Google Messages could also be rolling out stricter parental controls for particular person messages or senders

This was first dropped at gentle by AssembleDebug (by way of PiunikaWeb), who managed to force-activate the hidden characteristic utilizing flags on model 20240416_00_RC01 of the app. Within the screenshots shared, we see that as a substitute of a traditional dialog listing, some chats could also be clearly marked with “Ask your dad or mum for approval.”

Credit score: PiunikaWeb

This implies children and teenagers will not have the ability to message these contacts with out their dad or mum’s say-so. And in case you attempt to open considered one of these restricted conversations, the message is even clearer: “To ship, ask your dad or mum for approval.”

The implications with this modification would come with dad and mom how having the ability to offer the thumbs up, set limits, or outright block children’ messaging on a case-by-case foundation. Relying in your use-case, this can be a great factor if not, to verify your kids aren’t being focused and contacted by strangers.

Naturally, this degree of management raises vital questions on privateness versus safety inside households. But, given the hazards children face on-line, from cyberbullying to worse, many dad and mom will little doubt be relieved to have these highly effective new safeguarding instruments throughout the Google Messages app.