Chromebook
Our age is 8, with controls. Fine with settings because of simple software and Family Link support, with guest mode to switch off.
Checked October 2026.
- Our rating
- Generally Safe
- Controls
- Google Family Link
- Made by
- Various (Google, Lenovo, HP, Acer, etc.)
- Setup
- 9 stops, about 15 minutes
Do these three first
- Add the account to the ChromebookSettingsPrivacy and securityManage other peopleSign in on the Chromebook with the supervised account, and turn off guest browsing.
- Turn on web filteringFamily LinkControlsGoogle Chrome and WebChoose what your child can open in Chrome.
- Set screen time limitsFamily LinkScreen timeTime limitsDaily limitA daily limit counts separately on each device, so a phone gets its own allowance.
About Chromebook
What is a Chromebook?
Chromebooks are laptops running Google's ChromeOS. They're popular in schools due to low cost, simple management, and cloud-based operation. Everything runs through the Chrome browser or Android apps, making them more limited (and thus safer) than traditional computers.
Pros for Child/Teen Use
School Integration
Most schools use Chromebooks, so children are familiar with them.
Affordable
Many models under $300.
Limited Capabilities = Safer
Can't install traditional software, reducing risks.
Google Family Link
Same controls as Android phones.
Cloud-Based
Less worry about lost files; everything in Google Drive.
Simple to Manage
Easier parental oversight than Windows/Mac.
Cons for Child/Teen Use
Full Web Access
Chrome browser can access any website.
Android Apps
Can download apps from Play Store (controllable).
Gaming
Browser and Android games available.
Less Powerful
Not suitable for demanding tasks like video editing or advanced gaming.
Key Safety Features
Same controls as Android devices.
App approval, screen time, content filtering, and web restrictions (location reporting isn't available on Chromebook).
School-issued Chromebooks have additional controls.
School (Google Workspace for Education) policies apply on school accounts and school-issued devices and can override Family Link settings.
Age Recommendations
Ages 6-8: Supervised use for educational apps, heavily restricted.
Ages 9-12: School use plus limited home use with Family Link controls.
Ages 13+: More independence with ongoing Family Link monitoring.
The complete guide includes:
- Family Link setup for Chromebook
- Chrome browser content restrictions
- School vs home Chromebook management
- Guest mode and developer mode security
- Age-specific configurations
Talk about it
- Which parts of the Chromebook are for school and which are for you?Helps you set limits that don't get in the way of homework.
- Do you know why guest mode is turned off?Explaining the setting helps them see it as part of the deal, not a trap.
- If you find something online that you didn't mean to see, what will you do?SafeSearch misses things, and a plan to tell you makes the next time easier.
- Are there Android apps or games you'd like to add?App requests go through Family Link, and talking about them first keeps the answer from feeling random.
The full route: 9 stops, about 15 minutes
- Set up a supervised Google account
- Add the account to the Chromebook
- Set screen time limits
- Turn on web filtering
- Check SafeSearch
- Approve apps and set app limits
- Choose what sites can use location and cameraoptional
- Handle a school account (if they have one)optional
- Test your setup
Start the setupFree to follow. With Family, your progress is saved for each child.
The complete Chromebook parent guide, with age-by-age settings, is part of the Family plan.
The full guide
Chromebooks are the most common school-issued device in the U.S. — most kids spend more time on one than on any other computer. Google Family Link is the primary way to supervise them, though school-managed Chromebooks are locked down by the school and can't be fully managed by parents.
What Your Child Uses a Chromebook For
- Schoolwork: Google Classroom, Docs, Slides, Sheets, research
- Learning apps: Khan Academy, Prodigy, Duolingo, IXL
- Video: YouTube (huge), Netflix, Disney+ in the browser
- Games: Web-based games, some Android games via Google Play
- Messaging: Google Chat, Discord Web, email
- Social: Instagram/TikTok/Snapchat via their web versions
Common Terms You'll See
- Google Account: the email + login that controls everything. Under 13 this is a "child account" managed by Family Link
- Family Link: Google's parental app for supervising a child's Google account
- ChromeOS: the operating system, which is basically a browser with extras
- School-managed: a profile locked by the school district; parental controls are limited
- Google Play Store: where Android apps are installed on newer Chromebooks
- SafeSearch: Google's filter for explicit results, enforced automatically for supervised accounts
What Normal Use Looks Like
A typical Chromebook session for a school-age kid:
- Heavy YouTube use — this is where the biggest risks live
- Google Docs / Classroom for homework
- A few Android apps for learning or casual games
- Web browsing for research, memes, and social apps
If you see new Google accounts being added, a sudden jump in late-night activity, or your child working around filters with web proxies, those are signals to address directly.
Potential Warnings
If the Chromebook belongs to the school, Family Link overlays may not work — the school profile takes priority. Your controls only apply when they sign in with their personal Google account.
Most parents underestimate how much YouTube drives Chromebook time. For a child under 13, pick YouTube Kids or a supervised YouTube setting ("Older kids," "Teens," or "Older teens") in Family Link. Supervised teens get "Teens" or "Older teens" automatically by age.
Guest browsing on a Chromebook bypasses Family Link controls. On a personal Chromebook, sign in with the owner account and go to Settings → Privacy and security → Manage other people, then turn off Guest browsing. On school Chromebooks, the school controls this setting.
A Family Link daily limit applies to each device separately, so a 2-hour limit means 2 hours on the Chromebook and 2 more on an Android phone. Location sharing doesn't work on Chromebooks.
Age-Appropriate Setup
We suggest a Chromebook from 8, with Family Link set up. If a younger child already uses one, these are the settings for their age.
Ages 6–9
- Supervised Google account via Family Link
- YouTube Kids only, with regular YouTube blocked
- "Only allow approved sites" in Chrome rather than blocking sites one by one
- 30–60 min non-school screen time
Ages 10–13
- Supervised Google account with moderate filters
- YouTube supervised "Older kids" or "Teens" setting
- Google Play approvals required for every app
- 1–2 hours non-school screen time
Ages 14–17
- Supervision eases but stays on (you can still block sites and see app activity); since January 2026 a teen under 18 needs your approval to stop it
- Most apps allowed without approval
- Purchase approvals still recommended