As the holidays approach, you might be on the hunt for fun apps to sprinkle some festive magic into your kids' or grandkids' celebrations. The App Store and Google Play are full of holiday-themed options.
For Christmas, kids can video call Santa himself, watch his reindeer munch away or track his sleigh as it zips across the globe. For Hanukkah, they can light a virtual menorah or spin the dreidel for some digital fun. And for Kwanzaa, there are interactive games to explore the principles, light a kinara and count down to the big day.
These apps are sure to add some sparkle to the season, but before handing over the download reins, remember to check what data the app might collect and set those permissions to keep things merry and safe!
The Children's Advertising Review Unit recommends these tips to keep in mind:
Know your privacy rights. The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act gives parents control over who collects information from their children online. The law applies to all mobile apps and websites (or portions thereof) directed to kids. It 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.
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 the protection act, 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 both fun and safe.
The Children's Advertising Review Unit asks parents who encounter an app or other online service that they think violates the protection act to file an anonymous consumer complaint on the Children's Advertising Review Unit website.
For more information about the unit and keeping children safe online, please visit BBBprograms.org.
For more holiday tips, visit the Holiday HQ or call your BBB at 423-266-6144. Our team serves 21-counties within Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia.
FESTIVE FOREST
We're shining a light in a joyful way on trustworthy companies and organizations in our community through Festive Forest. BBB has partnered with EPB, Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee to host our second annual event in Miller Park.
Come enjoy nearly 80 creatively decorated Frazier firs while visiting EPB's "Polar Palooza" themed holiday windows directly across Market Street. You can also be a part of the event by hanging a memorial ornament on BBB's Memorial Tree and voting for your top three favorite trees. Ornaments are available at Festive Forest for you to customize, or you can bring your own.
The event will continue through New Year's Day, and the trees remain lighted 24/7. For more information, please visit festiveforest.org.
Michele Mason is president of the Better Business Bureau in Chattanooga.