Methodology

How we review

Every app, the same rubric, from real store data — then a human check before it publishes.

Where our data comes from

We check both app stores, not one: the Apple App Store and Google Play. From each we read the published details a parent rarely has time to compare — age ratings, Apple's privacy labels and Google's Data Safety section, the permissions an app requests, whether it shows ads, and whether it offers in-app purchases (and how expensive they get).

What we score

Each app is rated on five dimensions:

• Safety & privacy — ads shown to kids, data collected and shared, contact with strangers, whether data can be deleted.
• Age-fit — how well it matches our 2–5 focus.
• Educational value — whether it actually teaches or enriches.
• Quality — how well-made and well-reviewed it is.
• Monetization fairness — ads, in-app purchases, and how aggressive they are.

We publish a dimension only once we can score it honestly; anything we can't yet stand behind, we leave off rather than guess.

How we score

Scores come from a consistent, rules-based rubric applied to the verified data, with safety weighted most heavily. We show the reasons behind each score so you can see exactly what drove it — no black box.

The human check

Data and drafting are AI-assisted, but a real parent reads every verdict and can override it before it publishes. That human step is the point: it's what separates a genuine review from an automated data dump.

Corrections & updates

Apps change — prices, permissions, and features shift over time. Each review shows when it was last checked, and we re-verify periodically. If you spot something wrong or out of date, tell us and we'll look into it.

What we don't do

We don't accept payment for favorable reviews or placement, and advertising never influences a verdict. Our reviews are informational and aren't medical, developmental, or professional advice — see our disclaimer.