Google Location Sharing Age Requirements and Restrictions
Short answer
Google requires users to be at least 13 years old to use location sharing on Google Maps, aligning with US privacy laws protecting children. Users under 13 can access location sharing only through supervised family accounts with parental controls. This age limit helps protect younger users’ privacy while allowing teens to share location safely with trusted contacts.
What is Google’s Location Sharing Age Requirement?
Google’s location sharing feature on Google Maps is available only to users who are at least 13 years old. This minimum age complies with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), a US law that restricts companies from collecting personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. Since real-time location sharing involves sharing sensitive data, Google enforces this age restriction to protect younger users.
If a child under 13 wants to use location sharing, they must be part of a Google Family Group managed through Google Family Link, which provides parental supervision and control over account activities. In those cases, parents or guardians set up a supervised account for the child, controlling what features they can use and how location data is shared.
For users 13 and older, Google allows location sharing directly through Google Maps with privacy controls such as setting who can see the location and for how long. This age rule helps ensure that users understand the privacy implications and can consent responsibly.
How Does Google Location Sharing Work with Age Limits? (With Example)
Location sharing on Google Maps lets you share your real-time whereabouts with specific people from your contacts. When enabled, Google Maps continuously updates your location on their devices until you turn off sharing or the set sharing period ends.
Example Scenario:
Imagine a 14-year-old student attending an after-school event. To keep track of their safety, the teen opens the Google Maps app, taps “Share location,” selects their parent’s name from their contacts, and sets sharing for “Until you turn this off.” Now, the parent can see the teen’s live location on their phone throughout the event. If the teen wants privacy afterward, they simply tap “Stop sharing” within the app.
For a younger child, say 10 years old, location sharing works differently. The parent first installs Google Family Link and creates a supervised Google account for the child. The parent then enables location sharing within the family group, allowing them to see the child’s location on their device. The child cannot independently share location with others without parental permission through this setup.
This controlled approach balances safety and privacy by giving parents oversight while allowing older children some independence.
Why Does Google Enforce an Age Restriction for Location Sharing?
The main reason for the age restriction is protecting children’s privacy and safety online. Location sharing reveals where a person is in real time—a detail that can be risky if misused. Children under 13 are considered less capable of understanding these risks, so the law requires parental consent before companies collect or share their personal information, including location.
By restricting location sharing to users 13 and older, Google follows COPPA guidelines and reduces the risk of younger children exposing themselves to stalking, bullying, or unwanted contact. For families, it signals when it’s appropriate to introduce location sharing with education and supervision.
Parents managing accounts through Google Family Link can control location sharing permissions, monitor activity, and decide when children are ready to use location sharing independently. This system supports gradual learning about digital privacy and safety.
What Terms Are Commonly Confused with Google Location Sharing and Age?
Several terms related to Google location services often get mixed up:
- Location Sharing: This is the live sharing of your current location with specific people via Google Maps. You choose who sees your location and for how long.
- Location History: This feature records and saves where you have been over time on Google’s servers, creating a timeline accessible only to you. It is separate from location sharing and requires a different setting to be enabled or disabled (learn more about managing location history).
- Family Location Sharing: A feature within Google Family Link that allows family members to share locations automatically. This enables parents to keep track of children’s whereabouts with parental controls and supervision (see how to turn on family location sharing).
- Google Account Age: The age entered during account creation determines eligibility for location sharing, not the length of time you’ve held the account.
Understanding these distinctions helps parents and users configure location sharing more safely and avoid confusion about privacy settings.
What Steps Should Parents Take to Manage Google Location Sharing for Children?
Parents can take several concrete steps to manage location sharing safely:
- Set Up Google Family Link: Download and install Google Family Link on your and your child’s devices. Create a supervised Google account for children under 13.
- Enable Location Sharing in Family Group: After account setup, open Google Maps, go to Location Sharing, and share the child’s location with family members within the group. Confirm permissions together.
- Discuss Location Sharing Rules: Have clear conversations with your child or teen about when it is appropriate to share location, who should see it, and how to stop sharing.
- Regularly Review Settings: Periodically check location sharing activity and settings in Google Maps and Family Link to ensure they remain appropriate as your child grows.
- Teach Privacy Controls: Show children how to start and stop location sharing and how to recognize when location is being shared.
- Use Time Limits: Encourage setting location sharing for limited periods instead of indefinitely to improve safety.
By following these steps, parents maintain control while helping children learn responsible digital habits.
How Can Teens Use Google Location Sharing Safely?
Teens 13 and older can manage location sharing themselves but should keep these tips in mind:
- Share with Trusted Contacts Only: Limit sharing to family members or close friends who respect privacy.
- Use Temporary Sharing: Choose to share location for specific events or time periods, like during rides home or group outings.
- Turn Off When Not Needed: Stop sharing once safety concerns have passed to avoid unnecessary exposure.
- Be Mindful of Other Apps: Some social media apps also share location; teens should check those settings regularly.
- Report Concerns: If sharing causes discomfort or risky situations, contact a parent, guardian, or trusted adult immediately.
For example, a 16-year-old might share location only during a concert with friends and stop sharing afterward to maintain privacy.
Where Can Users Find More Help About Google Location Sharing?
To explore how to set up, manage, and safely use location sharing, visit these helpful resources:
- How to Share Location on Google Maps explains step-by-step location sharing setup.
- How to Share Your Location Safely with Family offers tips for family safety.
- Location Sharing for Kids Explained details account and privacy controls for younger users.
- How to Turn on Family Location Sharing shows how to create family location groups.
If you have privacy concerns, consider reaching out to a trusted adult, legal aid, or privacy advocacy groups. For urgent safety issues, contact local authorities or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
Frequently asked questions
Can children under 13 share their location on Google Maps?
Not independently. Under 13, children need supervised Google accounts via Family Link for location sharing, allowing parents to control who can see their location.
How can I stop sharing my location on Google Maps?
Open Google Maps, tap your profile or location sharing, and select “Stop sharing” for each contact or altogether. This immediately stops all location sharing.
Does Google notify me when someone shares their location with me?
Yes, you receive a notification when someone starts sharing their location with you through Google Maps to keep you informed.
What is the difference between location sharing and location history?
Location sharing shows your current location to selected contacts live. Location history saves your past locations privately on your account and does not share them with others.
How do I set up location sharing for my child safely?
Use Google Family Link to create a supervised account, enable location sharing within the family group, discuss privacy rules, and regularly review settings with your child.