Google Search Safety Settings

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Google Search helps people find information, websites, images, videos and answers online. Children and teenagers use it for homework, hobbies, game advice and questions they may feel uncomfortable asking aloud. Increasingly, it also generates AI answers above traditional links or offers a conversation through AI Mode. This guide explains Google Search safety settings for parents and carers.

These Google Search safety settings help parents and young people review content filtering, privacy, cookies and account protection together. For younger children, use a properly supervised account and search alongside them. However, filtering cannot establish that every answer is accurate or every linked website is suitable.

Table of contents

Age Rating and Child Safety Warning

Google’s minimum age to manage your own account in Ireland is 16. Younger children can use an appropriately created, parent managed account through Family Link. This is an account requirement, rather than a rating for every search result. Google Search on the web has no universal age classification for all the content it can find.

Use your child’s real date of birth. Google may request age verification through an ID, payment card or other supported method, including facial age estimation in eligible situations. Before submitting information, read the genuine verification screen and its privacy notice. These checks establish age eligibility rather than the safety of search results. Methods and data handling differ.

Child safety warning: Search can lead to sexual content, graphic violence, harmful advice, scams and misleading information. AI answers can also be wrong. Similarly, a school account has administrator controls and is separate from Family Link supervision. Check every account and device your child uses.

Read Google account age requirements and Google age verification for the applicable requirements.

Restrictions Available

Review the child’s actual account and device with them. The controls below cover search, privacy and related browser protections, with their limits explained separately.

Create a supervised child account

A child account keeps the child’s age and parental relationship separate from the parent’s own account. For families starting with a new Android device, use the child setup route. Create a child Google account

  • Turn on the child’s new Android device and follow its setup screens.
  • At Google sign in, select Create account. If needed, select More options, then For my child.
  • Enter your child’s details and correct birthday, then choose the account address and password.
  • Sign in with your own parent account when requested, review the privacy notices, provide consent and select the child’s settings.
  • Finish setup and confirm that your child appears in your Family Link app.

Why it matters: Supervision attaches controls to the right account. However, EU children aged 13 to 15 have a specific new Android setup route in Google’s instructions. Do not delete an existing account to create another without backing up its data.

Add supervision to an existing account

Use this route when the child already has a personal Google account. Parent and child should be together, live in the same country and review what supervision shares. Add supervision

  • On the child’s Android device, open Settings.
  • Select Google, then All services.
  • Under Kids & Family, select Parental controls.
  • Select Let’s do this and choose the child’s account.
  • Complete the consent and parent verification screens, then confirm the connection in Family Link.

Why it matters: Linking provides enforceable controls on supported devices. However, it does not let parents remotely read all past searches, emails or browser history. Google’s help pages differ about ending supervision, so check the account’s current notices.

Choose SafeSearch Filter

Filter attempts to exclude detected explicit text, images and videos. Blur blurs explicit images while explicit links or text may remain. Google SafeSearch instructions

  • On the device being checked, open Google SafeSearch.
  • Confirm the child’s correct account is signed in.
  • Select Filter.
  • If the setting is locked, read who manages it rather than trying to remove the restriction.
  • Repeat the check in each browser or search app the child uses.

Why it matters: Filter offers stronger explicit content protection than Blur. Nevertheless, it applies to Google results rather than every website, and it cannot remove all harmful or misleading content.

Manage supervised SafeSearch

Family Link normally enables and locks filtering for the supervised child account. The parent manages the preference. Supervised Google Search

  • On the parent’s device, open Family Link.
  • Select your child, then Controls.
  • Select Google Search.
  • Keep SafeSearch set to Filter.

Why it matters: Parent management makes the setting harder to change from the child’s account. However, it cannot enforce the same preference when the child is signed out or uses an alternative search app outside that protection.

Restrict websites opened from results

Search filtering and website blocking address different risks. Family Link can limit access in supervised Chrome. Chrome website restrictions

  • Open Family Link, select your child and open Controls.
  • Select Google Chrome and Web.
  • Choose Try to block explicit sites or, for a smaller supervised selection, Only allow approved sites.
  • Under Manage sites, open Approved sites or Blocked sites.
  • Select Add a website, enter the intended website or domain and confirm.

Why it matters: Website rules provide another layer after a search result is clicked. However, filters miss some sites, and a specific website rule may not cover differently named domains. Signing out or switching browsers on some devices can bypass Chrome supervision.

