Short on time?
But there are some downsides to Google Family Link.
For these reasons, I recommend getting a good parental control app instead.
TRY QUSTODIO
Are Googles Built-In Parental Controls Good Enough in 2025?
Googles built-in parental controls, Google Family Link, is a decent free solution.
It can enforce SafeSearch on Google and restrict the content your child can see on YouTube.
Plus, your child can easily delete their browsing and YouTube histories.
Overall, I dont recommend Google Family Link as a standalone parental control app.
Step 1.
Get Google Family Link on Your gear(s)
Step 2.
Step 3.
To manage your childs Google search results, go toContent restrictions, then pressGoogle Search.
If you enable SafeSearch for your childs account, Google will hide explicit results on Google search.
If you want to protect your kids privacy, I suggest getting a privacy tool, like a VPN.
Step 4. or blocking cookies, and you’ve got the option to clear your childs Chrome browsing history.
These options are available under Advanced options.
Note that these restrictions only apply to Google search and the Chrome net internet ride.
You should also block other web app apps.
Step 5.
Manage Your Childs YouTube Activity
Family Link also lets you manage the videos your child sees on YouTube.
To set rules for YouTube, go toContent restrictionsfrom the Family Link dashboard, and then selectYouTube.
The parent-supervised YouTube is for more mature kids.
Step 6.
Tried Setting Up Google Chromes Parental Controls, But Theyre Not Working?
Try These Troubleshooting Steps
Can Kids Get Past Googles Parental Controls?
Googles parental controls arent easy to bypass.
Google Family Link prevents your kid from using incognito mode and from creating or using other Google accounts.
Plus, Google Family Link isnt effective for older kids.
Children aged 13+ (or the applicable age in your country) can disable your supervision of their account.
It also works regardless of your childs age.
Do You Need Separate Parental Controls for the Google Play Store?
Googles built-in parental controls for the Google Play Store are actually good.
you could also set purchase approval restrictions, so your child cant make in-app purchases without your permission.
Most other parental control apps dont give you much control over Google Play.
This is one of the major reasons to consider using Google Family Link alongside another parental control app.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set parental controls on Google Chrome?
You canuse Googles built-in parental controlsor download a parental control app.
For this reason, I instead recommend checking outone of our top parental control apps for Google Chrome.
How do I set parental controls on Google Chrome on my iPhone or iPad?
It allows you to filter websites by predefined categories, whitelist and blacklist sites, and block unsupported browsers.
Your kids also wont be able to use incognito mode or a VPN to get around your restrictions either.
How do I block inappropriate sites on Google Chrome?
you’re able to enforce SafeSearch on Google Chrome using Google Family Link.
Other parental control apps, like Qustodio allow you to filter websites and search results by predefined categories.
Qustodio has 25+ predefined categories, includingGames,Profanity,Gambling,Pornography, and more.
Does Google have a parental control app?
Yes, Google Family Link is Googles proprietary parental control app, and its 100% free.
I particularly like its ability to filter Google Play apps and manage Google Play purchases.
But most of Google Family Links features arent as good as those ofpaid parental control apps.
