Markets Wired

For parents, the growing universe of mobile applications targeted at kids can be overwhelming. Knowing which app is the right fit for your family poses a major challenge to parents on the go.

A new informational graphic produced by the staff of the Federal Trade Commission helps with a useful visual tool for parents and other consumers making decisions about what kids’ apps to download to their mobile devices.

The infographic highlights the importance of taking time to check out an app and also to change the settings on your phone to make sure kids using an app can’t inadvertently access any unwanted features. In addition, the infographic notes that one of the best ways to know an app is to use the app alongside the child to see the full scope of what it can do. The graphic points out that many times free apps may allow users to make purchases with real money, and apps may share personal information or contain advertising but not disclose this upfront.

The information is drawn from the Commission’s recent report titled “Mobile Apps for Kids: Disclosures Still Not Making the Grade.” The FTC also provides a wide array of online information for consumers about mobile apps.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.  Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.