Google Play Enhances Parental Controls for Third-Party Apps with Ratings

Understanding Content Ratings on Google Play

Google Play uses content ratings to help users understand the suitability of apps for different age groups. These ratings include ALL, 12+, 15+, and 18+.

• ALL: Suitable for everyone, including kids. These apps don’t have any content that parents might find inappropriate.
• 12+: Suitable for users aged 12 and above. These might include mild violence or suggestive themes.
• 15+: Suitable for teens aged 15 and older. These apps may have stronger themes, including moderate violence or crude humor.
• 18+: For adults only. These apps can include intense violence, strong language, or explicit content.

18+ Content

Apps rated 18+ are meant for adults due to their mature themes. This includes graphic violence, explicit sexual content, or strong language. These apps are restricted to prevent younger users from accessing potentially harmful material. Parents and guardians need to be aware of these ratings to ensure kids don’t stumble upon inappropriate content.

Key Takeaways:

• Setting up parental controls and Safe Search on Google Play helps block inappropriate content, keeping your gaming experience safe and age-appropriate.
• Using apps like BlockerX and Net Nanny can add extra protection by blocking adult content and monitoring app usage, ensuring a safer digital environment.

Identifying Inappropriate Content

Sexual Content and Profanity:

Sexual content in apps can range from suggestive themes to explicit material. Profanity includes any offensive language or swearing. Apps with such content are usually rated 18+ to prevent younger audiences from exposure.

Violence and Hate Speech:

Violent content includes graphic depictions of fighting, blood, or gore. Hate speech involves language or actions that promote hatred against groups based on race, religion, or other characteristics. Both types of content can be harmful and are often flagged in higher-rated apps.

Other Sensitive Content:

Other sensitive content includes bullying, harassment, and dangerous products. Apps that promote or allow bullying and harassment can have serious real-world consequences. Similarly, apps that discuss or sell dangerous products are flagged to protect users from harm.

Using Google Play Restrictions

Setting Up Parental Controls:

Setting up parental controls on Google Play is a breeze. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your device.
2. Tap the profile icon in the top right corner.
3. Go to Settings and then Family.
4. Select Parental controls and toggle it on.
5. Create a PIN that only you know. This PIN will be needed to change the settings.
6. Choose the type of content you want to filter: Apps & games, Movies, TV, Books, Music.
7. Set the maturity level for each type of content. For example, you can set apps and games to be suitable for ages 10+.

Now, your device will only show content that meets the selected criteria.

Content Filtering:

Filtering content based on ratings ensures that only age-appropriate material is accessible. Here’s how to filter content:

1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. Tap the profile icon in the top right corner.
3. Go to Settings and then Family.
4. Select Parental controls.
5. Enter your PIN.

By following these steps, you can create a safer digital environment for younger users, ensuring they only access age-appropriate material while enjoying their favorite apps and games.