Depending on your child's age and your comfort level, here are three approaches to configuring SafetyMode for different stages of independence:
The Dumbphone
Perfect for: First-time phone users who need basic communication and safety without distractions.
Setup: Add essential contacts to favourites—"Text Dad," "Call Mum"—and remove all apps from the home screen except:
- Camera
- Gallery
- Google Wallet (for travel cards or contactless payments)
Keep phone in List view.
What this achieves: Your child can message or call approved contacts, take photos, and customise their home screen style—nothing else. No browser access, no distracting notifications. The list view interface makes the experience even more minimal.
Parent tip: You don't need to create a Google account or add the device to Family Link for this setup. We recommend keeping the nudity filter active for camera and gallery to prevent accidental exposure to inappropriate content.
Why it works: Your child gets the safety and independence of having a smartphone, but with the main concerns stripped away.
Limited Access
Perfect for: Children ready for some entertainment and homework support, but space for clear boundaries.
Setup: Choose between grid or list UI based on your preference for simplicity. Then create two schedules:
Fun Apps Schedule (5-8pm only, 1 hour total per day):
- Snapchat
- YouTube Kids
- Games (Roblox, etc.)
Homework Apps Schedule (After school only until 8pm):
- Google Chrome
- ChatGPT
- Google Classroom
What this achieves: Structured screen time that separates entertainment from education. Gives them a clear limit on fun and social apps, whilst allowing them homework access when they need it.
Parent tip: Set up a Google Kids account for them on the phone so SafeSearch is automatically enabled in Chrome. SafetyMode’s content filters provide that extra layer of protection. Turn on all content filters and enable blocking for content categories you care most about.
Why it works: Clear boundaries teach healthy phone habits while supporting both social connection and schoolwork.
Trusted Independence
Perfect for: Children who've demonstrated responsibility and are ready for more autonomy.
Setup: Use the grid UI and allow access to all the apps they want or need, with time-based boundaries:
- Most apps disabled during school hours
- All apps disabled between 9pm-9am
What this achieves: Freedom within boundaries, with a focus on building trust.
The trust approach: Enable content filters, but set them to "save images" rather than "block." Have an honest conversation with your child: explain that you'll review flagged content once a week—not to spy, but to discuss anything potentially harmful they may have encountered.
Parent tip: Adjust filter sensitivity based on age. For older teens, medium sensitivity settings often strike the right balance between protection and privacy.
Why it works: This setup acknowledges your child's growing maturity while maintaining open communication about online safety. It's supervision, not surveillance.
Remember: These are starting points. Every child is different, and you can adjust settings as your family's needs evolve.
