What Google allows for child accounts

Google says parents can create a supervised Google Account for a child under 13, or under the applicable age in their country, and manage it with Family Link [web:600][web:601][web:598]. Google also says its child accounts can be used to manage screen time, apps and more [web:610][web:597].

In the UK and many other places, that means the account should be created as a child account, not as a standard adult account. The whole point is supervision from the beginning rather than a retrofitted fix later [web:598][web:602].

Step 1: Decide which device the child will use

Before you create the account, decide what device the child will actually use. Google says Family Link works with supervision on Android, and that the child’s device must be powered on, recently active and connected to the internet [web:598][web:606].

If the child is using an Android device, Family Link is the most integrated option. If they are on an iPhone or a mixed-device household, you can still supervise the Google account, but some device-level controls will be less complete [web:598][web:611].

Step 2: Download Family Link first

Google says Family Link is the tool parents use to stay in the loop while their child explores online [web:598][web:603]. The parent should install Family Link on their own phone before or during setup [web:598][web:606].

This matters because Family Link is not just for later monitoring. It is part of the initial setup flow, and it becomes the control panel for screen time, app approvals and many account settings [web:597][web:603].

Step 3: Create the account with the child’s real details

Google says parents should enter the child’s information, including name and birthday, when creating the account [web:601][web:600]. That birthday should be accurate, because the age setting affects what features are available and how supervision works [web:605][web:602].

Do not use a fake birthday just to unlock adult features. That usually creates more safety problems later, not fewer [web:605][web:602].

Step 4: Set up supervision

Google says the creation process includes prompts to set up supervision of the child’s account through Family Link [web:600][web:601]. In practice, that means the parent links their own Google account as the supervising account [web:597][web:598].

Google also says parents can change the child’s account settings, including privacy and account data settings, once supervision is active [web:597].

Step 5: Choose the right controls first

1. Screen time: Set daily limits and bedtime rules [web:598][web:603][web:611].
2. App approvals: Decide whether the child needs permission before downloading apps [web:602][web:611].
3. Content filters: Apply age-appropriate limits for Google services and supported apps [web:602][web:611].
4. Privacy settings: Review account data and activity settings [web:597].
5. Location sharing: Decide whether you want to use Family Link location features [web:598].
6. Purchase approvals: Control buying and downloads where supported [web:602][web:611].

Step 6: Check Gmail and recovery details

Google child accounts can include Gmail, but parents should think carefully about whether email is needed on day one [web:610][web:600]. If you do enable Gmail, make sure recovery and password details are stored safely and that the child understands they should not share the account with friends [web:597][web:605].

Google says parents can also change the child’s password through Family Link if needed [web:597]. That is useful if the child forgets their login or if you need to secure the account quickly [web:597].

What to lock down immediately

The safest setup is not to leave defaults unchecked. Google’s parental controls are designed to help you manage apps, devices and accounts, but they work best when you review them immediately rather than later [web:611][web:598].

Start with screen time, app install approvals, privacy settings and content filters. Then move to location sharing, YouTube-related restrictions and any shopping or purchase approvals that apply to the services your child will actually use [web:602][web:603][web:611].

When a child turns 13

Google says that when a child turns 13, or the applicable age in their country, Google sends a notice to both the parent and the child about account options [web:605]. The child can choose to keep supervision or later update the account, depending on the country’s rules [web:605].

Parents should expect this transition and talk about it early. It is better to frame supervision as a family agreement rather than a surprise restriction when the child gets older [web:605].

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Creating a normal adult account with a fake birthday.
2. Skipping Family Link setup because it feels complicated [web:598][web:603].
3. Leaving app approvals open too early [web:602][web:611].
4. Not setting bedtime or screen limits [web:603][web:611].
5. Using Gmail and Chrome before discussing account and privacy rules [web:597][web:610].
6. Forgetting that the account will likely be used across multiple Google services [web:610][web:597].

How to set up a child’s first Google account safely: the simple verdict

The safest way to set up a child’s first Google account is to create it as a supervised child account through Family Link, use the child’s real birthday, and lock in the core controls right away [web:600][web:601][web:598].

Google’s system can handle a lot: screen time, app approvals, content management, privacy settings and even account changes later on [web:597][web:611]. But the account is only as safe as the settings you choose at the start and the conversations you keep having as the child grows [web:605][web:597].

If you remember one thing, make it this: don’t create a child’s Google account as a shortcut — build it as a supervised family setup from the beginning [web:600][web:611].

Quick FAQ for parents

Can I create a Google account for my child?

Yes. Google says parents can create a supervised Google Account for a child under 13, or under the applicable age in their country [web:600][web:601].

Do I need Family Link?

Yes, if you want Google’s child supervision tools. Google says Family Link is used to manage the child’s account settings [web:598][web:597].

Can I control app downloads?

Yes. Google and Family Link support app approvals and age-based restrictions [web:602][web:611].

Can I manage the account later?

Yes. Google says parents can change account settings, including privacy and password-related controls, through Family Link [web:597].

What happens when my child turns 13?

Google says both the parent and child are notified and can choose the next account arrangement depending on the country’s rules [web:605].