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The Parent's Game Safety Checklist

A free, printable checklist to evaluate any mobile game before your child downloads it. Covers privacy (COPPA), ads, in-app purchases, chat risks, and device controls. No sign-up required — print it, share it with your school or PTA, or use it on your phone.

Download (printable copy)

How to use this checklist

  1. Open the game's store page (App Store or Google Play) before downloading.
  2. Work through each section below — check the boxes that apply.
  3. Red-flag items (marked with a warning icon) are the most common reasons we downgrade a game's safety score.
  4. Use the Quick Verdict at the bottom to decide: allow, review together, or skip.
  5. Or skip the manual work — browse our free per-game safety audits with 0–100 scores already computed.

Privacy & Data

The most important section. A game that collects your child's data without clear consent is a red flag regardless of how fun it looks.

  • 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

Ads & Monetisation

Many free kids' games are ad-supported. The question is whether the ads are age-appropriate and whether the game pressures children to watch more.

  • 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

Purchases

Protect your card. Loot boxes, surprise mechanics, and countdown timers are designed to pressure children into spending.

  • 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

Content & Communication

Check the age rating, chat features, and whether the game works offline — especially for younger children.

  • 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

Device-Level Controls

Do this once per device. These settings protect every app your child downloads, not just one game.

  • 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

General guidance from the AAP and WHO. Your family's rules may differ.

2–4 years

Under 1 hour/day

Co-viewed. Ad-free, no purchases.

5–7 years

1–2 hours/day

Check COPPA. Educational-first.

8–12 years

Negotiated family plan

Talk about data & privacy together.

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

Find a safer alternative.

Want us to check the game for you?

We audit 180+ mobile games with a 0–100 safety score covering COPPA, trackers, ads, and purchase pressure. Free to browse.

Browse safety auditsHow we score games

You may print and share this checklist freely for non-commercial parent or teacher use. Attribution: Intel Audit Pros.