Family Link can't stop Gemini from doing your kid's homework, but 5 settings make it harder

Google's Gemini AI can assist with homework, but it can also be a significant distraction for children using Android devices. Google Family Link offers several settings to help parents control how Gemini is used. However, these settings vary depending on the child's age and location.

For children under 13, Gemini is turned off until parents enable it. Teens aged 13 and older have Gemini enabled by default unless parents disable it.

One effective way to manage Gemini usage is to limit total device use with a daily cap in Family Link Screen time. Additionally, setting a bedtime can prevent late-night access. Family Link's App limits feature allows parents to set time restrictions for specific apps, including Gemini.

Parents can also set up a daily time limit specifically for Gemini, though this feature is not widely available yet. A report suggests Google is working on this feature for supervised accounts, but it's unclear if it will cover all Gemini integrations or just the standalone app.

To further protect against unauthorized app installations, parents can require approval for all content in the Google Play Store from Family Link. This means any new app installations require parental consent.

While Family Link can manage Gemini usage, it cannot ensure children are using the AI for learning purposes. Parents should supervise homework sessions, monitor the prompts their child writes, and encourage them to explain their answers in their own words. This approach can help determine if Gemini is aiding or hindering their learning process.