Category: Guides

Mobile Gaming Safety for Kids: A Parent’s Checklist

Published: August 8, 2025 | Author: KOCHE, DAVID L

Overview: This guide summarizes practical steps based on our testing and community feedback. Results can vary by device and game version.

Why safety matters

Mobile games can include chats, user-generated content, and purchases. Parents should review age ratings and set device‑level protections before kids play.

Quick checklist

Enable parental controls (screen time limits, app install approvals).
Disable in‑app purchases or require authentication.
Turn off location sharing where not needed.
Review friend requests and privacy settings regularly.
Discuss scams and rarely sharing personal info in chats.

Data & privacy basics

Many games collect usage data for analytics and ads. Look for clear privacy disclosures and ad settings. U.S. parents can look for practices aligned with COPPA; Australian families should consider the Privacy Act 1988 principles.

Platform tools

iOS: Screen Time (Downtime, App Limits, Content & Privacy Restrictions).
Android: Family Link, Play Store purchase approvals, restricted profiles (where available).

Safety tips

Use strong device passcodes and app‑level authentication for purchases.
Set chat filters and report abusive behavior where provided.

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. For compliance questions in the U.S. or Australia, consult a qualified professional.

Common Mistakes

Skipping in‑game settings where helpful toggles live.
Assuming identical results across devices and OS versions.
Not measuring impact with a baseline (FPS, battery, load times).

What to Try

Test multiple frame rate caps and resolutions.
Use per‑app battery optimization controls if available.
Back up settings before major updates.