Google Family Link helped me lock down 99% of my child's phone with ease — here's how

A parent shares their experience using Google Family Link to manage their child's first smartphone. Seeking a balance between safety and digital independence, the author explored various child-friendly handsets before settling on a standard Android device managed through Google's parental control software. The article highlights how Family Link allows parents to track location via 'Family Places,' block specific applications, and set daily screen time limits. The author emphasizes the user-friendly nature of the interface, which enables granular control over app access and contact lists without requiring advanced technical knowledge. By leveraging these tools, the parent successfully restricted the device to basic functions, preventing exposure to addictive content while maintaining essential safety features like GPS tracking. The piece serves as a practical guide for parents looking to implement digital boundaries on Android devices while avoiding the limitations of niche, child-specific hardware.