Crossy Road, the popular mobile game developed by Hipster Whale, has been a hit among kids and adults alike since its release in 2014. With its simple yet addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and endless challenges, it’s no wonder why it has become a staple on many mobile devices. However, as with any online activity, concerns about safety and suitability for children have arisen. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Crossy Road and explore the question on every parent’s mind: is Crossy Road safe for kids?
The Basics of Crossy Road
Before we dive into the safety concerns, let’s take a brief look at what Crossy Road is all about. In Crossy Road, players take on the role of an endless stream of characters, each with its unique abilities and characteristics, as they attempt to cross a busy road filled with cars, trucks, and other obstacles. The game’s objective is simple: survive as long as possible by dodging and jumping over obstacles while earning points and rewards.
The game’s success can be attributed to its simplicity, humor, and colorful graphics, making it appealing to kids and adults alike. With regular updates and new characters added to the game, Crossy Road has managed to maintain its popularity over the years.
Safety Concerns in Crossy Road
Despite its harmless appearance, Crossy Road has raised some red flags among parents and child safety experts. Here are some of the concerns:
In-App Purchases
One of the primary concerns about Crossy Road is its in-app purchasing system. Players can buy in-game coins, characters, and other virtual items using real money. While this feature is optional, it can lead to unintended purchases, especially among kids who may not fully understand the concept of money.
In 2014, the UK’s Office of Fair Trading (OFT) launched an investigation into in-app purchases in children’s games, including Crossy Road, citing concerns about aggressive commercial practices.
Hipster Whale has since implemented measures to reduce the risk of unintended purchases, such as requiring password authentication for in-app purchases and providing parental controls. However, it’s still essential for parents to remain vigilant and monitor their child’s in-app purchasing activity.
Data Collection and Privacy
Another concern about Crossy Road is its data collection practices. The game collects user data, including device information, location data, and usage patterns, to deliver targeted advertisements and improve the gaming experience. While Hipster Whale claims to comply with data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), some parents may still be uneasy about the amount of data being collected.
In 2020, the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) reported that 60% of popular children’s apps, including Crossy Road, were collecting personal data without obtaining parental consent.
To alleviate concerns, parents can review the game’s privacy policy and adjust their device’s privacy settings to limit data collection.
Online Interactions and Chat
Crossy Road does not have a built-in chat feature, which reduces the risk of online interactions with strangers. However, players can share their progress on social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, which can lead to unintended online interactions.
According to a report by the Pew Research Center, 54% of online teens aged 13-17 have experienced online harassment, highlighting the importance of monitoring online activities.
Parents should educate their kids about online safety and ensure they understand the risks associated with sharing personal information and interacting with strangers online.
Is Crossy Road Safe for Kids?
While Crossy Road raises some safety concerns, it’s not inherently unsafe for kids. With proper guidance, monitoring, and parental controls, kids can enjoy the game while minimizing the risks. Here are some tips for parents:
Set Boundaries and Limits
Establish rules and limits on gameplay, including time limits, in-app purchasing, and online interactions. Use parental control features, such as screen time tracking and app blocking, to enforce these boundaries.
Monitor Gameplay and Progress
Regularly monitor your child’s gameplay, including their progress, in-app purchases, and online interactions. Encourage open communication about their gaming experiences and concerns.
Educate Kids about Online Safety
Teach your kids about online safety, including the risks of in-app purchases, data collection, and online interactions. Encourage responsible gaming habits and a healthy balance between online and offline activities.
Review Game Updates and Changes
Regularly review Crossy Road’s updates and changes to ensure you’re aware of any new features or changes that may impact your child’s gaming experience.
| Age Range | Safety Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Under 7 | Very Close Monitoring or Avoid |
| 7-12 | Close Monitoring and Guidance |
| 13 and above | Monitor and Educate |
Conclusion
Crossy Road can be a fun and engaging game for kids, but it’s essential for parents to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to ensure their child’s safety. By setting boundaries, monitoring gameplay, and educating kids about online safety, parents can help their kids enjoy Crossy Road while minimizing the risks. Ultimately, Crossy Road’s safety depends on the individual child’s maturity level, guidance, and parental involvement.
