Protecting Our Elders: A Comprehensive Guide to Setting Up Parental Controls on Android 9 Devices

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Protecting Our Elders: A Comprehensive Guide to Setting Up Parental Controls on Android 9 Devices

By @TechCareAdvocate

Introduction

In today’s digital landscape, smartphones have become essential tools for people of all ages, including seniors. However, the increasing sophistication of malicious apps, deceptive advertisements, and predatory games can pose significant challenges for older adults who may not be as tech-savvy as younger generations. Many families face situations where elderly parents inadvertently download harmful applications or fall victim to digital scams, creating both security risks and frustration.

This comprehensive guide focuses on implementing “parental controls” on Android 9 devices—though in this context, they serve as protective measures for elderly users rather than children. The objective is to create a safer digital environment for seniors while maintaining their dignity and appropriate level of independence.

Understanding the Challenge

Before diving into technical solutions, it’s important to recognize that this situation requires balancing respect for an adult’s autonomy with legitimate safety concerns. According to a 2021 FBI report, seniors lost nearly $1 billion to cyber scams, with mobile device exploitation being a significant vector. What makes this particularly challenging is that many deceptive applications are designed to appear legitimate, with interfaces specifically engineered to confuse users through:

  • Misleading “Download Now” or “Clean Your Phone” buttons
  • Games with hidden subscription models
  • Utilities that claim to fix problems that don’t exist
  • Pop-up advertisements designed to mimic system notifications

For seniors who didn’t grow up with this technology, distinguishing between legitimate and malicious content can be extremely difficult.

Setting Up Basic Protections on Android 9

Step 1: Access Google Play Store Protections

The Google Play Store offers built-in protections that can be your first line of defense:

  1. Open the Google Play Store app
  2. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner
  3. Select “Settings”
  4. Tap “Parental controls”
  5. Toggle the switch to turn on parental controls
  6. Create a PIN that you’ll remember but won’t be easy for others to guess
  7. Select content restrictions based on ratings (apps, games, movies, etc.)
  8. Save your settings

This will prevent the installation of apps that don’t meet your content rating criteria. However, this alone may not be sufficient for preventing all problematic downloads.

Step 2: Restrict Account Permissions

To provide more comprehensive protection:

  1. Go to device “Settings”
  2. Select “Users & accounts”
  3. Tap on the Google account associated with the device
  4. Review permissions and remove unnecessary ones
  5. Under “Google Play Store,” disable “Add icons to Home Screen” to prevent automatic shortcuts
  6. Consider removing payment methods from the Google account to prevent accidental purchases

Step 3: Enable Google Play Protect

Google Play Protect scans apps for potential security threats:

  1. Open the Google Play Store
  2. Tap the menu icon
  3. Select “Play Protect”
  4. Ensure “Scan apps with Play Protect” is enabled
  5. Toggle on “Improve harmful app detection”

Step 4: Set Up Digital Wellbeing Controls

Android 9 introduced Digital Wellbeing features that can be repurposed as protective controls:

  1. Go to device “Settings”
  2. Select “Digital Wellbeing & parental controls”
  3. Set up app timers for applications that might be problematic
  4. Configure “Downtime” to limit phone functionality during certain hours
  5. Use “Focus mode” to temporarily disable distracting apps

Advanced Protection Strategies

For situations requiring more robust controls, consider these advanced options:

Option 1: Family Link Application

Google’s Family Link app, while designed for parents monitoring children, can be adapted for elder care:

  1. Download Google Family Link on both your device and your mother’s device
  2. Follow the setup instructions to connect the accounts
  3. Through Family Link, you can:
    • Approve or deny app installations remotely
    • Monitor screen time
    • Lock the device remotely if needed
    • Track location (useful for seniors with memory issues)
    • Set content restrictions

Be aware that implementing Family Link requires explaining to your mother that her phone will now require your approval for certain actions. Frame this conversation respectfully, focusing on security rather than capability.

Option 2: Third-Party Monitoring Solutions

Several third-party applications offer specialized elder-friendly monitoring:

  • Screen Time Parental Control: Offers remote management and app blocking
  • Qustodio: Provides comprehensive digital wellbeing tools with elder-focused features
  • Norton Family Premier: Includes robust web filtering and usage reports

These applications typically require a subscription fee but offer more specialized features than built-in options.

Option 3: Custom Launcher Installation

A more drastic but effective approach involves installing a simplified launcher:

  1. Download a senior-friendly launcher such as:
    • Big Launcher
    • Simple Launcher
    • Necta Launcher
  2. Set it as the default home screen
  3. Configure the launcher to show only essential applications
  4. Hide or disable access to the Google Play Store

These launchers feature larger icons, simplified interfaces, and often allow you to restrict access to only approved applications.

Communication and Ethical Considerations

Implementing controls on an adult family member’s device raises important ethical considerations. Here are some recommended approaches:

  1. Transparent Communication: Clearly explain what changes you’re making and why they’re necessary. Avoid technical jargon and focus on the benefits of protection.

  2. Collaborative Decision-Making: When possible, involve your mother in decisions about which apps should be allowed or restricted.

  3. Dignity Preservation: Frame the conversation around protection rather than limitation. Emphasize that many young, tech-savvy people also struggle with these deceptive tactics.

  4. Regular Reviews: Schedule regular check-ins to assess whether the current restrictions are appropriate or if adjustments are needed.

  5. Education Component: Consider coupling technical restrictions with basic education about common scams and deceptive patterns. Organizations like @AARP offer excellent resources specifically designed for seniors.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with controls in place, you may encounter challenges:

  1. Previously Installed Problematic Apps: For applications already installed before implementing controls, manually review all installed apps and remove suspicious ones:

    • Go to Settings > Apps & notifications
    • Review all applications and uninstall any that aren’t necessary or trusted

  2. Browser-Based Downloads: Restrict browser functionality by:

    • Installing a protective browser like Firefox Focus
    • Setting up content filters in Chrome
    • Consider using Google’s Safe Browsing feature

  3. Circumvention Attempts: If your mother attempts to bypass restrictions out of frustration:

    • Have a calm conversation about specific needs that aren’t being met
    • Look for compromise solutions that address legitimate needs while maintaining protection

Conclusion

Protecting elderly family members in the digital world represents a modern caregiving challenge that requires both technical solutions and sensitive communication. By implementing appropriate controls on an Android 9 device, you can significantly reduce the risk of scams, malicious applications, and digital confusion.

Remember that the goal isn’t to infantilize or unnecessarily restrict an adult’s autonomy, but rather to create a safer digital environment that allows for confidence and independence appropriate to their technical abilities. With thoughtful implementation and ongoing communication, these protective measures can reduce frustration for both you and your mother while ensuring her digital experience remains positive and secure.

The digital world should be accessible to people of all ages and technical abilities. With the right protections in place, your mother can enjoy the benefits of smartphone technology without falling victim to those who would exploit her unfamiliarity with its complexities.
#ElderTech #DigitalSafety #SeniorCaregiving

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