Child tracking with Google Find tool

Learning how to work with Google Find

There are actually two different Google features related to finding things:

1. Find within webpage (using Ctrl/Cmd + F): This built-in tool helps you locate specific text on a webpage you’re browsing with Google Chrome.

Here’s how to use it:

• Activate the Find tool: There are two ways:
  • Using the menu bar: Click on the three vertical dots (…) in the top right corner of your Chrome browser. Then, navigate to “Find” or press “Ctrl + F” (Windows) or “Command + F” (Mac) on your keyboard.
  • Using the keyboard shortcut: Directly press “Ctrl + F” (Windows) or “Command + F” (Mac) on your keyboard.
• Enter your search term: A small search bar will appear at the top or bottom of the webpage. Type the word or phrase you want to find.
• Navigation:
  • Up and down arrows next to the search bar will highlight each occurrence of the term on the webpage.
  • Clicking “Next” or “Previous” buttons will navigate you to those highlighted instances.

2. Find My Device: This is a separate Google feature designed to help locate lost or stolen Android devices and Chromebooks.

Here’s how to use it:

Prerequisites:

• Your lost device needs to be an Android phone or Chromebook.
• Find My Device must be enabled on the device before it’s lost. (You can check and enable this feature in your device settings)
• The device needs to be powered on and connected to the internet.

Using Find My Device:

• Go to https://www.google.com/android/find on any web browser or use the Find My Device app on another device.
• Sign in with the Google account associated with your lost device.
• If multiple devices are linked to your account, choose the specific one you want to locate. Find My Device will then:
  • Show the location of your device on a map (if it’s online).
  • Offer various options:
    • Play Sound: Makes your device ring, even on silent mode, to help you find it nearby.
    • Secure Device: Locks the device with a PIN, pattern, or password to secure your data.
    • Erase Device: This is a last resort option that completely wipes all data from your device.

Learning how to Child tracking with Google Find tool

Google Find My Device, while not specifically designed for child tracking, can be a helpful tool to locate a lost or stolen Android phone or Chromebook associated with your child’s Google account. However, there are some privacy considerations and a more suitable option to explore:

Using Google Find My Device:

• Prerequisites:

  • Your child’s device needs to be an Android phone or Chromebook.
  • Find My Device must be enabled on their device beforehand (check their device settings).
  • The device must be powered on and connected to the internet.

• Instructions:

  1. Go to https://www.google.com/android/find on a web browser or use the Find My Device app on another device.
  2. Sign in with your child’s Google account (with their permission).
  3. Locate their device on the map (if online).

Privacy Considerations:

• Using your child’s Google account to track their device raises privacy concerns. It’s important to have an open conversation with your child about the importance of online safety and location sharing.
• Consider giving your child an age-appropriate device with their own Google account, allowing for some level of independence while still having the ability to locate the device in case of emergency.

More Suitable Option: Family Link

A more appropriate option for child safety is Google Family Link. This app allows you to:

• Set screen time limits for your child’s device.
• Approve or block apps your child wants to download.
• See your child’s device location with their permission.

Here’s how to get started with Family Link:

1. Download the Family Link app on your device and your child’s device.
2. Set up your device as the parent and your child’s device as the child.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to grant permissions and complete the setup.

Prerequisites of the Google Find tool