Block alternative search apps

Review search apps separately because not every app follows the supervised Google Search preference. Manage child apps

  • Open Family Link and select your child.
  • Select Screen time, then Time limits and App limits.
  • Select an alternative search or browser app you intend to block.
  • Turn Allowed off and select Done.
  • Check the child’s device to confirm the intended app is unavailable.

Why it matters: App blocking can reduce alternative routes around filtering. However, some system apps cannot be blocked, and another website or unsupervised device may still offer search. Google Search app blocking alone does not block google.com.

Set daily device limits

Family Link can enforce limits on supported supervised devices. A search engine itself does not provide a universal timer for every device. Family Link time limits

  • Open Family Link and select your child.
  • Select Screen time, then Time limits.
  • Turn on Daily limit and select Weekly schedule.
  • Select each day and enter the allowed time.
  • Select Apply to all days of the week if appropriate, then Done.

Why it matters: Daily limits support breaks. However, each Android device or Chromebook receives its own allowance, and system apps cannot have individual app limits.

Turn off Search Services History

Google is gradually replacing some older activity controls. Use the route that actually appears in the account. Search Services History

  • Open My Activity with the correct account.
  • Select Search Services History.
  • Select Turn off.
  • Choose Turn off to stop future saving, or Turn off and delete activity to also remove selected existing history.
  • Review and confirm the activity selected for deletion.

Why it matters: Reducing saved activity limits the account record. However, turning it off does not erase existing history unless you select deletion. Google still processes searches to respond, and other product histories remain separate.

Manage the older Web & App Activity route

Some accounts still use Web & App Activity while the new settings roll out. Web and App Activity

  • Open Google Account and sign in.
  • Select Data & privacy.
  • Under History settings, select Web & App Activity.
  • Select Turn off and review whether to stop saving only or also delete existing activity.
  • Check the remaining history settings independently.

Why it matters: This route manages saved activity for accounts awaiting migration. However, the newer Search Services History controls may replace it for Search. Neither option makes browsing anonymous.

Delete history and choose automatic deletion

History removal is different from clearing browser cookies. Review the account’s stored Search history together. Delete Search history

  • Open My Activity in the correct account and select its Search history.
  • Select Delete and choose the period or Delete all time.
  • Review the selected activity and confirm deletion.
  • For future retention, open Controls, select Auto-delete and choose the offered period.
  • Select Next and confirm the changes.

Why it matters: Shorter retention reduces old searches visible in the account. However, browser history and other product activity are separate, and Google may retain information for specified security or legal purposes.

Limit saved images, files and recordings

The newer Save media subsetting can cover uploads and recordings used in Search services. Saved media controls

  • Open My Activity.
  • Select Search Services History and open its settings.
  • If history remains on, uncheck Save media.
  • Review previously saved media in the history and delete items you no longer want retained.

Why it matters: Reducing stored media can limit exposure of family photos, voice recordings and documents. However, Search still processes material supplied for an answer. Avoid uploading school identifiers, medical details or other people’s images.

Review older visual and audio history

Before migration, visual searches and voice recordings may have separate optional boxes under Web & App Activity. Visual Search History

  • Open Google Account, then Data & privacy.
  • Select Web & App Activity.
  • Uncheck Include Visual Search History if offered.
  • Uncheck Include voice and audio activity if offered.
  • Review saved activity and delete older images or recordings separately.

Why it matters: These choices reduce optional storage. However, they do not prevent the immediate processing needed for image or voice search, and newer Save media controls may now apply.

Reduce personalized recommendations

Personalized recommendations can use saved account activity. This control is separate from history retention. Personalized recommendations

  • Open Google Account.
  • Select Data & privacy, then Personalization settings.
  • Turn Personalized Recommendations in Search services off if you prefer less account based tailoring.
  • For a supervised account, check Family Link, Controls, Google Search, then Personalized Recommendations.

Why it matters: Less tailoring can reduce reliance on past interests. However, location, language and the current question still influence results. The child may be able to change recommendation preferences, so this is not a parental content lock.

Cookies are small pieces of stored website data. Some keep a session or preference working, while others support advertising or measurement. Chrome cookie controls

  • When Google displays a cookie choice, read the purposes and choose Reject all for optional cookies if that option appears.
  • For more detailed choices, open More options and review the listed purposes before confirming.
  • On Chrome for computer, open More, then Settings and Privacy and security.
  • Select Third-party cookies, then Block third-party cookies.
  • Under See all site data and permissions, find Google, select its delete control and confirm if you want its local site data removed.
  • Recheck SafeSearch after clearing cookies, especially when signed out.

