Google has come under attention after reports emerged that 13-year-old users are being informed via email about disabling parental controls. The update raises questions about parental supervision and online safety.
Melissa McKay, president of the Digital Childhood Institute, shared on LinkedIn that her son received an email from Google instructing him on how to turn off Family Link, the company’s parental control system. She highlighted concerns that such notifications might bypass parental authority.
Google’s official support pages confirm that its system automatically notifies children when they reach the age of 13. At this age, users are informed that they can manage or disable Family Link without needing parental approval. The platform states that the policy aligns with global privacy standards and child protection laws.
Family Link allows parents to monitor device usage, set screen time limits, and approve app downloads. The system is widely used by families to ensure safe and controlled online access for children. Experts say automatic notifications from Google could lead to conflicts between children and parents if not managed carefully.
Digital safety advocates emphasize that while Google follows legal guidelines, parents must remain actively involved in guiding online behavior. They recommend discussing online responsibility with children before they gain control over their accounts.
Google has not issued an official statement responding to these individual reports. However, the company maintains that its policies are designed to balance child privacy and parental oversight. Many users on social media have expressed surprise, with some parents calling for clearer communication and options to maintain supervision.
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This development underlines the growing debate about technology, child autonomy, and parental control. Families are encouraged to review account settings and ensure open discussions about digital safety as children approach the age when Google allows account management.
