In our out tech your kids group on facebook, we’ve had a number of questions about parental controls for gmail, with so many kids needing and using email accounts. We did some research to see what parents can and can’t do when it comes to monitoring their child’s gmail account, and here’s what we found.
Related: The 2019 Ultimate Guide to Digital Parenting, From the Editors of Cool Mom Tech
for children ages 13 and up
To have their own separate gmail account, a person must be 13 years old, per google policy. (if your children are younger, skip to the section below). once you’ve set up your email address, you can attach something called “monitoring” to it.
There are a few requirements to get started: You’ll need your own Google account. you need to be 18 years or older. and you have to live in the same country as the child you are supervising. annnnddd… your child will need to agree to parental supervision of your account.
you can follow the steps to add supervision to your child’s account on the google family help page.
once you set it up, you’ll be able to manage your account settings, any apps they add to the supervised device, screen time controls, and filters for google chrome and google play.
You won’t be able to view your screen remotely or access your previous searches before you set up supervision, and you won’t be able to listen to your calls or delete your accounts. and most importantly, you will not be able to read your emails or messages.
And a very important note: your child can end supervision at any time. technically, they are in control here. therefore, it’s important to have an early conversation about being a responsible digital citizen and let them know what you expect from their relationship with technology.
Related: What Kids Need to Know Before They Get Their First Email Address
for children under 13 years old
If your child is under 13, you can set up an email for them and manage them with your Family Link app. it’s quite simple: you just need to press the + symbol at the top right to create a new profile, then follow the instructions. it can take around 15 minutes, so be sure to reserve that time.
once you’ve set it up, you’ll be able to see their activity and manage their apps for them, including the ability to block apps and deny in-app purchases.
I love the fact that Google will share with you the apps recommended by teachers, so you can start teaching them the positive side of technology by directing them towards apps that will challenge and inspire them to learn and create.
what happens when your child turns 13?
If you’ve set up an account for yourself with Family Link, your child will have the option to manage their own email and add (or not add) parental supervision to the account when they turn 13. both the child and the family manager (of the family link account) will receive an email alert before this happens.
If a child decides to stop being supervised, they will no longer be able to block apps, view their location, or schedule a bedtime. parental controls that you had previously set now expire.
note: if you set this up on a chromebook, not through the app, your child will need to sign out and back in to remove their parental supervision features.
for more supervision, you might consider other supervision services or parental controls outside of gmail. And keep checking back with us at tech your kids for other tips and tricks, because technology is constantly changing and we’re here to keep you updated.
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