Google is expanding parental controls to all devices running Android 17

Google joins a slew of technology companies working to improve its software to prove that children can use its products safely. The tech giant announced on Tuesday that it is expanding parental controls to all running devices Android 17The latest update to the company’s software.

Google Pixel owners can access parental controls through the Settings app. To set boundaries, open Settings > Parental Controls On the device you want to manage. From there, you can customize your child’s smartphone experience by setting screen time limits for individual apps, as well as a general phone usage limit.

in Android 17There is a new tool to block certain applications. You can also control which apps your child can download from the Google Play Store. For example, you can set filters to show apps rated as suitable for everyone or only teens, and filter out apps rated for adult use only. But it’s worth noting that three of the biggest platforms that have been at the center of the debate over child safety — Roblox, Instagram, and YouTube — are all rated as teen-friendly in the Google Play Store.

The new software tools come at a time of tremendous scrutiny of the impact of technology on children. All over the world, countries are moving to ban social media for teenagers, with… Latest UK announcement Follow similar laws in Australia and Spain. In the United States, several High-profile court cases It brought big technology into the spotlight. Instagram and YouTube were recently found liable in court for having… Intentionally addictive designswhich is harmful to the mental health of its younger users.

Experts and advocacy groups have been discussing the issue for years The best way to keep kids safe online. Tech companies have argued that blanket bans don’t keep children safe from online dangers, arguing that age verification and device-level controls, like those built into Android 17, are a better path. Apple also recently announced this Added new parental controls To the upcoming iOS 27 operating system.

For more, check out Digital wellness tools are available on Android and iOS and The best Android phones of 2026.