App. Checklist for Parents

Checklist
The aim of this checklist is to help you navigate the app world and give you the tools to ensure you and your family enjoy safe and positive online experiences. 

Do research 

• The eSafety Guide is a good starting point. 
• Other sources include Common Sense Media and ConnectSafely, which review the most popular apps. 
• Search for recent reviews from Google Play and Apple Store.
• Discuss the benefits and risks with family or friends who use the app. 

eSafety tip: Check whether the app can be used for content sharing, photo and video sharing, messaging and online chat, voice chat, video calling, live streaming, gaming, in-app purchasing, online relationships, location sharing and encryption. 

Check the age rating and requirements. 

• Apps usually state a minimum age for users in their terms of use, but they don’t all have verification requirements. 
• The eSafety Guide includes the stated age for many popular apps. 
• Common Sense Media makes an independent assessment of age recommendations. 
• Check the advice on the eSafety Parent page Are they old enough? 

eSafety tip: When deciding if an app is suitable for your child, think about their level of maturity and judgement as well as the age recommendation. 

Consider privacy – read the terms and conditions and ask yourself these questions: 

• What information does the app request? 
• Does the app provide privacy protections? 
• Can you restrict who sees your profile? 
• Who can find you in a search? 
• What information can people see about you? 

eSafety tip: See the eSafety page Connecting safely – Apps for more advice. 

Check the permissions and other settings – read the community guidelines and ask yourself these questions:

• What permissions does the app request?
• What information does the app collect? 
• Does the app need microphone and/or video camera access to perform its functions? 
• What are the default settings? 
• Do you need to change default settings initially and after each update? 
• Does the app allow in-app purchases?

eSafety tip: See the eSafety Parents page Taming the technology for advice on using parental control and safe browsing tools. 

Safety check 

• Can you report things in the app? (For example: online abuse, impersonator accounts, offensive or illegal content). 
• Is the in-app reporting process easy and clear? 
• Are the in-app reporting options limited, or can you report a wide range of safety concerns? 

eSafety tip: Let your child know they can come to you for help if anything makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe, and they won’t be in trouble. You can help them report serious online abuse to the eSafety Commissioner. 

Mr Daniel Hunt

ICT Coordinator