How to set up parental controls on Chromebook?

D. Baumrind Parental Controls

Setting up parental controls on a Chromebook primarily involves using Google Family Link. This system allows parents to manage and monitor their child’s device usage and online activity.

Here are the key steps and features:

  1. Update Chrome OS: Ensure the Chromebook is running Chrome OS version 71 or higher for optimal Family Link functionality.
  2. Add Child’s Google Account: Your child needs a Google account, which should then be added to the Chromebook. For full control, the parent’s account should be the “owner” of the Chromebook. If a child is already the owner, a factory reset (Powerwash) may be required to reassign ownership to a parent.
  3. Disable Guest Mode and Restrict Sign-in: To prevent children from bypassing controls, disable “Guest browsing” and limit sign-in access to specific approved user accounts from the owner’s account in the Chromebook settings.
  4. Enable Parental Controls with Family Link:
    • Download the Google Family Link app on a parent’s Android or iOS device. Many features are also accessible via families.google.com.
    • On the child’s Chromebook, navigate to `Notification area > Settings (cog) > People > Parental Controls Set up` and follow the prompts, confirming with the parent’s Google account.
    • For school-issued Chromebooks, school IT departments typically manage controls. Parents might need to contact the school to adjust certain settings or use third-party tools like GoGuardian Parent for controls outside school hours.
  5. Configure Restrictions (via Family Link app/web):
    • Screen Time Limits: Set daily device usage limits and a “bedtime” schedule to lock the device. You can also set individual time limits for specific apps.
    • Content Filtering: Manage website access in Chrome (e.g., block mature sites, allow only specific sites) and enable SafeSearch for Google Search to filter explicit content.
    • App Management: Approve or decline app downloads and in-app purchases from the Google Play Store. Note that Family Link accounts for Chrome OS may have limitations, such as no access to the Google Play Store or automatic YouTube restriction for children under 13.
    • Location Tracking: Monitor the child’s Android device location if the device supports it.
    • AI Feature Control: Disable AI features like Gemini in Family Link or directly in Chromebook settings.
    • Activity Monitoring: View reports on your child’s app usage and Chrome browsing history.

For enhanced content filtering, consider implementing a DNS-based solution like CleanBrowsing on the Chromebook or at the router level, which can block inappropriate content across the entire home network. Regular communication with your child about online safety and rules is also highly recommended.