How To Set Up Samsung S8 Parental Controls

The Galaxy S8 is part of Samsung’s incredibly popular Galaxy series of smartphone devices and has co-existed with the Galaxy Note line in Samsung’s flagship series of smartphones. Like all smartphones that run on the Android operating system, the Galaxy S8 does not have any specific parental control settings, but it does have restriction settings that can reduce your child’s exposure to adult content (either through applications on the internet).

Since the Galaxy S8 does not have built-in parental control settings, some parents download third-party applications, which can provide a safer environment for their children. Luckily, the restriction settings will help some, and they are extremely easy to set up.

How To Set Up Google Family Link

Google Family Link is an app that allows parents to view their child’s smartphone activity, manage the apps they can use and download, set screen time limits, lock their device, and even track their location.

Family Link does not block inappropriate content, but some apps have their own filtering options. Google apps, such as Search and Chrome, have filtering options that you can find in Family Link. For parents of teens 13 and older, Restricted Mode on YouTube is an optional setting that can be used to help filter out mature content. However, Google notes that these filters are not perfect, so explicit, graphic, or other content you may not want your child to see makes it through sometimes.

Kids and teens that use Android devices running version 7.0 or higher can use Family Link. Some devices running Android versions 5.0 and 6.0 may be able to run Family Link. Parents can use Family Link on any Android devices running versions 4.4 and higher as well as iPhones running iOS9 and higher.

Family Link also runs on Chromebook. With the Family Link app, you can choose what websites your child can access using Chrome, supervise your child’s app usage, and more. Family Link can be used with Chromebooks running Chrome OS versions 71 or higher.

Click here to learn how to set up Google Family Link.

Set Up a Passcode on the Device

It’s crucial that you set up a passcode on your child’s device. Not only will it prevent the device from being accessed by anyone other than you and your child, but it will also prevent your child’s information from being accessed in the event that the device is stolen.

1. From the Home screen, touch and swipe up to display all apps.
2. Go to Apps.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Tap Lock Screen and security.
5. Tap Screen Lock Type.
6. Tap either A) Pin, B) Pattern, or C) Password.

What’s the Difference Between Pin, Password, and Pattern?

• Pin lock requires you to input a 4-16 digits.
• Password lock requires you to input a combination of numbers and letters.
• Pattern lock requires you to draw a pattern by connecting dots on the screen.

After you have entered either a password, pin, or pattern, tap CONTINUE, re-enter the password, and tap DONE.

You can also set up Face Recognition, Intelligent Scan, Fingerprint Scanner, and Iris Scanner. To do this:

1. Go to Apps.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Tap Biometrics.
4. Tap either A) Fingerprint, B) Face Recognition, C) Intelligent Scan, or D) Iris Scanner

What’s the Difference Between Fingerprint, Face Recognition, Intelligent Scan, and Iris Scanner?

• Fingerprint scan uses your fingerprint to unlock the device.
• Face Recognition uses your face to unlock the device.
• Iris Scanner uses your eyes to unlock the device by pointing them at the iris scanner.
• Intelligent Scan uses both your face and your eyes to unlock the device.

Restrict Data Usage

Turn off mobile data and WiFi

By disabling both Wi-Fi and mobile data, you can prevent your child from accessing the internet or downloading apps.

1. From the Home screen, touch and swipe up to display all apps.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Tap Connections.
4. Tap Wi-Fi.
5. Toggle Wi-Fi Off.
6. Tap OK.
7. Go back to Settings.
8. Tap Connections.
9. Tap Data Usage.
10. Toggle the Mobile data switch to OFF.
11. If prompted, tap TURN OFF to confirm.

Only use Wi-Fi

If you turn mobile data off but leave Wi-Fi on, you will restrict your child from using the internet unless they are around an open Wi-Fi signal.

1. From the Home screen, touch and swipe up to display all apps.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Tap Connections.
4. Tap Data Usage.
5. Toggle the Mobile data switch to OFF.
6. If prompted, tap TURN OFF to confirm.

Set up a mobile data limit

• From the Home screen, touch and swipe up to display all apps.
• Go to Settings.
• Tap Connections.
• Tap Data Usage.
• Tap Mobile Data Usage.
• Tap the Settings icon.
• Tap the status switch beside Data Limit.
• Tap Data Limit.
• Enter a data usage limit.
• Tap Set.

To turn on Data Usage Warnings

• From the Home screen, touch and swipe up to display all apps.
• Go to Settings.
• Tap Connections.
• Tap Data Usage.
• Tap Mobile Data Usage.
• Tap the Settings icon.
• Tap Data Warning.
• Enter the data usage level at which you will receive a warning.
• Tap Set.

Parental Controls on the Google Play Store

Google Play parental controls are a great way to help restrict your child’s access to mature content.

1. Open the Play Store app.
2. Tap the Menu button.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Tap Parental Controls.
5. Toggle Parental Controls On.
6. Create a PIN.

Now you can tap Apps & Games, Films, TV, Magazines, or Music. Each of these options will allow you to restrict access to each content type by maturity.      

Microsoft Family Safety App

The Microsoft Family Safety app allows parents to set screen time limits on all Microsoft-affiliated devices, including Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Microsoft Surface, Windows 10 devices, Windows 7 devices, and Windows Vista devices. Parents can use the app to create search filters and block mature content. The app also has built-in location sharing so you can track family members.

How to add a child to your Microsoft Family account

1. Visit account.microsoft.com/family.
2. Sign in with your personal Microsoft account and then select Add a family member.
3. Select Child.
4. Enter your child’s email address or phone number and select Send Invite.
5. Make sure your child accepts your invitation.

Preventing Guest Mode Access

Kids may try to get around Bark’s parental controls on their personal profile by logging in as a guest, which could expose them to potential dangers and inappropriate content. Fortunately, you can turn off guest mode so your child will always have to log in with their own profile.

How to delete guest mode

1. From your child’s device Home screen, the lock screen, and many app screens, swipe down from the top with two fingers to open up Quick Settings.
2. Tap Switch user.
3. Tap Add guest. This will create and switch you to a guest profile on the device.
4. Once logged into guest mode, swipe down with two fingers again.
5. Tap Remove guest to be switched back to the main user account.
6. Swipe down with two fingers again, tap User and confirm that the Add users from lock screen is toggled off.

How to password protect the main user account

The main user on a device acts as the administrator. Once you create it, if your child tries to switch to this user, it will require the PIN or password.

1. Head to Settings > Security.
2. Tap on Screen lock.
3. Choose a PIN or password.

Create a new user and install Bark if you have an account.

1. Swipe down with two fingers from the top of your child’s device Home screen to open Quick Settings.
2. Tap Switch user.
3. Tap More Settings or Add user.
4. Tap Setup up user now and you will be switched to that new user’s profile. Follow the setup steps.
5. Setup your child’s (or yours) Google Account.
6. Install Bark.