Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

Chrome is a phenomenal browser—fast, secure, feature-packed. But it's also a completely neutral tool that provides unfettered access to the entire internet, which includes everything from MIT OpenCourseWare to content no kid should see.

The good news: Google's Family Link integration is robust. You can set up supervised accounts, block categories of sites, review browsing history, and set time limits. Enhanced Protection Mode and Safety Check add strong technical security.

The reality: Most parents hand over Chrome (or any browser) without configuring these controls, which is like giving a 10-year-old a car and saying "figure it out." Even with controls, kids are resourceful—they'll find workarounds, use incognito mode on friends' devices, or access content through search results.

Chrome isn't the problem or the solution. It's infrastructure. The question is whether you're willing to do the setup work and have ongoing conversations about digital literacy, critical thinking, and what to do when they inevitably encounter something weird or uncomfortable online.

Age Fit

Chrome is appropriate for kids 10+ with active parental supervision and Family Link configured. Younger kids (6-9) can use it for specific educational sites with close oversight. Teens 13+ can handle more independence but still benefit from check-ins about online habits and critical thinking.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

70

Chrome itself is neutral—a browser that enables access to the entire internet. With Family Link integration and supervised accounts, parents can create wholesome boundaries, but the browser doesn't inherently promote positive values. It's a tool that reflects whatever content users navigate to.

Imaginative

65

As a gateway to the web, Chrome enables unlimited creative exploration—coding tutorials, art platforms, educational videos, collaborative tools. Google Lens adds visual search curiosity. But it's passive infrastructure; imagination depends entirely on where users choose to go, not what Chrome itself inspires.

Safe

55

Enhanced Protection Mode and Safety Check are solid security features, but Chrome is an unrestricted gateway to the entire internet by default. Without Family Link supervision, kids can access anything—inappropriate content, predatory sites, endless rabbit holes. Google Password Manager is helpful but also stores sensitive data. The browser itself has strong technical safety, but zero content safety without parental controls actively configured.

Enriching

68

Chrome provides access to Khan Academy, coding platforms, research databases, language learning, and virtually every educational resource online. Google Translate breaks language barriers. But it equally provides access to brain-rot content, endless scrolling, and distraction loops. Enrichment is possible but requires intentional navigation and discipline.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Fast, reliable browser with excellent sync across devices—bookmarks, passwords, and tabs follow you everywhere
Google Lens lets kids explore the world visually, translating signs or identifying plants with their camera
Family Link integration allows real supervision—block sites, set time limits, and monitor browsing when properly configured
Access to every educational resource online: Khan Academy, coding tutorials, research databases, language learning
Enhanced Protection Mode and Safety Check provide strong technical security against malware and phishing

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What to Watch For

Unrestricted internet access by default—kids can stumble onto anything without Family Link actively configured
Requires parent tech-savviness to set up supervised accounts, site blocking, and time limits properly
Even with controls, determined kids can find workarounds or access content through search results
Infinite scroll and algorithmic rabbit holes are just as accessible as educational content

Conversation Starters

"What websites do you visit most often? What makes them interesting to you?"
"Have you ever seen something online that made you uncomfortable? What did you do?"
"How do you decide if a website is trustworthy or has good information?"
"What's something cool you learned online this week that you want to teach me?"

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