Online safety – Week 4

How to know if an app is suitable for your child

If you’re unsure, the best is to check the ratings for the app, read reviews from other users, and consider downloading the app or game yourself so that you can see if it is suitable for your child before they play. Look at what settings are available in the app to help keep your child safe.

Look for:

• Content – what is posted / included and are there any controls to limit the type of content seen. Does a game have violent content
• Contact – who can message them, or who are they playing games with. Can you limit this in the settings.
• In-app purchases – this can be a way of enhancing gameplay or advancing through levels. Looks at the settings to turn off in-app purchases.
• Advertising – considering if the ads that are shown suitable for your child. You can report inappropriate ads to the ASA.