5 tips for peace of mind with your family’s new device this holiday
The wrapping paper is torn asunder. The dog is eating a bow. The energy in the room is hovering between “joy to the world” and a sugar crash.
Then, the big moment. Your kid unwraps their first internet-connected device. It will open the door to a whole world of information — one you suddenly wish came with a map.
Family Link from Google, available this holiday season and every season in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, is here to help keep your family safer online. We believe kids can thrive when given the opportunity to explore the internet safely, which is why we offer controls to support you in setting the right boundaries for your family. Read on for more on how Family Link can help you understand how your child is spending time on their device, share their location, manage their privacy settings, and more.
1. Find peace on Earth (and quiet when it’s time for a break)
With Family Link, you can set daily overall time limits and schedule “Downtime” to help your child find a healthy balance. When the screen goes dark, it’s time for them to do something else. You can set up and adjust daily limits and Downtime on the Screen Time tab.
2. Make a list and check it twice (approve or deny certain apps)
You set the ground rules on Family Link, so you can approve or deny specific apps. You can even put time limits in place per app. Plus, this provides a perfect excuse to have a chat about the apps they’re into. For quality app recommendations, check out Google Play’s Best of 2025 award winners.
3. Don’t wonder when they wander (see your child’s location)
Whether you’re navigating a crowded winter market or just want to know they got to their friend’s house safely, location sharing ensures you know where they are. You can see your child’s device location on a map in real-time and get notifications when they arrive or leave.
4. Their joy, your comfort (choose the right YouTube experience for your family)
Built with families in mind, parents can set up parental controls for their kids and teens on YouTube using supervised accounts. Break and bedtime reminders are turned on by default for all accounts under 18, and parents also have the option to choose from different content settings for their kids.
5. And a Happy New Year (back to school)
When the holidays wrap up, Family Link helps ease the transition back to reality. With “School time” you can set a schedule to limit device functionality during school and homework hours, silencing notifications and suspending the apps you choose — helping your kid focus on their learning.
The Wrap Up
Technology is a part of our lives — and our children’s lives, too. It connects us with distant relatives, plays Jingle Bell Rock, helps us settle our thorniest board game disputes, and yes, it keeps the family occupied during the long ride back home from the grandparents.
By spending 15 minutes setting up Family Link now, you aren't just giving a gadget. You're giving the gift that keeps on giving — digital rules, skills and tools for the whole family.