Why it matters: Rejecting optional cookies reduces some tracking. However, necessary cookies can remain, account based activity is separate, and clearing cookies may sign you out or reset locally saved safety preferences.

Restrict location, camera and microphone access

Search by voice, image or nearby place can request device access. Grant access only for a clear purpose. Website permissions

  • In Chrome for computer, open Settings, then Privacy and security and Site settings.
  • Open Location, Camera and Microphone separately.
  • Review allowed sites and remove unwanted permissions for Google or other search services.
  • Keep permission requests controlled rather than automatically approving them.
  • For supervised Chrome, also review Family Link, Controls, Google Chrome and Web, Advanced settings, then Permissions for sites.

Why it matters: Permission limits reduce unnecessary access. However, existing permissions may remain after a supervision change, and a general location can still be inferred from an IP address. App permissions and iPhone location permissions need separate review.

AI Overviews summarise material, while AI Mode supports follow up questions. Google describes AI Overviews as a core feature without a universal off switch. AI Overviews and Web filter

  • Run your search on Google.
  • Select the Web filter. If it is hidden, look in More.
  • Open the original publisher’s page and check who wrote it and when.
  • Compare an important claim with another reliable source.

Why it matters: Traditional links make it easier to assess the original evidence. However, the Web filter is a search view rather than a locked child setting, and linked pages can still contain errors or AI generated material.

Review AI Mode history and feedback

AI Mode can process questions, images and files. Search history controls and Gemini app controls are separate. AI Mode documentation

  • Open My Activity and review the applicable Search history control.
  • Remove AI searches you no longer want saved, using the history deletion steps above.
  • For a problematic AI answer, select Thumbs down or its feedback option.
  • Describe the error without adding unnecessary personal information, then review what will be included before selecting Submit.

Why it matters: Reviewing history and feedback helps manage the record and flag mistakes. However, feedback can include your question and answer and may be used to improve systems. No distinct Irish child AI Mode access switch was verified in this review.

Secure the account with verification

Google account security protects saved searches as well as other account data. Use a unique password and supported verification methods. Google verification setup

  • Open Google Account.
  • Select Security & sign-in.
  • Under How you sign in to Google, select 2-Step Verification.
  • Follow the setup prompts for a supported method and keep recovery options secure.
  • For a supervised account, check which methods the account actually offers before assuming adult options apply.

Why it matters: An extra sign in check reduces password theft risk. Nevertheless, it does not make harmful results safe or protect codes voluntarily given to a scammer.

Review devices with account access

Shared or lost devices can expose account history. Review actual sessions rather than relying on a device name alone. Devices and sessions

  • Open Google Account, then Security & sign-in.
  • Under Your devices, select Manage all devices.
  • Select a device or session and review its details.
  • Select Sign out for a device no longer yours or a session you cannot explain.
  • If activity looks suspicious, follow Google’s account security guidance and review recovery details.

Why it matters: Ending unwanted sessions reduces access. However, signing out does not erase downloads or local copies already held on that device.

Request removal of a child’s image

Google has a dedicated route for non explicit images of people under 18. This is different from reporting explicit content or illegal material. Minor image removal

  • Open Google’s minor image removal page.
  • Select Start removal request.
  • Provide the requested image and page URLs and your relationship to the child.
  • Review the information and submit the request only when accurate.
  • Follow the response and contact the hosting site where appropriate.

Why it matters: Search removal can reduce discovery. However, it does not delete the image from the original website, and public interest exceptions can apply. Never download or forward suspected child sexual abuse images to make a report.

Report exposed personal information

Personal information removal has its own policy and eligibility checks. The adult Results about you dashboard is not a universal child dashboard. Personal information removal

  • Open Google personal information removal guidance.
  • For a person under 18, follow the linked detailed removal request form.
  • Select the relevant information category and supply the requested URLs.
  • Explain threats or harassment when the form asks, then review and submit.
  • Keep the confirmation and follow the response.

Why it matters: Reducing search visibility can limit exposure of contact details. However, removal is reviewed under policy and leaves the source website outside Google’s control.

Download a copy of account data

An export can help you understand what an account contains. Store it securely because it can reveal sensitive history. Google data export

  • Sign in to the correct account and open Google Takeout.
  • Deselect products you do not need and review the available activity selection.
  • Select Next step.
  • Choose the delivery method, frequency and archive format.
  • Select Create export, then follow the delivery instructions and secure the download.

Why it matters: An export provides a record to review. However, downloading data does not delete it from Google, and supervised or school account options may differ.

