HeyWhatsNew: Google Brings School Mode to Android Devices

In recent years, the use of smartphones during the school day has sparked debate. Phones capture children's attention more effectively than teaching, and many have hoped for various phone bans or other restrictions in schools. Google has now introduced a new operating mode in which it aims to solve the problem.

This feature will arrive on "selected Android smartphones and tablets" during 2025. In addition, it will be available for Samsung Galaxy Watch smartwatches and Fitbit Ace LTE, which is already available in the US. Interestingly, Google's own Pixel Watches are not on the list, at least for now.

For the unaware, the School Time feature is a simple operating mode that, among other things, limits the use of applications. With the Family Link application, parents can schedule the mode to be automatically activated on a school day and thus encourage their child to concentrate during the lesson.

In addition to the schedule, the school space can be used whenever needed, and with a remote connection, parents can also allow their children more freedom if they so wish. In school mode, you can use the phone to call or send messages to predefined numbers, and you can also grant access to selected applications. Even though games and social media can be cut off.

The smartphone's user interface also adapts in school mode, and in addition to quick dials for calls and messages, the screen mostly has a button leading to the menu of allowed applications.

Google has not yet announced a specific release date for the School Time feature, but we'll be sure to keep you updated as soon as it becomes available on a wider range of devices."