Google Kids Space is the school-year tool parents & kids will love

By Justine LoMonaco, sponsored by

I always get excited for back to school season. Watching my child’s educational journey unfold has been such an incredible part of my motherhood experience—and eagerly anticipating what is to come ramps up the closer we get to the start of the school year.

One of my favorite things is seeing my daughter dig deep into subjects that really interest her. From the fauna of the rainforest to the traditional cuisine of Japan, her curiosity never ceases to amaze me.

“One of my favorite things is seeing my daughter dig deep into subjects that really interest her.”

I also love finding ways to help satisfy her craving for learning on her own. She enjoys exploring our home library, but (not surprisingly) she’s lately been really drawn to seeing things “in real life,” whether that’s finding photos of the animals she’s learning about or watching how-to videos when she wants to master a new skill.

Here’s where it can get tricky for me: I want to encourage her to do her own research, lean into her interests and dig deep into the topics that fascinate her. But, I worry about giving her free reign of the internet—and about the effect so much screen time could have on her development.

As I looked ahead to another school year, I was thrilled to discover Google Kids Space, a new kids mode on select Android tablets that has a library of apps, books and videos specially selected for little learners.* Google Kids Space helps me create an environment for my daughter to browse based on her personal interests. Then it surfaces content just for her—from videos that inspire her to create offline to books that can foster a lifelong passion for reading, she has endless options to satisfy her curiosity (for as long as our Google Family Link parental controls allow her to peruse). Google also worked with children’s education and media experts to select a library of quality apps and games that are age-appropriate and thoughtfully designed for little learners.

What I really appreciate, though, is how Google Kids Space keeps me in the driver’s seat of my child’s tablet experience. There are even settings specific to Kids Space within the Family Link app from Google.** With Family Link, I can set time limits and manage the content she has access to in a way that feels right for our family. Instead of policing every click or fighting over how much time she gets on a device, I can rest easy knowing that I have the tools to help manage her experience—and can even do so remotely from my own device. When time is up, the Family Link app lets her know, meaning no screen time struggles. The transition is often made easier by the fact that she’s usually so inspired by what she has learned that she’s ready to play and create on her own when the timer goes off.

Last year, my daughter became a self-taught expert in some incredible subjects. This year, who knows where her interests will lead? But with Google Kids Space, I do know one thing for sure: It’s never been easier to manage how my little learner spends her screen time.

“Google Kids Space keeps me in the driver’s seat of my child’s tablet experience”

*Children and teens can only run Family Link on certain Android and Chrome devices. Learn more. Parental controls require the Family Link app on a supported Android, Chromebook, or iOS device. ** Kids Space requires a Google Account for your child. Parental controls require the Family Link app on a supported Android, Chromebook, or iOS device. Books and video content not available in all regions. Video content subject to availability of YouTube Kids app. Books content requires the Play Books app. Availability of apps, books, and video content may change without notice. Google Assistant not available in Kids Space.