Set downtime and school schedules

Schedules limit which apps are available at bedtime or school on supported devices. Family Link schedules

  • Open Family Link and select your child.
  • Select Screen time, then Schedules.
  • Turn on Downtime or School time.
  • Under the chosen schedule, select Weekly schedule, choose the days and enter Start time and End time.
  • Select Done, then review Allowed Apps and any Unlimited Apps exceptions.

Why it matters: Schedules can reduce distractions. However, calls remain available and allowed apps can bypass scheduled restrictions. Availability depends on the device.

Autocomplete can introduce topics before a child finishes typing. These Android options affect suggestions rather than block results. Autocomplete controls

  • Open the Google app, then your Profile picture, Settings and Other settings.
  • Select Autocomplete settings and turn off Autocomplete with trending searches.
  • For google.com in a mobile browser, open your Profile picture, More settings, then Other settings and turn off the same option.
  • When signed out in the Android app, open Profile picture, Settings, Privacy & Safety, then Search customization and turn it off.
  • To report a concerning prediction, touch and hold it, then select Report this.

Why it matters: Fewer suggestions can reduce unwanted prompts. However, this does not disable every prediction or prevent deliberate searches. The settings are changing during Google’s privacy rollout.

Adjust unwanted Discover recommendations

Discover presents articles without a search. Topic preferences can reduce repeated unwanted recommendations. Discover preferences

  • Open the Google app and find the relevant card.
  • Select More, then Not interested in [Topic] or Don’t show content from [Source].
  • To unfollow an interest, open Profile picture, Settings, Personalization, then Manage your interests.
  • Select Following and open the interest, then select Following to unfollow it.

Why it matters: Preferences can reduce repetition. However, they are not an enforceable content filter, and options differ by language, region and privacy rollout.

Review advertising personalisation

Advertising controls differ from search recommendations. Google says personalised ads may already be off because an account is under 18. Google advertising controls

  • Sign in to the correct account and open My Ad Center.
  • Next to Personalized ads, select the current On or Off setting.
  • Choose Off if the account offers this choice and confirm it.
  • Keep an unavailable setting in its existing protected state rather than changing the birthday to unlock it.

Why it matters: Less personalisation reduces some use of saved information for ads. However, contextual advertising remains and other advertising platforms have separate controls.

Block or report a suspicious search advertisement

A sponsored result is an advertisement rather than a recommendation that CODA has checked. Advertisement controls

  • On the Google advertisement, select More or Info.
  • Select Block ad when available.
  • For suspected policy violations, use the linked reporting guidance and describe the issue accurately.

Why it matters: Blocking reduces repeat exposure to that advertisement. However, it cannot eliminate every advertiser or guarantee that an advertised site is legitimate.

Keep browser security warnings enabled

Chrome Safe Browsing checks sites, downloads and extensions for known threats. This is a browser control used after leaving Search. Chrome Safe Browsing

  • On Chrome for computer, open More, then Settings.
  • Select Privacy and security, then Security.
  • Under Safe Browsing, keep Standard protection or choose Enhanced protection after reviewing its data use.
  • Leave a site when a warning appears rather than bypassing it.

Why it matters: Warnings can interrupt scams and harmful downloads. However, new threats may escape detection. Enhanced protection sends more browsing information to Google for security checks.

Review linked apps with account access

External apps may hold account permissions separate from the Search privacy settings. Adult account instructions may differ for supervised accounts. Linked app permissions

  • Open Google linked apps in the correct account.
  • Select Access to your Google Account, then the app and See details.
  • Review its permissions and select Remove access, then Confirm for unwanted access.
  • For a sign in connection, select Sign in with Google, choose the app, then See details, Stop using Sign in with Google and Confirm.

Why it matters: Removing access limits future sharing. However, it does not erase data previously copied by the developer or delete the external account.

Recover an account through Google

Use the genuine recovery process if someone takes over an account or a password is lost. Account recovery guidance

  • Open Google Account recovery.
  • Enter the account address and answer the ownership questions.
  • Follow the verification prompts and choose a unique replacement password when requested.
  • For a school account, contact the administrator. For a younger supervised child, use Google’s linked parent password reset guidance.

Why it matters: Recovery can restore control. However, third party recovery services may be scams, and Google does not provide a telephone password recovery service. Never share verification codes.

Understand account deletion before proceeding

Deleting the account affects Gmail, files, purchases and other services as well as Search. A parent must review the separate supervised account process. Account deletion guidance

  • Export important data first and replace the account address used to recover other services.
  • For an eligible account, open Google Account and select Data & privacy.
  • Under Your data & privacy options, select More options, then Delete your Google Account.
  • Read every warning and proceed only if you intend to lose access to the listed services and data.

