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I used to think giving my kids gadgets was harmless. “Everyone’s doing it,” I told myself. But one night changed everything. My child sat in front of a screen for hours. No laughter. No questions. Just scrolling. That’s when I realized:
I wasn’t raising my child anymore and the screen was. The screen was everything, it becomes his teacher, parents, tutor and idol.
That moment sparked my heart saying that a father’s responsibility not just to provide, but to protect. And that’s when I discovered Google Family Link by Google — a FREE tool that helped me regain balance at home without becoming the “bad guy.”
💙 What is Google Family Link?
It’s a free parental control app that helps you:
✔ Set screen time limits
✔ Approach discipline with structure, not anger
✔ Monitor app usage
✔ Lock devices remotely
✔ Guide kids toward healthier digital habits
👨👧👦 Why I Chose This (From a Father’s Heart)
As a father, #KasihAyah means:
- Not letting convenience replace connection
- Teaching discipline, not just enforcing rules
- Being present even in the digital world
I didn’t want to fight with my kids every day over gadgets.bI wanted a system that:
👉 Sets boundaries clearly
👉 Removes emotional arguments
👉 Builds trust over time
⚙️ Step-by-Step: How I Set It Up
1. Download the App
- Install Google Family Link on your phone (parent device)
For android - Google Family Link Android
For IOS - Google Family Link IOS
- Install it on your child’s device too
2. Create or Link Your Child’s Account
- Sign in using your Google account (Your Gmail)
- Add your child’s Google account (Gmail use on your child's device)
- If they don’t have one, create it during setup
3. Connect Devices
- Follow on-screen instructions
- Pair your child’s phone with yours
💡 Tip: Sit together during this process, make it a bonding moment, not a “control session.”
4. Set Daily Screen Time Limits
- Choose how many hours per day
- Example: 2 hours on weekdays, 4 on weekends
When you set screen time limits on your child’s Android device or Chromebook, they’ll receive gentle reminders so they’re not caught off guard. They’ll be notified when screen time is first set (on Android devices) and again when their usage time is almost up.
Once the limit is reached and the device locks:
- Notifications are no longer visible
- The device cannot be unlocked or used
- Only apps you’ve marked as “unlimited” will remain accessible (if enabled)
- Phone calls can still be answered, and emergency calls can be made on Android phones with a calling plan
5. Set Bedtime (MOST IMPORTANT)
- Define “no screen” hours (e.g., 9PM – 7AM)
- The phone becomes unusable during this time
💡 This alone improved my child’s sleep and mood.
6. Approve or Block Apps
- Get notifications when your child wants to download apps
- Approve or reject instantly
No more surprise games or harmful content.
7. Monitor Usage
- See which apps they spend time on
- Understand behavior instead of guessing
8. Remote Lock (Your Secret Weapon)
- Instantly lock the phone anytime
Perfect for:
👉 Homework time
👉 Family dinners
👉 When they “forget” your rules
❤️ What Changed in My Home
After using this:
✔ Less shouting
✔ Less negotiation
✔ More family conversations
✔ Better sleep for my kids
✔ More respect
Most importantly…
My kids started talking to me again.
💬 A Message to Parents
This is not about being strict.
This is about:
👉 Protecting their childhood
👉 Teaching discipline early
👉 Showing love through boundaries
#KasihAyah is not just about giving…
It’s about guiding, even when it’s uncomfortable.
🚀 If You’re a Parent Reading This…
Try this tonight:
- Sit with your child
- Talk about screen time openly
- Install Google Family Link together
- Set rules with them, not for them
🔁 Share This If You Believe…
✔ Kids need guidance, not unlimited access
✔ Parenting in the digital age needs tools
✔ Love sometimes means setting limits
Because one share might help another parent take back control with love ❤️
You can share with your friends and families who might need this or
Share with someone that can help setting up this in your devices.
Hope it help.
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Got a meaningful father-child story? Share it with #KasihAyah for a chance to win TnG eMAS, Shopee vouchers, and prizes worth up to RM3,500! Find out how to join here. T&Cs apply.
Badrulamin Luthfi (mobamil96@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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