Remember, as a parent, you play a vital role in ensuring your child’s online safety. By being informed, vigilant, and proactive, you can help your kids enjoy the benefits of online gaming while avoiding the potential pitfalls.
Is Crossy Road suitable for young children?
Crossy Road is generally considered suitable for children aged 4 and above, depending on the individual child’s maturity level and sensitivity to cartoon violence. The game’s colorful and cute graphics, as well as its simple gameplay, make it accessible to young children. However, parents should be aware that the game does involve characters getting hit by cars, which may be disturbing to some sensitive children.
It’s essential for parents to use their discretion and consider their child’s personality before allowing them to play Crossy Road. If your child is easily disturbed or upset by mild violence, it may be best to wait until they are a bit older or choose a different game altogether. On the other hand, if your child can handle the game’s content, Crossy Road can be a fun and educational experience that helps develop their problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination.
Does Crossy Road contain any inappropriate content?
Crossy Road does not contain any explicit language, nudity, or mature themes that would be inappropriate for children. The game’s characters are cartoonish and cute, and their “deaths” are more comedic than graphic. The game’s focus is on navigating through a busy road, collecting coins, and unlocking new characters, making it a relatively safe and family-friendly game.
However, as with any game, parents should be aware that their child may encounter other players who may use inappropriate language or behavior in online multiplayer mode. It’s essential for parents to monitor their child’s online activity and ensure they are playing with players who are respectful and courteous.
Can kids play Crossy Road online with strangers?
By default, Crossy Road does not allow online multiplayer mode with strangers. The game is designed as a single-player experience, and players can only compete with their friends or family members who have the game installed on their devices. This reduces the risk of children encountering inappropriate language or behavior from strangers online.
However, if parents allow their child to play online with friends or join online leaderboards, there is a risk of encountering other players who may not be suitable for children. Parents should ensure their child understands the importance of online safety and only plays with people they know and trust.
Does Crossy Road collect personal data from kids?
Crossy Road does collect some personal data from players, including device information, usage data, and analytics. However, the game’s developers, Hipster Whale, claim that they do not collect any personally identifiable information from children, and they comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
Parents should be aware that the game may collect some anonymous data to improve gameplay and provide targeted advertising. However, Hipster Whale states that they do not use this data to identify individual children or share it with third-party companies.
Can kids make in-app purchases in Crossy Road?
Yes, Crossy Road offers in-app purchases, which allow players to buy coins, characters, or other virtual items. However, the game’s developers have implemented measures to prevent accidental purchases, such as requiring a password or authentication to complete a transaction.
Parents should be aware of these in-app purchases and set limits or restrictions on their child’s device to prevent unauthorized transactions. It’s essential to have open and honest conversations with your child about in-app purchases and the importance of responsible spending.
Is Crossy Road addictive for kids?
Like many popular mobile games, Crossy Road can be addictive for some children. The game’s design, with its bright colors, catchy music, and rewarding gameplay, can make it difficult for kids to stop playing. Additionally, the game’s leaderboard system, which ranks players based on their scores, can encourage children to play for extended periods to beat their friends or climb the rankings.
Parents should monitor their child’s gameplay and set limits on the amount of time they can spend playing Crossy Road or other mobile games. Encourage your child to take regular breaks, engage in other activities, and maintain a healthy balance between screen time and other aspects of their life.
Can I set parental controls for Crossy Road?
Yes, parents can set parental controls for Crossy Road to restrict certain features or limit their child’s gameplay. The game itself does not offer built-in parental controls, but parents can use device-level restrictions or third-party apps to monitor and regulate their child’s activity.
For example, parents can use Screen Time on iOS devices or Digital Wellbeing on Android devices to set time limits, block in-app purchases, or restrict access to certain features. Additionally, parents can use third-party apps that provide more comprehensive parental controls and monitoring tools.