Start with the more restrictive Chrome option that still supports school and family needs, add specific exceptions carefully, and test other installed browsers and in-app web views.
Why this decision matters
Web filters can overblock legitimate resources and underblock unexpected content. The goal is a known starting boundary plus a clear approval process—not an assumption that one setting evaluates the whole internet.
A practical starting sequence
Choose the browsing mode
Review the current Family Link options, such as trying to block explicit sites or allowing only approved sites, and match the choice to the child’s real tasks.
Test required destinations
Open school portals, research tools, shared documents, transit, and hobby sites; then test one blocked-site request.
Check the edges
Audit alternate browsers, guest or additional profiles, signed-out browsing, in-app web views, VPNs, and manufacturer services.
What the child experiences
The child may see a blocked page and a request option in supported Chrome contexts. Teach them to include the site and purpose when asking.
Google notes that Chrome controls apply in supported contexts; other browsers, profiles, and services can create gaps. Domain and URL exceptions can also behave differently than parents expect.
When to review it
Review the site list monthly at first and whenever a new browser, school tool, or recurring false block appears.
Go deeper on browser boundaries
The Browser Safety Guide helps parents audit browsers, search, extensions, profiles, private modes, and routes outside the main filter.
Current official sources
Interfaces and defaults change. These first-party sources were checked for this page; verify the live device before publishing or relying on an exact menu path.
See how KidPhoneSetup verifies technical guidance