Microsoft's parental controls , for both Xbox and Windows, have never been bad, but now they're better . So much so that you can even troll your kid if you want, thanks to the new options that allow remote control from the mobile app itself.
More options for better control
Managing screen time remains a major challenge for many parents and their children. Precisely controlling how much of their free time they spend on this type of entertainment is important, and therefore any improvement is welcome. Now, Microsoft is addressing this with enhancements to existing parental control options and the addition of new ones.
To begin with, Microsoft's new parental control app for its devices will allow users to see not only how much time their children spend playing video games, but also on other entertainment platforms such as video streaming services and social media. It provides a more detailed list showing the amount of time each user has spent on each platform individually.
In addition, other additional actions can also be carried out from the application, such as granting more usage time if necessary or if the parent/guardian deems it appropriate. Also filter the type of content to which you have access, friends with whom you can maintain contact and other options, although the most prominent are the following:
- The first, and one that will surely be liked least by minors, will be the one that will allow Pause screen time remote form. In other words, it's over with having to keep repeating to turn off the screen, just by pressing a button in the application you can stop them from continuing to use it. And that can be done whether or not the time of use has been previously defined
- ask to buy It is not really anything new, but it is an improvement that is appreciated because even if they have a card with funds reserved for their purchases, it can be established if it will always be necessary to ask to be able to buy or they will have to do it only when they want something and do not have sufficient balance
As you can see, these new features, combined with those already available, give parents greater control, which is always welcome. What's more, it's not exclusive to Microsoft Xbox consoles; it's also available for Windows PCs. All you need to do is download the Xbox Family Settings app for iOS and Android.
A necessary improvement in these new times
This iteration of parental controls for Microsoft's entertainment devices comes at a time when habits have changed significantly. Although we are resuming certain activities, the truth is that the amount of time spent at home remains very high.
For all these reasons, and to further facilitate parental control, given that parents know their children are spending more time online, these tools arrive at a very opportune moment. They also coincide with other significant changes in other services and the launch of their new Xbox Series X/S consoles, as well as the expansion of certain services.
So, despite the fact that the little ones and young people in the house may not like them at all, the truth is that it never hurts to know that they are there in case we need them as parents and guardians. Although we repeat that it is always best to educate and that they be the ones who, from an early age, achieve that self-control necessary to enjoy everything that technology and the world of video games offer.