Chromebook

Managed through Family Link, the same as Android. School-issued Chromebooks are managed by the school instead.

Menu names shift between software versions and between phone makers. If a name here does not match what you see, look for something close by rather than assuming the setting is gone.

1. 1

   Add your child’s account as supervised

   Supervision is what connects the Chromebook to Family Link.

   Family Link app, or familylink.google.com

   1. Set up your child’s Google Account with supervision in Family Link.
   2. On the Chromebook, sign in with that supervised account.
   3. Make sure they aren’t signing in as a guest, which bypasses supervision.

   Who holds this: You set this from your own account, and your child cannot change it back.

   Already done this?

   If they already have an ordinary unsupervised Google account, you do not need to create a new one. Supervision can be added to the account they already have. Two conditions: the child has to agree, and they have to be physically present with their device. Once it is on, Google's rule is that children need parent approval to stop supervision until they turn 18, so a 13-year-old can no longer switch it off alone.

2. 2

   Filter the web and lock SafeSearch

   On a Chromebook, the browser is the device. This is the main control.

   Family Link → [your child] → Controls → Content restrictions → Google Chrome

   1. Choose Try to block explicit sites, or Only allow approved sites for younger children.
   2. Turn SafeSearch on and lock it.
   3. Add specific allow or block entries as needed.

   Recommended by age

   Under 7	Only allow approved sites
   7–11	Only allow approved sites
   11–12	Try to block explicit sites
   13–15	Try to block explicit sites
   16–17	Try to block explicit sites

   Who holds this: You set this from your own account, and your child cannot change it back.

3. 3

   Control apps and extensions

   Extensions are the Chromebook equivalent of installing software.

   Family Link → [your child] → Controls → Apps

   1. Require approval for Play Store downloads.
   2. Review installed extensions and remove anything unfamiliar.
   3. Decide whether they can install extensions at all.

   Who holds this: You set this from your own account, and your child cannot change it back.

4. 4

   Set daily limits and bedtime

   Especially worth it if the Chromebook is also the homework machine.

   Family Link → [your child] → Controls → Daily limit / Bedtime

   1. Set daily limits that vary by day if homework needs differ.
   2. Set a bedtime that locks the device.

   Who holds this: You set this from your own account, and your child cannot change it back.

Menus move. If something on screen does not match these steps, check the official link above.