[TheSilva]

That's parental control, that's not the same. I want to hand my phone to my kids and let them access only one or two apps that I have listed as allowed.

I don't want (yet, but it will come) for them to have their own device that I control as you explained.

[piltdownman]

Depends on your device then. Some Android Devices allow multiple-user accounts, one of which can be a specially locked-down child account. I think Samsung Galaxy have a proprietary flavour as well.

https://support.google.com/kidsspace/answer/10065701?hl=en

[j45]

Android should have a Kiosk mode that's available sometimes that locks it to one app full screen.

Android may have alternate launchers you can install (they are just apps) which you can customize how you need. One of the best features of Android imho.

I tried helping a friend with their kids Amazon tablet and left the experience wanting to wipe it clean and just define what 4 buttons parents can put on the screen.

Other tech:

Apple has a guided access feature which locks it to one app (except it's handed to them).

We're holding off on personal screens for now until the information diet can be tamed and managed. Looking for a smartwatch with a phone with physical buttons and no screen. Seem to be some options.

[mksybr]

That's app pinning.

https://support.google.com/android/answer/9455138?hl=en

[ankit_mishra]

It only let's you pin single app though, as far as I understand.

[em-bee]

my android (/e/OS) allows to create multiple accounts that you can switch. i create a second account that only has the apps my kids are allowed to use. they can't switch users as that would require them to log in.

i don't think multiple account is an /e/OS feature, but must be coming from lineage/ASOP so other ROMs should have it too (unless it was intentionally removed)