We use cookies to give users the best content and online experience. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to allow us to use all cookies. Visit our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Manage Cookies
Find local businesses
Little girl is texting at the front of Christmas tree

BBB Tip: Is that holiday app safe? Better check it twice

Apple and Google Play offer holiday-themed apps with games for kids to play. Check here for BBB's tips on choosing a Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa app that is safe for your children.

Back to BBB's holiday shopping tips page

Apple's App Store and Google Play offer many holiday apps for your enjoyment.

For Christmas, kids can engage in live video chats with Santa, witness a reindeer feeding, or monitor Santa's sleigh. For Hannukah, kids can illuminate a virtual menorah and play a dreidel game. For Kwanzaa, there are games to learn the principles, light a kinara and count down the days until the holiday. It's evident that apps will continue to play a significant role during the holiday season. However, before permitting your child to download any app, it's essential to understand the data it may collect and establish appropriate permission settings.

The Children's Advertising Review Unit (CARU) recommends these tips to keep in mind. 

         

What you'll learn:

  • How to evaluate a children’s app’s privacy policy and data collection practices before downloading

  • Steps to set parental permissions and safeguard against in-app purchases, ads, and data tracking

  • Ways to identify safe, age-appropriate apps and report potential COPPA violations to CARU

The Children's Advertising Review Unit (CARU) recommends these tips to keep in mind. 

Know your privacy rights

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) gives parents control over who collects information from their children online. COPPA applies to all mobile apps and websites (or portions thereof) directed to kids. COPPA was designed to ensure that parents affirmatively consent to the collection of personal information from children under the age of 13 prior to collection. Personal information includes names and addresses, email addresses, photographs, or precise geolocation information, among others.

Happy African American family using their cell phones while relaxing on sofa at home. Focus is on girl.

Tips for parents when selecting apps for your child:

Here are some improved guidelines for a safer and more informed app selection process:

  • Review the privacy policy: Responsible apps designed for children should offer a clear and accessible privacy policy. Apps and websites provide links to their privacy policy in the app store or on its homepage. If you can't find a privacy policy, it's a warning sign that its privacy and data collection practices may not comply with COPPA, and you should carefully consider whether you want to download that app. A comprehensive privacy policy should include information on who collects personal data, the types of data collected, its intended use, storage procedures, data access, parental rights, and opt-out options.

  • Understand data collection: Online services for children cannot collect photos, videos, or voice recordings from children under 13 without first obtaining parental consent. Apps must also obtain parental approval before children share personal information publicly. Prior to your child downloading an app, investigate what kind of data it may collect, using resources like Apple's Privacy Details section in the App Store.

  • Set permission controls: Many free apps may include in-app purchases that children can access once they are downloaded with parental consent. Ensure that your child's device requires a password for each download.

  • Exercise caution with free apps: Most free apps tend to feature more advertising than those with a nominal fee. Free apps, including educational ones, may incorporate deceptive or inappropriate advertising practices. Ads can be frequent and mandatory to advance in a game, sometimes tempting children to purchase in-game items. Apps meant for both children and parents may display ads intended for older audiences. Even free apps without visible ads may still collect data for future ad targeting. Adjust your device settings to mitigate surreptitious ad targeting. To avoid furtive ad targeting, make sure to adjust your iOS or Android device settings.

  • Think before downloading: Be cautious about downloading apps, as some free apps may contain malware. To ensure the safety of your device, make sure the app store page includes a privacy policy link, contact information, and the publisher's address details. Use common sense to assess the apps' credibility, as crude designs or imitations of well-known characters may indicate potential issues.

  • Read reviews: Services such as Common Sense Media can help you determine whether the app's content is suitable for your child.

By following these guidelines, you can make more informed decisions when selecting apps for your child, ensuring their online experiences are safe and enjoyable.

CARU asks parents who encounter an app or other online service that they think violates COPPA to file an anonymous consumer complaint on the CARU website.

For more information about CARU and keeping children safe online, please visit BBB National Programs.

This article was submitted by BBB National Programs.

For more information

BBB's holiday HQ

Find more holiday tips on BBB's holiday HQ.

BBB's holiday tips
Know your privacy rights

Lern more about your children's privacy rights online.

Learn more about COPPA
BBB Scam Tracker

Report scams to BBB Scam Tracker.

Go to BBB's Scam Tracker