Learning games explained
12 questions to ask before you download a learning app
Downloading a learning app takes ten seconds; figuring out what it does with your child's attention, data and your credit card takes longer. These twelve questions cover what matters most: what it teaches, how it makes money, what it collects, and whether strangers can reach your child. Most can be answered from the store page, the privacy policy and five minutes of playing it yourself first. If you cannot answer a question, that is itself an answer.
Built from children's privacy rules, published research on kids' app design (Radesky et al.) and FTC enforcement cases. Links checked Oct 2026; terms and age limits change, so check the current versions. Checked 2026-10-24. Nobody paid to be here and nothing is an affiliate link.
What exactly will my child learn?
Look for a specific skill and age range: 'short vowel sounds, ages 4-6' rather than 'fun learning.' Hirsh-Pasek's team says an app's learning goals matter as much as its design. Vague promises usually mean thin content.
Is the learning the game, or a toll to get to the game?
Play a few minutes yourself. If the fun part works without the subject and questions just interrupt it, it is a quiz-gate. Games where the skill is the move teach more and hold interest longer.
How does the maker make money?
One-time price, subscription, school license, charity or ads? Free apps had more manipulative design in Radesky's 2022 study. A clear, honest business model is a good sign; a 'free' app with a busy shop is not.
Are there ads, and what kind?
A 2018 study found ads in 95 percent of popular apps for kids 5 and under, including video ads mid-game and hidden ads. Check the store listing for 'contains ads' and play a few rounds to see how they show up.
Are there in-app purchases or loot boxes?
The store page lists in-app purchases. Random paid prizes (loot boxes, mystery packs) should rule a learning app out. Turn on Apple's Ask to Buy or Google Play purchase approvals so every purchase comes to you first.
Watch for: The FTC said Fortnite let kids buy currency without a parent until 2018.
What age do the terms of service say?
Store age ratings are about content, not about who may sign up. Many apps, including Duolingo's main app and Pokemon GO, require 13+ or a parent-made account for younger children. Read the terms, or search the app's parent page.
What data does it collect, and which permissions does it want?
Check the store's privacy label and the permissions the app asks for. A math game does not need your location, contacts or microphone. Common Sense Media's privacy program rates many popular kids' apps.
Watch for: Deny permissions by default; most good apps still work.
Can strangers contact my child?
Look for chat, friend requests, comments or voice. The FTC's Epic order now requires voice and text chat off by default for kids and teens. Good learning apps keep social features to classmates or family, or have none at all.
If it uses AI, what does the AI do?
Ask whether the AI just picks the next question, or whether your child can type freely to a chatbot. Find out who can read what your child types, whether it is used to train models, and what stops inappropriate answers. Most general chatbots are 13+ or 18+.
Does it end, or is it built to keep going?
Look for levels, daily limits or clear stopping points. Endless loops, streak alerts and 'one more' rewards are built for time on app, not learning. A good app lets you set a session length or ends on its own.
Is there any evidence it works?
Look for independent studies, not just 'research-based' on the store page. Most apps have none, which is not a deal-breaker, but makers that publish real studies and name their advisors deserve extra trust.
Can I see what my child is doing?
A parent view or progress report helps you notice what your child is learning and where they are stuck. It also shows whether the app is any good. If there is no way to check, plan to play alongside now and then.
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