Why it matters: Deletion removes account access and data under Google’s policies. However, recovery may become impossible. Do not delete a child account merely to fix a filter.

Google Search Safety Settings and Why They Matter

Content filtering reduces some explicit results, while privacy controls reduce certain records and tracking. Account security protects access to saved data. These controls address different risks and work best when combined with conversations about what a child finds.

How to Use Google Search Safely

For younger children, search together and choose a small set of trusted learning websites. For teenagers, agree when independent searching is appropriate and how to ask for help after an upsetting result. Encourage questions without blaming a child for content they encounter.

Check the publisher, date and evidence before trusting an answer. Sponsored links may lead to scams, and generated answers can cite material that does not support their claim. Avoid submitting school details, passwords, private photos or sensitive family information in a search or AI prompt.

Essential Safety Advice and Current Concerns

Google Search safety settings now need to cover generated answers alongside traditional results. AI can explain difficult topics or support accessibility. However, its confident wording can make a mistaken answer feel authoritative. Check sources, dates and missing context before using it for homework or decisions.

Common Sense Media’s July 2026 assessment tested more than 2,600 searches using child and teen accounts with SafeSearch. Researchers found failures in crisis responses and unreliable learning answers. This controlled product assessment shows possible failure modes rather than the frequency of harm for every child. Google AI search risk assessment

eSafety’s 2026 survey involved 1,950 Australian children aged 10 to 17. Among users of AI assistants or companions, 20% reported potentially harmful or inappropriate interactions and 32% shared personal or sensitive information. This is evidence about broader AI use, rather than an exposure rate for Google Search or Irish children. eSafety children and AI research

Ofcom’s 2026 UK research found that 40% of teenage AI users would trust AI generated news as much as, or more than, human written news. This concerns news and broader AI literacy rather than a measured error rate for Google. Ofcom children and AI findings

For parents, use these findings to discuss what should stay out of prompts and when a child should ask a trusted adult. They do not establish that Google Search caused the reported experiences. Similarly, do not use generated search answers as a diagnosis or as the only source of safeguarding advice.

Responding to harmful content

If a search leads to grooming, sexual pressure, threats or bullying, help the child close the page and speak with a trusted adult. Keep relevant non explicit evidence when safe, report through the service and contact appropriate support. Never download or forward suspected child sexual abuse material.

In immediate danger in Ireland, call 112 or 999. For confidential support, use Childline Ireland. Report suspected illegal online content through Hotline.ie. CODA enquiries are for education and guidance rather than an emergency response.

Platform Support and Regional Differences

Menu labels differ across web, Android and iPhone. School accounts may have administrator rules, and account eligibility can vary by country. Use the official help route for the device being checked, rather than assuming desktop instructions apply everywhere.

Check permissions and filtering after signing out, clearing cookies, adding a browser or updating an app. Free search protection does not require buying an AI subscription. A paid feature does not establish suitability for children.

Safety Checklist

  • Confirm the correct account and birthday, with supervision where appropriate.
  • Keep the strongest relevant content filter enabled on each search route.
  • Review privacy, cookie consent, history and permissions separately.
  • Check AI preferences and teach the child to verify original sources.
  • Secure accounts and review shared devices where an account is used.
  • Agree breaks and a clear way to ask for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does filtering guarantee safe results?

No. Filters can miss harmful material and do not establish that an answer is accurate. Websites opened from a result have separate risks.

Does clearing cookies delete account history?

No. Browser cookies and account activity are different records. Clearing cookies can also reset locally stored safety preferences.

Can children trust an AI answer for homework?

Treat it as a starting point to check. Open the cited sources, compare reliable information and follow the school’s rules about AI use.

Can parents read everything a child searches?

Capabilities depend on the service and supervision setup. Explain monitoring openly and do not assume a parental control provides access to all activity.

Related CODA Guides

Continue with Resources for Parents and Video Guides. For further Irish support routes, visit Useful Links and Supports.

References

Sources 1 to 12

Sources 13 to 24

Sources 25 to 36

Sources 37 to 40

About Children of the Digital Age

Children of the Digital Age provides online safety education and training for schools, parents and organisations. Our guidance combines practical digital safety with discussion of online behaviour and the decisions people make. For families, settings support ongoing conversations and do not replace safeguarding or professional support.

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    Last updated: 10 October 2026