Child-friendly and safe apps

In the digital world, there is now an app for almost everything - from news and timetables to games. Children and young people are often quickly fascinated by the many possibilities offered by smartphones and tablets. The responsibility for deciding which apps to use lies in the hands of parents, who provide access to mobile devices and applications.

Popular apps among children and young people

Apps that enable communication and exchange are particularly popular with children and young people. The most frequently used apps include WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok. These apps allow users to send and publish short messages, pictures, videos, smileys and voice messages. Functions such as filters allow creative editing of photos and videos. However, it is important that young people think carefully about what content they share and take care not to disclose too much private information.

Support in dealing with apps

An open approach to the topic of apps can help to promote the safe use of these applications. Learning the functions together and taking an interest in the apps used creates trust, which forms the basis for preventing and solving potential problems. This support can help children and young people to use mobile applications responsibly.

Before you install an app, you should consider certain security aspects.

Only obtain apps from official app stores

Only download apps from official app stores such as Google Play or the Apple App Store. Remember that the popularity of an app does not necessarily say anything about the security or reliability of the provider.

Check costs and in-app purchases

Before installing, check whether and what costs may be incurred. Many so-called "free apps" offer additional functions through in-app purchases or display advertisements for paid services. "Free" does not always mean that you will not incur any costs.

Pay attention to data protection

Particular caution is required when it comes to data protection. As a user of free apps, you often pay with your personal data. Many apps access sensitive information such as contacts, photos or location data. Depending on the operating system and version, the permissions are displayed when you first use the app, or you can deny them later. Make sure that the permissions match the function of the app. It is often unclear how the apps use this data and whether they may pass it on or sell it to third parties. This data is often analyzed in order to show you targeted advertising. You should therefore check the access rights of the apps before downloading them and take a look at the general terms and conditions.

Pay attention to the protection of minors

To prevent your child from being confronted with inappropriate content, you should test the apps in advance and accompany your child while they play. The downloading of apps should be monitored by you as a parent. It is advisable to set up a PIN for app purchases. In the Google Play and Apple app stores, the USK rating is displayed next to the app, but the actual age of the user is not checked during the download. You can use the stores' parental control settings to allow or block access to apps according to the age rating. Additional device-based protection measures can also be set up.

Not every app that seems suitable for children at first glance is recommendable for children. Some apps also harbor risks. Whether certain apps are suitable for your child depends above all on how old your child is, what preferences he or she has, and what knowledge or experience he or she has already gained in dealing with digital offerings. You can use the following points as a guide.

An app suitable for children ...

• is non-violent and only presents content that is appropriate for its age.
• has a simple structure, is easy to use, uses a child-friendly approach and does not use too much text.
• stimulates your child's imagination and curiosity.
• refrains from advertising and links to social networks, advertising sites, app stores or other offers not suitable for children.
• does not offer the possibility to buy paid extensions (e.g. of special game items that can be bought directly from the app, so-called in-app purchases).
• is best used without an Internet connection.