================================================================ THE PARENT'S GAME SAFETY CHECKLIST Before you let your child download a mobile game ================================================================ Source: Intel Audit Pros — https://intel-audit-pros.vercel.app/parents-game-safety-checklist Free to print, copy, and share. No sign-up required. Last reviewed: 2026 This checklist takes about 5 minutes per game. Work through each section before downloading. A game that fails several "red flag" items is worth a closer look (or a skip). ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1. PRIVACY & DATA (the most important section) ---------------------------------------------------------------- [ ] The app states whether it is COPPA-compliant (US under-13 rule). [ ] The privacy policy is findable and written in plain language. [ ] The app does NOT ask for the child's real name, email, or photo. [ ] Location access is OFF or not requested. [ ] Microphone / camera access is OFF unless the game genuinely needs it. [ ] Few or no third-party trackers (0 is ideal, under 3 is acceptable). [ ] No account/login is required just to play. ---------------------------------------------------------------- 2. ADS & MONETISATION ---------------------------------------------------------------- [ ] Ads are age-appropriate (no gambling, dating, or shock ads). [ ] Ad "close" (X) buttons are real, not fake/tiny/mislabelled. [ ] No ads that reward watching with in-game currency to pressure replays. [ ] A paid "remove ads" option exists if ads are heavy. [ ] No pop-ups that lead to the app store or external websites. ---------------------------------------------------------------- 3. PURCHASES (protect your card) ---------------------------------------------------------------- [ ] In-app purchases require a password, Face ID, or fingerprint. [ ] No loot boxes / "surprise mechanics" / spin-to-win gambling loops. [ ] Prices are shown in real money, not just gems/coins. [ ] You have set a purchase limit or disabled purchases on the device. [ ] No countdown timers or "limited offer" pressure aimed at kids. ---------------------------------------------------------------- 4. CONTENT & COMMUNICATION ---------------------------------------------------------------- [ ] Age rating matches your child (check PEGI / ESRB / store rating). [ ] No open chat with strangers (or chat can be disabled). [ ] No user-generated content that isn't moderated. [ ] Violence / themes are appropriate for your child's age. [ ] The game works OFFLINE if you want screen time without the open internet. ---------------------------------------------------------------- 5. DEVICE-LEVEL CONTROLS (do this once) ---------------------------------------------------------------- [ ] Screen Time (iOS) or Family Link (Android) is set up. [ ] App downloads require a parent's approval. [ ] Daily time limit is set for games. [ ] Purchases require parent approval ("Ask to Buy" / Family Library). [ ] Location sharing reviewed at the device level. ---------------------------------------------------------------- SCREEN-TIME GUIDELINES BY AGE (AAP / WHO, general guidance) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Ages 2-4 : Under 1 hour/day, co-viewed. Ad-free, no purchases. Ages 5-7 : 1-2 hours/day. Check COPPA. Educational-first. Ages 8-12 : Negotiated family plan. Talk about data & privacy. ---------------------------------------------------------------- QUICK VERDICT ---------------------------------------------------------------- 0-2 red flags : Generally fine — keep normal supervision. 3-4 red flags : Caution — review together before allowing. 5+ red flags : Skip it, or find a safer alternative. Want the trackers, ads, and COPPA status checked FOR you? Browse free per-game safety audits and 0-100 safety scores at: https://intel-audit-pros.vercel.app/games ================================================================ (c) Intel Audit Pros. You may print and distribute this checklist freely for non-commercial parent/teacher use with attribution. ================================================================