Microsoft has launched a Family Safety app dedicated app for iOS and Android that will help parents and guardians manage kids screentime and app usage.
The app was first announced in March by the company. Microsoft Family Safety app will also sync time limits across Windows, Xbox, and Android for games and apps. This will prevent kids from swapping devices to get some extra hours to play Minecraft or Fortnite. The parents can also block Specific apps that they feel are not fit for their kids.
The app is designed to allow families to manage screentime and app usage. Parents can use the Family Safety app to receive reports on app usage and overall screentime and even set app time limits with the ability for children to request extensions.
“Now when you say only one hour of a certain game, that really means one hour of that game whether that’s being played on a Windows PC, Xbox, or Android phone. if they run out of screen time, they can ask for more. You have the choice to add more time or not based on what is right for your family.” explains Aimee Sudeck, a product manager for Microsoft 365
The family app packs web and search filters to limit browsing on Microsoft’s Edge browser and Family Safety can also be used for location sharing between family members.
Microsoft is yet to confirm when the app will be widely available in the App Store or Google Play Store as a free download. The app will work best for Windows 10PCs, Xbox devices and other Microsofts products and services.
