Thanks to Carphone Warehouse and Nokia who are promoting the must-have Family Link app, I honestly feel comfortable and happy about him having a phone (and I wasn’t sure that I ever would).
The Family Link app encourages healthy digital habits thanks to its safeguarding features which allow you to feel reassured about your child using a phone.
It is connected to both of our mobile phones simultaneously and allows me to stop any apps being bought without my pre-approval, or content viewed without me validating on my own phone first. These useful notifications which pop up when Oliver tries to watch/buy allow me to approve or block apps from the Google Play Store and manage in-app purchases. I can even hide apps from his device thanks to the Family Link app, and all from my own phone.
I also set screen time limits during the week via the app, as well as placing the phone into bedtime mode when it’s time to switch off and rest. I can also lock Oliver’s phone to prevent him relying on it to much, and do so when it’s time to play outside, do homework or have dinner together.
Oliver is only allowed to play on his phone once a week during the school week (usually on a Wednesday for 1 hour after school) and for 2 hours (staggered) on a Saturday and Sunday. The Family Link app allows me to manage that schedule and change it if I need to, too: ie a long car journey or flight.
Again, this teaches Oliver about the importance of balance and digital breaks-something we parents could do with too.
So, I’m taking note and now I have this simple and effective app to help me manage Oliver’s online habits, I have more me-time to enjoy a cup of tea, and less time stressing over Oliver’s phone use.
The only problem now is that Alexander, 6, wants a phone too! Argh!
Have you used the Family Link app yet?
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This app sounds so great – just what I need. A hasn’t yet got a phone and I won’t be getting her one just yet but when I do, it’s so helpful to know that an app like this exists. Thanks for sharing x
Such a clever app! We cannot keep our children away from phones forever. As long as they are safe and don’t spend too much time online, playing games, why not? Isabelle got hers at the end of year 5, as she wasn’t really bothered about having one before. Now that she is at a secondary school, they actually need it even at school to do research, help with learning. Nice shots of you all xxx
This is so clever Vicki – of course I won’t mention to Coco (aged 10) that Oliver already has a phone!! Although some of her friends do, I’ve said she can have one when she can pay the bills! But joking aside, part of my reticence has been about good phone habits, and the fear factor, but perhaps the Family Link app will put my mind at rest!
I have been so worried for when its time to get my 7year old daughter a phone cos the truth is they will need it at some point in their lives and there is nothing we can do about it. But with this kind of app you just mentioned, i think we will all be just fine. Thanks for sharing
Wow this app sounds great, super helpful and something all parents should look into. It’s been tough monitoring what content the boys view. Jed has an iPod Touch, inherited from Ezra, he’s not allowed a phone until secondary but can still access a lot via the iPod.
I do worry about stuff like WhatsApp and social media with Ezra, but he’s a sensible boy on the whole, so we have lots of conversations and also he knows that at any time, I can ask for his phone to have a thorough inspection of it. But it would be great to have an app that lets me keep a closer eye on things, especially for the younger one. Thanks for sharing. Also, you look hot mama 😉 x
My sister was asking me at what age my kids got their phones, its so tricky isn’t it. All children are different BUT its good to know that there’s an app like this which can help you keep control of screen time and content and keep them safe when you do decide to take the plunge. Top tip – thanks
Juliet McGrattan recently posted…Quick Question – How can I stop needing to poo when I exercise?
I think children having their own phones will always be a debatable topic, however I think if it aids safety and the use is carefully monitored then it is a good thing. Plus, if a child is educated at a younger age about how to use mobile phones safely, then they will understand from the start the importance of not having too much screen time and the importance of talking to a trusted adult if they ever have any concerns.
Ooooh I’d never heard of anything that kid and parent friendly before. My girls are only 3 and 4 and already very keen on a phone. Good to know there’s safe options like that out there…I had no idea x
This was a really interesting read. Sylvia has asked for a cell phone for her 11th birthday and I’ve been needing to read an article like this for reassurance. I want her to have a phone so she can contact me easily when she is at running club or walking home from school etc but I wasn’t sure if it was the right age. Now I feel more confident about it. Also I’m tired of getting messages from all her friends to my own phone lol! I love that you have rules for when the phone can be used and think monitoring and guidelines such as those you have implemented are really important. Thanks for sharing this.. it has really helped me out.
What a super app, will check it out. Thank you! Fab photos too. Love the phone flatlay 🙂