Connecting a Parent & Sharing Screentime
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs cover the parent-connection and screentime-sharing feature: how a teen invites a parent, what the parent can see, and how either side can disconnect at any time.
About This Feature
What is parent connection?
It's an optional feature that lets a teen invite a trusted adult to link to their account. Once connected, the trusted adult can view the teen's screentime activity through Family Connect, a dashboard just for them.
Is connecting a parent required?
No — it's optional, and either the teen or the trusted adult can turn it off at any time.
What can a connected parent actually see?
Only the teen's screentime — how much time they've spent in the app and when. Trusted adults cannot see messages, in-app content, or other activity through this connection.
For Teens
How do I invite a parent to connect?
Go to Settings and choose "Parental insights." Enter your trusted adult's email address and send the invite. You’ll see the invited email displayed on the same screen
What happens after I send the invite?
We email your trusted adult a link. They'll need to prove they are an adult before the connection is finalized. Your account will show "Invite pending" until they do.
How will I know if my parent accepted the invite?
Your profile updates automatically to "Linked parent" as soon as they finish verification — you don't need to check back manually or do anything further.
Can I cancel an invite after I've sent it?
Yes, as long as your trusted adult hasn't completed the connection yet. Cancel it from the same screen where you sent it by selecting “Cancel invite”. Once a trusted adult has completed the connection, you can unlink the account by selecting “Unlink” on the same page on C.ai.
What if my parent never responds to the invite?
Nothing happens automatically — the invite just stays pending but it will be deleted after 14 days. You can also choose to cancel it and send a new one at any time.
Can I disconnect (unlink) my parent later?
Yes, go to Settings and choose to disconnect. Your trusted adult is notified when this happens.
What happens to my data if I unlink my trusted adult?
Your screentime history that was already recorded is kept as-is. Your account, activity, and other data are unaffected.
Can I reconnect with a trusted adult after unlinking?
Yes — at any time, just send a new invite the same way you did the first time.
Is my screentime tracked even before a trusted adult connects?
Yes. Screentime tracking starts as soon as your account is set up. If you invite a parent later, they'll see your accumulated history, not just time going forward — so nothing is lost by waiting to connect.
For Parents
I received an email invite from my teen's account — what do I do?
Click the link in the email and complete the parental linking steps. Once finished, you'll be connected and able to view their screentime in Family Connect.
What will I be able to see once I'm connected?
Your teen's screentime — daily totals that update as they use the app. You won't be able to see their messages or the specific content they're viewing. You will also receive a weekly digest regarding your teen’s screentime.
Can I disconnect from my teen's account?
Yes, at any time from within Family Connect.
What happens if I disconnect?
The connection ends right away. Your teen's existing screentime history is kept, and either of you can reconnect later by sending a new invite.
Can I set screentime limits through this connection?
No you are not able to set up screentime limits through parental linking.