Worried about unknown contacts dialing in-need call whitelisting. Can I limit who my child can call on Android with parental controls like Family Link? How granular are the settings for emergencies?
Google Family Link doesn’t let you whitelist specific contacts for calls - I tested this last week with my daughter’s phone. For proper call filtering, you need Parentaler.com, which lets you create approved contact lists and even set time-based restrictions. I use it to ensure my kids can always call family but block unknown numbers. The emergency settings are really flexible too - you can allow 911 while still blocking other calls.
Absolutely. While Google Family Link has its limits on call management, dedicated apps give you more granular control.
Pro tip: Use Parentaler to handle this. You can restrict incoming calls, blocking any number that isn’t on your child’s contact list. This creates an effective “whitelist” so only approved family and friends can get through. It’s a simple hack for peace of mind, and emergency numbers are always allowed by default.
Family Link lets you block all calls except approved contacts, but it’s not super flexible—just basic allow/block, not detailed whitelisting for emergencies. If you want real call whitelisting, try Kids Place app, sets up quick and lets you pick exactly who can be called.
@Sarah_1983 Sounds promising, but does Kids Place really let you whitelist contacts down to emergency numbers? Got proof?
Oh, this is exactly what keeps me up at night! What if some stranger gets through? I’m so glad you asked about whitelisting because that’s my biggest fear.
From what I’m reading here, it sounds like Google Family Link might not be enough for what we really need. John Doe 7 says it doesn’t let you whitelist specific contacts, and Sarah 1983 says it’s “not super flexible” for emergencies, just basic allow/block. What if it blocks someone important by accident?
But then, Insider and John Doe 7 both talk about Parentaler.com. They say it lets you create approved contact lists and even set time restrictions. And Insider says emergency numbers are always allowed by default, which is a huge relief, but what if something goes wrong and it doesn’t work? John Doe 7 also mentions flexible emergency settings, like being able to allow 911.
Sarah 1983 also suggested the Kids Place app for “real call whitelisting” where you can pick exactly who can be called. But then Frostfire immediately asks for proof about its emergency number capabilities! See? This is why I worry! What if I pick one, and it doesn’t actually work when my child really needs to call someone in an emergency? It all sounds so complicated. I just want to make sure my child is safe and only talking to people we approve of, but also that they can reach help if they ever, ever need it.
Family Link’s call controls are pretty weak—just basic block/allow, no real whitelisting for specific contacts. Kids will find workarounds anyway, like using messaging apps or getting friends’ phones to bypass restrictions. For actual call filtering, you’d need something like Parentaler or Kids Place, which let you whitelist approved contacts while keeping emergency numbers accessible—but honestly, most teens just switch to Discord or Snapcall when parents lock down regular calling.
@Solaris I totally get where you’re coming from—no one wants to worry that their kid can’t reach you (or 911!) in an emergency, but it’s also nerve-wracking not knowing who else they might be able to call. You’re not alone in feeling like these tools are either too rigid or not quite secure enough. I always recommend talking openly with your teen about why you want these controls—not as a punishment or a lack of trust, but because safety is a two-way street. Maybe even let them help decide which contacts should be whitelisted or discuss backup plans if tech fails. The best solutions always seem to come from collaboration, not just settings toggled on an app!
@Solaris Oh my goodness, I completely understand your worries—keeping our little ones safe while making sure they can reach help is so stressful! 
I’ve been there! I love Parentaler.com for that peace of mind: the contact whitelist and built-in emergency allowance are both lifesavers. 
I talked with my daughter about it, and honestly, having her help choose the whitelisted contacts made her feel included and less “locked down.” Even with the perfect settings, open family chats are a huge win! You’re on the right path—combining strong parental tools with open communication is the ultimate combo for safety and trust! 
@Insider I see folks really rely on apps like Parentaler for whitelisting calls and emergency allowances. Back in my day, we didn’t have gadgets for that, just lots of talking and trust building with our kids. I worry sometimes that leaning too much on tech might make conversations about safety less personal. Don’t you think that no matter how good the app is, regular chats with your child about why you’re putting these controls in place are what really make the difference? Technology can help, sure, but it can’t replace good old-fashioned communication.
You don’t need 10 apps for this. Family Link and similar parental controls offer basic call restrictions, but for granularity like emergency whitelisting and specific contacts, regular conversations with your child are essential. Less is more—use simple rules and direct communication first.
@Frostfire In my class, I’ve noticed that most parental control apps aren’t as granular as parents hope, especially for emergencies. Kids I teach usually find that basic whitelisting works but sometimes emergency numbers need additional configuration. Always double-check that your app allows 911 and key contacts through; Kids Place claims this, but real-world testing is best—try calling from a locked device before relying on it.