Google has announced that it has launched a new feature called School Time, aimed at helping parents control their children’s screen usage during school hours. The tool is said to have been designed for Android devices, including phones and tablets, and is intended to minimize distractions while ensuring children remain accessible in case of emergencies.
Google says that the development of School Time was driven by feedback from parents seeking better ways to manage their children’s screen time. The feature allows parents to create a dedicated home screen with limited functionality, accessible only during school hours. Google techs explained that through the Family Link app, parents can choose which apps are available during this period and can also permit calls or texts from specific contacts only.
Read: Made by Google 2024: Big reveal just hours away
A break from screens
In addition to its primary function during school hours, Google also said that School Time can be activated at other times when children need to focus or take a break from screens. “For teens not under direct parental supervision, Android’s Focus mode provides similar control by blocking notifications and limiting distractions at scheduled times,” Google said in its press statement.
The feature extends beyond phones and tablets, with Google planning to roll out School Time to other devices, including Samsung Galaxy Watches and Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatches, within the next year. New settings have also been introduced to allow parents to monitor and supervise their teens’ YouTube activity, reflecting a more tailored approach as children grow older.
Google has also implemented default safety measures for users under 18, such as enabling SafeSearch, restricting content, and turning off autoplay on YouTube. These safeguards aim to reduce exposure to potentially harmful content, particularly those related to sensitive topics like body image.
Read: Musk, Trump and chaos: X marks the spot for 2024’s wildest interview yet
