Google has been trying to create safe environments for kids on its services, with features such as Family Link parental controls and a section of the Google Play store with teacher-approved apps. It’s building on the likes of those with Kids Space, a mode it’s bringing to some Android tablets.

Google says the idea behind Kids Space is to help them “become explorers of the things they love.” After they select their interests, the mode will showcase things for them to read, play and make. Youngsters can tailor the mode to their identities a bit more by creating a character/avatar.

It looks colorful and easy to navigate. Kids will find a growing library of books and apps in the Read and Play tabs. Google is working with publishers to open up access to books, and children in the United States will be able to read more than 400 books for free in Kids Space.

The Watch and Make tabs include videos from YouTube Kids that Google says are “engaging and encourage off-screen activities.” If all of that is not quite enough, parents can download more things for their kids to check out from Google Play.

The hub, meant for kids under 9 years old, will only be available for tablets running Android, Google’s mobile operating system. It will first come preloaded on some tablets by Lenovo, including the new Tab M10 HD Gen 2. Kids Space will be available on other Android tablets soon.

The launch comes as the academic year begins and, with many schools still closed to fight the spread of the coronavirus, families rely on remote learning. Google’s Kids Space feature isn’t meant for curriculums or formal learning, said Mindy Brooks, Google’s director of user experience for kids and families, but to give children more to do during leisure time.

The search giant has also made inroads in educational tools for teachers and students. Google Classroom, which helps teachers manage their classrooms, doubled from 50 million users to 100 million users. (SD-Agencies)