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Parent Resources

Digital Safety Resource Hub

Free expert guides to help you navigate children's app safety, screen time, data privacy, and in-app purchases. Written by the same team that audits every game in our library.

Safety Guides for Parents

6 min read

COPPA Compliance Explained for Parents

What the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act actually means for the apps your kids use every day — and how to check compliance yourself.

PrivacyLegal
Read Guide
5 min read

Screen Time Guidelines by Age (2026)

Evidence-based recommendations from the AAP and WHO on daily screen limits for toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children.

HealthGuidelines
Read Guide
8 min read

Dark Patterns in Children's Apps

How manipulative UI tricks pressure kids into purchases, sharing data, or extending play sessions — and what to look for before you download.

UXSafety
Read Guide
7 min read

How to Audit Any App Yourself

A step-by-step checklist parents can follow to evaluate permissions, trackers, ad networks, and data collection in any mobile game.

DIYTechnical
Read Guide
5 min read

In-App Purchases: A Parent's Survival Guide

How to disable accidental purchases, recognize loot-box mechanics, and set up family payment controls on iOS and Android.

PurchasesControls
Read Guide
6 min read

Choosing Your Child's First Tablet

Compare kid-friendly tablets by safety features, parental controls, durability, and educational app availability.

HardwareBuying Guide
Read Guide

Age-Based Recommendations

Tailored guidance for every stage of your child's digital journey.

2–4 years

< 1 hour/day

Key Tips

  • Co-view all screen time
  • Choose apps with no ads and no in-app purchases
  • Prioritize offline-ready educational games

5–7 years

1–2 hours/day

Key Tips

  • Introduce simple reading and math games
  • Check for COPPA compliance before downloading
  • Enable parental controls on the device

8–12 years

Negotiated family plan

Key Tips

  • Discuss data privacy and personal information
  • Review permissions together before installing
  • Use our safety reports to verify apps

Audited Games We Recommend

RobloxDuolingoMinecraft Education
Free to print & share

The Parent's Game Safety Checklist

Our full 5-minute, printable checklist covering privacy (COPPA), ads, purchases, chat risks, and device controls. Free to download, print, and share with your school or PTA — no sign-up required.

Open the full checklist

Quick App Safety Checklist

Before downloading any app for your child, run through this checklist. Takes less than 2 minutes. For the full version, see our printable checklist.

Check for COPPA compliance badge
Verify the app works offline
Count trackers (0 is ideal, <3 acceptable)
Look for 'surprise mechanics' or loot boxes
Watch for fake close buttons on ads
Test if purchases require password/biometric

Want us to audit a specific game?

Submit a game request and our team will run a full privacy and safety audit within 48 hours.

Request an Audit