Stiftung WarentestMany popular game apps unacceptable for children

Stiftung Warentest tested 16 game apps for children. The result: the popular mobile games contained a number of alarming and inappropriate content. This included, for example, depictions of rampages, hate messages and sex scenes. According to Stiftung Warentest, the business models of the app providers are also highly questionable for children. Almost all of the 16 popular games failed the test. klicksafe informs parents how they can accompany and protect their children while playing.

Many popular game apps unacceptable for children

We tested 15 free games and one freegame for the Android operating system. All games are approved for ages 0, 6 or 12. Including the ten best-selling games at present. In addition, six other gamesrelevant to the 10-year-old age group were selected in consultation with young gamers. The games tested include Fortnite, Roblox and Brawl Stars, for example.

To determine whether the game apps are suitable for children, Stiftung Warentest tested all 16 games according to the following criteria

  • Child-friendly content
  • Safe use
  • Notification and help functions
  • Advertising
  • Gamepressure and pressure to buy
  • Deficiencies in terms and conditions and dataprotectionexplanation

The test found unsuitable content, such as fascist and anti-Semitic user names, depictions of violence and frightening scenes. Stiftung Warentest also rated the manipulative game designs (also known as "dark patterns" ) of the apps as particularly problematic. Many mobile games tempt users to play more and more and buy more and more. For example, through rewards for daily gaming, social obligations towards other players (peer pressure) or requests to play at certain times.

In its press release, Stiftung Warentest comes to the following conclusion: "The overall verdict for Brawl Stars, Subway Surfers, Pokémon Go, Fortnite and co. is therefore: unacceptable. Minecraft is the only game in the test that scored better. With a little parental support and technical tricks, it's okay for children."

How parents protect their children while playing

  • Find out about the game content, minimum age, usage guidelines and possible risks and safety settings.
  • Not every app that appears child-friendly at first glance is suitable for children. Here you will find information and criteria for recognizing safe apps.
  • Accompany your children attentively in everyday life in order to recognize possible signs of excessive gaming behavior in good time. Limit playtime and ensure that the agreed times are adhered to. A media usage agreement negotiated by the family can be helpful.
  • Switch off push notifications that keep reminding children to play in the device settings.
  • Determine whether and to what extent (e.g. pocket money) in-game purchases may be made by the child. If you do not allow in-app purchases, you can prevent them on the device. You can find step-by-step instructions for setting up devices and apps at medien-kindersicher.de.
  • Discuss online communication rules with your child. Raise awareness of contact risks such as unwanted contact(cybergrooming) or inappropriate communication behavior in chats(cyberbullying).
  • Show your child the help section and the reporting options for inappropriate content in the app.
  • Keep in regular contact about your child's activities. Suitable conversation starters can be found here.

Tip: In-game calculator from Sparkasse

Many games disguise the actual costs with the help of fantasy currencies. What do we really pay when we spend 200 V-Bucks, 500 Robux or 1000 FC Points? The in-game calculator from Sparkasse shows the real prices in euros and thus protects us from cost traps. The calculator is also available as a browser extension and as an app for mobile devices.