Google has unveiled a few new tools to assist parents in monitoring their children’s internet activity. School Time is a new feature that Google is rolling out to Wear OS smartwatches and Android smartphones/tablets. Its goal is to “promote a productive learning environment” by limiting kids’ device usage.
Google released the Fitbit Ace LTE for kids earlier this year, and it offers some useful parental control options. These functionalities are now being added to Wear OS and Android devices. Google is going to start releasing the School Time functionality for Galaxy Watches running Wear OS and Android tablets and smartphones. The following Galaxy Watches, in addition to Galaxy phones and tablets, will get such features:
- Galaxy Watch 4
- Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
- Galaxy Watch 5
- Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
- Galaxy Watch 6
- Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
- Galaxy Watch 7
- Galaxy Watch Ultra
Android phones and Wear OS smartwatches with the School Time feature activated will display a dark home screen with restricted functionality during the designated period. Google wants to restrict how much time children spend on their devices while in class and studying. Parents may control which applications their children can use and who they can call and message using Google’s Family Link app. On the go, they can turn on or off School Time.
The notice “This device is locked until xx:xx AM/PM” will appear on phones that are in active School Time mode. Although Google did not provide an example for Samsung’s Galaxy Watches, their screen may potentially show a message akin to this one. Initially, this new function will be available on a few Android tablets, smartphones, and galaxy watches later this summer.
Google has been steadily enhancing its ecosystem (Android, Android TV, ChromeOS, and Wear OS) for children and teenagers over the last few years. Previously, Samsung had to create a Kids Mode for their phones and tablets because Android did not have any features for children. Google will make it possible for parents and teenagers to link their accounts later this summer, allowing parents to keep an eye on their children’s YouTube activities. Additionally, parents can enable Family Link monitoring for all age groups, enabling them to monitor their children’s location sharing and screen time.
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