A "for kids" label on an app doesn't tell you everything. Here are seven questions you can answer in a few minutes from the store page, the privacy policy and the settings.
1. Does it show ads?
Under Google Play's Families policies, apps for children may only show ads through self-certified ad SDKs approved by Google, and they must not show interest-based ads to children.
2. Who can buy things?
Check that purchases and subscriptions sit behind a parent gate, such as a PIN, so that your child can't start a payment with one tap.
3. What does it ask about your child?
A learning game usually needs no more than a nickname. If it asks for a full name, a photo, an exact date of birth or the kindergarten, ask what for. Under Article 8 of the EU's General Data Protection Regulation, when an online service processes a child's data on the basis of consent, a parent's consent is needed below a certain age.
4. Is the privacy policy readable?
Look for a short summary: what is stored, where, for how long, and how you can delete it. If you can't find one, write to the developer and see how they reply.
5. Do you set the time?
The WHO recommends no more than an hour of sedentary screen time a day for 3 to 4-year-olds (more on the guidelines). It helps if the app lets you set a daily limit that your child can't get around.
6. How does a session end?
Does a game have a natural end, or is there always another one? After a short session with a clear ending, putting the phone down is easier.
7. Does it use artificial intelligence?
If so, check who can switch it on, what happens to your child's voice and words, and what happens if your child says something that suggests they are in trouble. More: Children and AI.
Teki's answers, in short
Teki has no ads, a nickname is all your child needs, and you set the daily screen time. Child mode can only be left with the parent PIN, so your child can't buy anything or change settings. Every detail is here: Safety and privacy for parents.
