Certainly, the idea of children surfing the digital space unsupervised is a scary thought.
Thats why all devices offer some sort of family protection these days.
But if youre not very tech-savvy, setting them up can be daunting.
Fortunately, Microsoft Family is very user-friendly and easy to set up.
What is the Microsoft Family Safety?
This tool allows you to set parental controls for your children.
In addition to monitoring their activity and screen time.
So we can filter inappropriate content and track their locations.
Basically, we will be able to monitor and control the online activities of our children.
In addition, you’ve got the option to add up to 6 family members to this program.
So we will be able to monitor their web activities with a single account login.
As we mentioned, it is a very simple utility and any parent can easily use it.
There is also a paid version called Microsoft 365 Family.
It is available for a fee of $9.99 per month.
This version gets some additional features like location tracking, driving history and driving safety reports.
Microsoft Family Safety works on Windows, Xbox, Android, and Apple devices.
The dashboard shows a lot of features that we proceed to show below.
In effect, you’re able to know that they are safe at all times.
It is also useful to offer an idea of the places they like the most.
And with a premium subscription, you might also receive alerts of their location.
For example, receive alerts when they arrive home or at school.
On the other hand, this function is exclusive for mobile phones.
With this in mind, each member of the family group must download the app for their mobile unit.
Additionally, it is available for Android and iOS.
Take a look at the image below.
This way you could discuss events and catch up on reminders.
It is also possible to add family events to a shared calendar and receive reminders.
Finally, you might create shopping lists or share notes in a shared family notebook in OneNote.
In fact, not only can you block certain apps, games, and websites.
In fact, it’s possible for you to also restrict it to content suitable for children.
To do this, Microsoft Family automatically filters the content for you.
And when you drop your childs age, the app displays recommendations based on his or her age.
For example, your 6- and 13-year-olds wont be subject to the same restrictions.
Use Microsoft Edge on Windows, Xbox, and Android devices to filter content.
Keep in mind that for it to work, each member must use Microsoft Edge to navigate.
In addition to logging in with their Microsoft account.
4.Limit Screen Time
it’s possible for you to set screen time limits for your children.
This way, you might help them develop healthy digital habits.
As well as making sure they take time for other important things in life.
When screen time runs out, you could also choose to extend it.
5.Spending
Set spending limits for your kids.
Likewise, give them the freedom to buy things from the Microsoft Store or Xbox.
it’s possible for you to add money to your account.
It is also possible to add a credit card that will require your approval before each purchase.
6.Activity reporting
This is one of the most useful features.
It generates a report with the usage habits of the family members.
you’re free to also opt to receive a detailed weekly report.
you might access this info from the web internet tool or from the app.
Finally, it’s possible for you to enable this feature from the web or the app.
Just take a look at the following image.
How to install and configure Family Safety?
Microsoft Family Safety offers two options to manage it.
First we have the website.
Dont worry if you dont have one, you could always create one from scratch.
when you obtain added the data, you will see an activity center like the following.
From now on, you only have to explore the functions mentioned above.
However, the mobile app provides greater immediacy and convenience.
Even without having to be in front of a computer.
Well, once installed, it is necessary to jump in with our Microsoft Account to start.
Next, you have to grant the necessary permissions for the app to work properly.
What are these permissions?
Permissions related to location, location sharing and running in the background.
Remember that this is necessary to be able to obtain the location of our children.
In addition to obtaining accurate reports on their activity.
Finally, the app is ready to be used.
From now on, you just have to explore its features.
How is it differing from Microsoft Defender Antivirus?
In reality, we are talking about two totally different concepts, although both end up protecting the user.
In fact, Microsoft Defender is the security suite integrated in Windows 10/11 systems.
Its primary purpose is to protect the computer from threats that compromise the security of the system.
Moreover, its use is limited to the gear where it is activated and running.
Especially of the children.
In this sense, it does not block or protect against attacks in the form of viruses or malware.
What it does do is prevent access to content that may be harmful to young users.
However, it does not do this automatically, but only after configuration by the system administrator.
Certainly, Safety Family is not an antivirus or anti-malware, as Defender is.
It is a parental control program.
These are, roughly speaking, the essential differences between the two software.
Difference between Microsoft Family Safety Free and Microsoft 365 Family versions.
To be honest, both packages have similar features.
Moreover, I would venture to say that an average user would be satisfied with the free package.
First, there is the matter oflocation awareness.What does this mean?
Consequently, we will be able to configure them to alert us when they arrive or leave school.
We will also be able to get alerts when he enters an area set as dangerous by us.
This is certainly the main difference in terms of how the tool works.
The others are additional benefits of Microsoft 365.
The first one is the possibility of having access to the desktop apps of the Office suite.
Finally, we will also have access to 1 TB of One Drive access per person.
So we have explored how Microsoft Family Safety works.
