Google has reversed a long-standing policy allowing teenagers to bypass parental supervision in Family Link accounts once they turn 13. The change, announced Monday, will now require parental approval for teens to manage their own Google accounts. This shift comes shortly after viral criticism highlighting the previous system’s potential safety gaps.
Policy Reversal Explained
Previously, a 13-year-old could unilaterally disable parental controls through Family Link. The new rule ensures that neither the teen nor the parent can adjust these settings without mutual consent. Google’s Kate Charlet stated the change was planned but expedited in light of recent scrutiny.
The Catalyst for Change
The policy reversal was triggered by a LinkedIn post from Melissa McKay, president of the Digital Childhood Institute. She shared an email her 12-year-old son received, notifying him of his upcoming ability to remove parental controls without her knowledge. The post quickly gained traction, with over 375,000 impressions and 600 comments.
McKay, who previously filed a 2025 complaint to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) about Google’s youth safety practices, argued that the company’s communication was vague and failed to adequately explain the implications of the policy change. The email sent to her son provided a direct link to instructions on how to disable supervision, while her own email only contained age requirements.
Implications for Teens and Parents
Under the old system, once a teen turned 13, parents would lose control over downtime schedules, app permissions, and financial transaction visibility. This also meant teens would have unrestricted access to Google Wallet and Pay. The new policy will prevent this automatic transition. By requiring parental approval, Google aims to prevent unsupervised access to financial tools and ensure continued oversight of online activity.
McKay has welcomed the change but advocates for broader reforms, asserting that corporate exploitation of children online remains a significant issue.
“This is a step in the right direction, but Google and other tech companies must prioritize children’s safety over unchecked access to digital platforms.”
The updated policy will be implemented globally this week.
