Google Introduces School Time to Manage Kids’ Device Use During School Hours

Highlights

• School Time feature helps parents manage children’s device use during school hours
• Available on Android phones, tablets, and select smartwatches
• Customizable home screen with limited functionality to reduce distractions
• Parents can control app access and allow emergency contacts via Family Link

Google is rolling out a new feature called School Time to help parents manage their children’s device use during school hours.

This move comes as families increasingly grapple with balancing technology use and academic focus.

The feature, which will be available on Android phones, tablets, and some smartwatches, aims to give parents more control over their children’s digital habits.

How School Time Works

School Time allows parents to set up a simplified home screen on their child’s device during school hours.

This screen offers limited functionality, reducing distractions in the classroom.

Parents can use Google’s Family Link app to schedule School Time and choose which apps remain accessible.

They can also allow calls or texts from specific contacts, ensuring they can reach their child in emergencies.

The feature isn’t just for school hours.

Parents can activate School Time whenever they want their child to focus or take a break from screens.

For older teens not supervised through Family Link, Android devices offer a Focus mode to limit notifications during set periods.

More Options for Parents and Teens

Google is expanding its parental control offerings beyond School Time.

New supervision features are coming to YouTube, allowing parents to monitor their teens’ activity on the platform.

The company is also maintaining default safety settings for users under 18, including SafeSearch and content restrictions.

These updates reflect Google’s ongoing efforts to provide flexible, age-appropriate tools for families.

The company says it’s working with experts in child development, education, and technology to shape its approach to family-friendly features.

As technology continues to play a significant role in education and daily life, Google’s new features aim to help families find the right balance.

While School Time and other controls offer more options, it’s ultimately up to each family to decide how to use these tools in a way that works best for them.

FAQs

What is the School Time feature?

School Time is a new feature from Google that allows parents to manage their children’s device use during school hours by setting a simplified home screen with limited functionality.

How can parents set up School Time on their child’s device?

Parents can use the Google Family Link app to schedule School Time, choose accessible apps, and allow calls or texts from specific contacts.

Is School Time only available during school hours?

No, parents can activate School Time anytime they want their child to focus or take a break from screens, not just during school hours.

Are there additional parental control features coming to YouTube?

Yes, Google is introducing new supervision features on YouTube to help parents monitor their teens’ activity on the platform.

What safety settings does Google maintain for users under 18?

Google maintains default safety settings such as SafeSearch and content restrictions for users under 18 to ensure a safer online experience.

Also Read: Setup Parental Controls on YouTube, Netflix: Here’s how to do it