How to choose a safe mobile game for your child: 7 questions
Ads, chat, data collection, purchases and game design: seven questions to ask before you download.
App stores list thousands of apps labeled "for kids", but not all of them are made with the same care. Asking these seven questions before downloading makes the choice easier.
1. Are there ads in the game?
Children can find it hard to tell ads apart from game content. Ads that pop up mid-game break concentration, and accidental taps can send kids to the store or other apps. Look for "Contains ads" on the store page and choose ad-free games when you can.
2. Is there chat or online interaction?
Messaging with strangers, voice chat or free-text usernames can pose risks for young children. If your child is young, choose games without these social features.
3. What data does it collect?
The "Data safety" (Google Play) or "App Privacy" (App Store) section of the store page shows which data an app collects. Think twice about a kids' game that asks for location, contacts or an advertising ID. The privacy policy should be clear and easy to understand.
4. How are purchases protected?
If there are in-app purchases, turn on the store's parental approval (purchase approvals on Google Play, "Ask to Buy" on iPhone). Stay away from designs that constantly push kids to buy and from random reward boxes.
5. Is the age rating appropriate?
PEGI, ESRB or the store's own age rating is a starting point. But don't rely on the label alone; look at the screenshots and trailer too.
6. Can it be played offline?
Games that work offline are handy on trips and also minimize internet-related risks (ads, chat, data transfer).
7. Is it designed to keep kids glued to the screen?
Daily rewards, "don't break your streak" notifications, waiting timers and mechanics built on fear of losing are designed to keep kids playing. Open-ended games with no rules or timers, driven by the child's own imagination, usually offer a healthier play experience.
Bonus: Play together
The best way to check a game is to explore it with your child the first few times. You'll see what they enjoy and where they struggle, and you can start conversations that bring the game's stories into real life.
bibibeep is designed to give a "safe" answer to all of these questions: no ads, no chat, plays offline and only collects anonymous statistics.