How to Set Up Chrome Parental Controls

Introduction

Setting up Chrome parental controls is essential for ensuring a safe browsing environment for your children. Whether you want to block inappropriate websites, monitor browsing activity, or enforce SafeSearch, Google Chrome provides several tools to help you manage your child’s online experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to set up Chrome parental controls using Google Family Link and supervised profiles.

Quick Fixes to Try First

• Ensure Google Chrome is updated to the latest version on all devices.
• Restart your device to ensure any recent changes take effect.
• Check your internet connection to ensure proper sync with Google accounts.

Setting Up Google Family Link

Google Family Link is an app that allows you to create a Google account for your child and manage their browsing activity on Chrome. Follow these steps to set up Google Family Link:

For Android and iOS

1. Download Google Family Link from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Open the app and tap on Get Started.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a Google account for your child.
4. Once set up, use the Family Link app to manage Chrome settings:
• Open the Family Link app.
• Select your child’s account.
• Tap on Manage Settings > Google Chrome.
• Choose the desired settings (e.g., Allow all sites, Try to block explicit sites, or Only allow certain sites).

Creating Supervised Chrome Profiles

Supervised profiles allow you to monitor and control browsing activity on Chrome. While this feature is no longer available directly in Chrome, you can achieve similar functionality using third-party extensions or Family Link on managed devices.

Blocking Websites for Children

To block specific websites on Google Chrome, you can use various methods depending on your operating system.

Windows, macOS, and Linux

1. Open Google Chrome and navigate to the Chrome Web Store.
2. Search for and install a website blocker extension such as BlockSite or StayFocusd.
3. Once installed, configure the extension to block specific websites.

Using Family Link

1. Open the Family Link app.
2. Select your child’s account.
3. Tap on Manage Settings > Google Chrome > Manage sites.
4. Add websites to the Blocked list.

Enforcing SafeSearch on Google Chrome

SafeSearch helps filter explicit content from Google search results. To enforce SafeSearch:

On All Devices

1. Go to Google Search Settings.
2. Under SafeSearch filters, check the box for Turn on SafeSearch.
3. Scroll down and click Save to apply the changes.

Monitoring Browsing Activity

Monitoring your child’s browsing activity can help ensure their online safety. Here’s how to do it with Google Family Link:

Using Family Link

1. Open the Family Link app on your parent device.
2. Select your child’s account.
3. Tap on Manage Settings > Google Chrome.
4. Review the Activity section to see your child’s browsing history.

Conclusion

By setting up Chrome parental controls using Google Family Link and other tools, you can help protect your child from inappropriate content and ensure a safe browsing experience. Regularly review and adjust settings as needed to adapt to your child’s growing needs.

For more detailed information, you may refer to the official Google Chrome Help articles.