication to only those pre-approved individuals, a useful feature for younger children needing to connect with family.

The rollout of this contact management feature is anticipated to begin in March.

Google Wallet Access for Supervised Users

Later this spring, children with Android devices will gain the ability to make in-store purchases using Google Wallet. Parents of supervised Android users who are below the age of consent will be able to add a payment card to their child’s Google Wallet.

Parents will retain control, with the ability to approve new cards, remove existing cards, add gift cards and tickets, and monitor their child’s transaction history.

AI-Powered Tools for Teens

Teenagers will have access to expanded AI-driven features later in the year. These include Learn About, a generative AI tool offering interactive learning experiences, and NotebookLM, an AI research assistant.

These additions complement existing AI features already available to teens, such as AI Overviews in Google Search, the Gemini AI chatbot, and Circle to Search.

Increased Safeguards for Minors

Driven by the prospect of more stringent regulations both in the U.S. and internationally, Google, alongside other technology leaders, has been implementing enhanced safeguards and privacy features for younger users.

Google’s actions include defaulting under-18 users to its SafeSearch Filter, restricting the display of sensitive advertisements, and implementing age-gated content on YouTube.