• Daily screen time limits - Family Link lets parents set a limit on how long the child's device can be used each day. Bonus time can be added by the parent with ease.
• Individual app limits - Specific apps can be set to have unlimited access despite the screen time limits, such as apps for reading or streaming music.
• Content restrictions - Parents can set limits on the type of content that can be viewed or downloaded, including apps, based on maturity ratings or other criteria.
• App downloads - Apps can require a parent to grant permission before it is installed, or just be notified when a new app is downloaded.
• Location tracking - Location tracking allows the parent to see where their child's device is, from the Family Link app and from Google Maps. A sound can also be triggered by the parent to help locate the child's device when it is missing.
• Contact control - The phone numbers your child can send or receive calls and texts from can be restricted to approved numbers only.
• Safesearch - Google search and Youtube search results can be set to limit potential exposure to explicit material.

• Cannot read content - Family Link does not let the parent read text messages, view or record the screen, or log calls and keystrokes.
• Limited to mobile - Family Link will only limit screen time on a mobile device, not a computer.
• Content filtering not foolproof - The filtering is not foolproof, so while your child is less likely to access content they shouldn't, it's not a guarantee they won't.
• Side-loaded apps - Family Link will prevent installing apps from the Play Store, but tech-savy kids may be able install unapproved APK files unless parents explicitly lock that ability down.
• Single account per device - Family Link restricts the child's device to only one Google account to prevent kids from switching accounts to bypass limits.
• Teen rights at 13 - If the child is 13 or older, consent must be given by entering the account password on the child's phone. They gain the ability to turn account supervision off, but if they do the parent is notified and the device locked until the parent takes action.
• Not ideal for iPhones - Google Family Link will work when the parent is using an iPhone and the child is using an Android, but if reversed only Google apps can be controlled by the parent, not other phone functions. Setup is also more complicated when mixing the two OS's.

Google Family Link is a powerful service with a lot of options to manage your child's screen time and protect them while on their phone. Once you get it setup and are used to how it works, it is an effectie tool. Just be prepared for a few headaches along the way, and accept or delight in how much your child will dislike it.