Sponsored By

Xbox has soft launched a new Family Settings app to make it easier for parents to ensure their children are playing in a safe and healthy environment.

Chris Kerr, News Editor

May 27, 2020

2 Min Read

Xbox has soft launched a new Family Settings mobile app to make it easier for parents to ensure their children are playing in a safe and healthy environment. 

The app is currently available in preview mode on Android and iOS, and can be used by parents to remotely tweak their Xbox's family settings to ensure children only have access to content they deem appropriate. 

For instance, the app can be used to set daily screen time limits, implement content filters, adjust play and communication settings, and view regular activity reports that offer insights into how children are spending their time on Xbox. 

It will also allow parents to respond to real time notifications, such as requests to extend screen time or enable access and multiplayer capabilities for specific applications and games. 

Further down the line, parents will be given the power to view and manage their child's friends list and approve or decline new friend requests. 

Xbox believes the app will be of particular use to parents who are trying to navigate the new normal imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"We know that especially right now, families are facing new challenges in the wake of school closures, working from home and social distancing due to COVID-19. In my own family, we’ve had to navigate this 'new normal,' and how our existing rules for screen time might need to be adjusted to better reflect our reality," wrote the company.

"With the Xbox Family Settings app (Preview), parents can easily relax screen time on Xbox so kids have more time to play, or create a new schedule to help balance time for remote learning. We believe that especially now, gaming plays an important role to help connect friends and family and have fun while staying home."

The Xbox Family Settings app is available now for all Android users, and the first 10,000 people on iOS to test in preview mode. An wider roll out is expected later this year.

About the Author(s)

Chris Kerr

News Editor, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.

Daily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inbox

You May Also Like