Microsoft Family Safety app now available for preview on iOS and Android

The app’s aim is not only to manage the screen time for kids on select devices but also manage the type of content they are browsing.

Using the Microsoft Family Safety app, kids can see the same activity reports what parents can see. (Microsoft)

In March this year, Microsoft announced its Family Safety app that lets you keep track of family members, children and more so they have a healthier internet experience. Now, the app has started rolling out to iOS and Android users in the form of ‘Limited Preview'. The app's aim is not only to manage the screen time of kids on select devices but also manage the type of content they are browsing. You can even create flexible scheduled for different family members as required.

Using the Microsoft Family Safety app, kids can see the same activity reports what parents can see. Also, parents can control who the kids are sharing their data with, knowingly or unknowingly.

The new preview version of the app will let Android and iOS users experience Activity reporting which includes controlling the screen time, top websites visited, and terms kids are searching for online. You will receive an email summary each week as well. It also has setting up of screen time limits across Windows and Xbox devices. “Or if your kids will be on devices longer for things like online learning, you can set limits on specific apps or games instead,” adds Microsoft.

As for content controls, Microsoft Family Safety app give you the flexibility to place filters on search and web or block mature content on Microsoft Edge browser. You can get notified when the kid wants to download an app or a game from the Microsoft Store with age limits.

Lastly, one can locate the other user of the connected user and even save the places they visit the most like home, school, work and others. “With stay-at-home orders and restrictions on mobility currently in place, it is important to know where your loved ones are when they are not at home—for example if your teenager got side-tracked while running to the grocery store and ended up at a friend's house,” adds the firm.

The app will be free to download from respective app store once launched for all. Right now, interested ones can use the preview version from the dedicated website.