Draw Something - Kids Edition: Parental Controls - A Review

Tags: #ParentalControls #KidsApps #DigitalParenting #EducationalGames #ChildSafety

Introduction

In today's digital age, children are increasingly engaging with mobile apps for entertainment and education. One such popular app is Draw Something - Kids Edition, a child-friendly version of the classic drawing and guessing game. While the game encourages creativity and fun, parents must ensure their children have a safe and controlled experience. This review explores the parental control features of Draw Something - Kids Edition, evaluating its effectiveness in providing a secure environment for young users.

What is Draw Something - Kids Edition?

Draw Something - Kids Edition is a simplified version of the original Draw Something game, designed specifically for children. It allows kids to draw pictures based on prompts and guess drawings made by others. The app promotes artistic expression, vocabulary development, and social interaction in a playful setting.

However, as with any online game, parents must be aware of potential risks, such as inappropriate content or unwanted interactions. This is where parental controls come into play.

Parental Control Features in Draw Something - Kids Edition

1. Age-Appropriate Content Filtering

The app ensures that all drawing prompts and word suggestions are suitable for children. Unlike the original game, which may include complex or mature themes, the Kids Edition filters out any content that could be deemed inappropriate.

Verdict: Effective in maintaining a child-friendly experience.

2. Limited Social Interaction

One of the biggest concerns for parents is online interactions with strangers. Draw Something - Kids Edition minimizes this risk by:

• Disabling multiplayer with random users – Children can only play with pre-approved friends or family members.
• No open chat feature – Communication is restricted to in-game reactions (e.g., emojis) rather than free-text chatting.

Verdict: Strong safeguards against unwanted interactions.

3. Ad-Free Experience

Many free kids' apps bombard users with ads, some of which may lead to unsafe websites. Draw Something - Kids Edition offers an ad-free environment, ensuring children aren’t exposed to inappropriate advertisements.

Verdict: A major plus for child safety.

4. Parental Dashboard & Settings Lock

Some versions of the app include a parental dashboard where adults can:

• Set playtime limits
• Review recent activity
• Restrict access to certain features

Additionally, settings are password-protected, preventing kids from altering controls.

Verdict: Useful, but availability may vary by device.

5. Offline Mode Option

For parents who prefer complete offline play, the app allows children to enjoy drawing without an internet connection.

Verdict: Great for minimizing online risks.

Potential Drawbacks

While Draw Something - Kids Edition has strong parental controls, there are a few limitations:

• Limited customization – Some parents may want more granular control over word lists and drawing themes.
• Device dependency – Controls may differ between iOS and Android versions.
• No real-time monitoring – Unlike some educational apps, parents cannot watch gameplay in real-time.

Tips for Parents Using the App

To maximize safety, parents should:

1. Regularly update the app to ensure the latest security patches.
2. Use device-level parental controls (e.g., screen time limits on iOS/Android).
3. Play together with their child to monitor interactions.
4. Educate kids about digital safety, even in controlled environments.

Final Verdict

Draw Something - Kids Edition provides a well-balanced mix of fun and safety, making it a great choice for young artists. Its strong parental controls, ad-free experience, and restricted social features set it apart from many other children’s apps. While there’s room for minor improvements, it remains a secure and engaging option for kids.

Rating: 4.5/5

Would you let your child use Draw Something - Kids Edition? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Tags: #ParentalControls #KidsApps #DigitalParenting #EducationalGames #ChildSafety