CJMY
As Malaysian families dive deeper into the digital age, Google is stepping up with powerful tools to keep kids safe online.
Searches for “screen time” hit a record high in December 2024, Google Trends shows, reflecting parents’ growing need to balance tech use with safety.
On 20 February 2025, Google Malaysia spotlighted its latest upgrades to parental controls, aiming to empower families with choice and peace of mind.
“We understand that each family’s relationship with technology is unique,” said Farhan Qureshi, Country Director, Google Malaysia.
“That’s why we’ve built easy-to-use parental controls like Family Link and YouTube supervised experiences to aid in their digital parenting.”
This move tackles a pressing concern: three in four Malaysian kids spend one to six hours daily online, per the APAC Kids and Families Online Safety Survey, often encountering misinformation, spam, or violent content.
How Google locks down online safety
Safety starts with Google’s built-in features. SafeSearch, enabled by default for users under 18, blurs explicit content like pornography across searches.
No tweaks needed—it just works. However, the real game-changer lies in Google’s Family Link app.
Parents can set up supervised accounts, track screen time, and lock devices remotely.
New tricks include “School Time” to curb distractions during lessons and parent-managed contacts for safer communication.
Also, Google Chrome lets parents whitelist or block websites on Android or Chrome OS devices. “It’s about giving families control,” Qureshi added.
“Parents can decide what’s right for their kids.” These tools answer a top query—how to manage “screen time for kids”—which spiked 50% in searches like “recommended screen time by age” over the past year.
YouTube’s safety net for young Viewers
YouTube, a hub for learning and fun, gets its own safety boost. YouTube Kids offers a curated space where parents can cap screen time or hand-pick videos.
For older kids, supervised experiences on the main app filter content, disable autoplay, and add bedtime reminders—default for under-18s.
“Together, we will be able to build a safer digital environment for all Malaysians,” Qureshi said.
Beyond tech, Google educates. Its Be Internet Awesome programme, now in Malay via DELIMa, has taught over 148,000 kids online smarts.
A fresh twist? Be Internet Awesome World on Roblox, launched recently, turns safety lessons into a game.
With 79.5 million daily Roblox users, it’s a clever way to meet kids where they play, tackling phishing and kindness through interactive fun.
Google’s updates deliver clear value: less worry, more control. Parents can explore these at the Google Safety Center, tweaking Family Link or YouTube settings to fit their family’s vibe.
Yet, as digital habits evolve, curiosity remains. How will Google keep pace with savvy teens or new online risks? For now, these tools offer a solid start—practical, free, and ready to use today.
Google remains committed to providing families with accessible, easy-to-use tools that help them manage screen time, filter content, and protect their children online.
Parents can explore these features and safety guides at the Google Safety Center.
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