Earlier this month, Google announced new parental tools would finally be coming to all Google TV devices, beginning with its latest Chromecast, and the company has kept to its word. New child profiles are starting to appear for users in the US, improving how kid-friendly content is managed on its streaming software.
As with most of Google's updates, kid profiles are attached to a server switch and not a system update, though restarting my Chromecast triggered the change. If the feature is live on your device, you'll receive a notification prompting you to set up a "kids profile." If you miss out on the announcement, you can still start setup by selecting the option from the "Choose your account" screen.
Setting up a separate profile for your kid is simple and straightforward. Google asks for your child's first name and age and allows you to make specific apps available for viewing. Top app suggestions include PBS Kids, Disney Now, and of course, YouTube Kids, but you can also select any of the streaming services already installed on your Chromecast. Before finalizing your kid's new account, you can customize themes, enable profile locks, and schedule screen time both throughout the day and at bedtime.
