You should also read app descriptions carefully, Elgersma recommends, because “each app store will tell you whether or not an app contains an in-app purchase.” “A great way for parents to avoid surprises is to have grown-ups test drive the app before making them available to the family,” suggests Lorraine Akemann, co-founder of Moms With Apps.
In order to avoid unintentional purchases or sending kids to unintended places, parents and caregivers can do some due diligence. However, in-app upgrades and purchases can ruin the fun and “send your kid down the rabbit hole of inappropriate web content,” says Christine Elgersma, senior editor of parents education at Common Sense Media. The right free apps for kids can be a wonderful, no-cost tool to keep kids entertained while also encouraging learning.
