[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Since its release in 2017, Brawl Stars has consistently been one of the top games played by children of all ages, along with Roblox, Minecraft and Fortnite. And even though it doesn\u2019t get the hours of screen time that Roblox and Minecraft rake in, kids consistently spend just over 30 minutes on the game daily, according to Qustodio data. Here\u2019s <\/span>what parents need to know about Brawl Stars to keep their children safe<\/b> while playing one of the world\u2019s most popular video game apps.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n According to Brawl Stars\u2019 <\/span>Terms of Service<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>players must be at least 13 years of age to download and play <\/b>but there is no doubt that younger children are using this video game. In fact, Apple\u2019s suggested age rating for Brawl Stars is 9+. Android rates it <\/span>E10+<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ratings aside, <\/span>is Brawl Stars really safe for kids?<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Brawl Stars<\/span><\/a> is a top-down (aerial view) gaming app created by Finnish mobile game development company <\/span>Supercell<\/span><\/a>, the makers of Clash of Clans and Clash Royale. In this <\/span>multiplayer shooter game<\/b>, \u201cBrawlers\u201d attack other brawlers in three-on-three, duo, solo, special and competitive events or battles. Players can select their Brawler\u2019s distinctive attack, super (special attack), and health.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Kids like the game\u2019s cartoonish, fun animation, the colorful characters, and the quick pace of play with their friends or other Brawlers with the same skill level (though some complain the matchmaking isn\u2019t always perfect). Kids also like that <\/span>Brawl Stars is a pretty simple game to pick up and play in a mobile environment<\/b> with a digital left and right joystick to easily move, aim and shoot.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2020\/09\/13094434\/Brawl-Stars_Guide_InsideImage%402x.jpg” alt=”Brawl Stars safety guide for kids” title_text=”Brawl Stars_Guide_InsideImage@2x” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Brawl Stars violence<\/b><\/p>\n The objective of Brawl Stars is different based on which game modes \u2013 with names like Smash & Grab, Showdown, Heist, etc. \u2013 your child plays, but the core goal is simply to kill opposing brawlers, using a variety of weapons, and in so doing collect trophies. Despite the near-constant violence,<\/span> the animation is cartoonish and there is no blood<\/b>. The injured characters generally just grunt, or exert a funny catch phrase, and die.<\/span><\/p>\n Recent studies <\/span>mostly absolve violent video games from leading to serious violent behavior later in life<\/span><\/a>. The American Psychological Association (APA) cites other negative life factors, such as history of violence, as being much more significant indicators of violence later in life. The question parents may wish to ask themselves is<\/span> if the <\/b>violence in video games<\/b><\/a> is a good reflection of their family\u2019s values<\/b>, and if playing hours of \u201cshoot-em-up\u201d is the best use of their child\u2019s time in the long run.<\/span><\/p>\n Brawl Stars chats and clubs<\/b><\/p>\n Gaming chat rooms pose much more of a real-life threat to children than\u00a0 violent content. <\/span>Video game chat rooms have often been referred to by the New York Times as \u201c<\/b>hunting grounds\u201d<\/b><\/a> for child predators. In Brawl Stars, these chat rooms come in the form of \u201cClubs\u201d, social groups within the game that players can join to chat and join rooms to brawl together. While the chat feature is censored, it can still lead to exposure to profanity and expose your children to strangers with ill intentions.<\/span><\/p>\n Brawl Stars loot boxes & in-app purchases<\/b><\/p>\n Brawl Stars has tempting in-app purchases that are pushed to players encouraging them to spend real world money for in-game items. They help Brawlers progress faster in the game and avoid the long \u201cgrind\u201d it would normally take. Regulators and researchers are concerned that spending money on loot boxes may be <\/span>linked to gambling-related harm<\/span><\/a> among children.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 1. Turn off in-app purchases.<\/b><\/p>\n While having the power to purchase x, y, z accelerates the game and makes it more fun, a payment method is not required to play. Unless you have complete trust that your child can control their in-app purchases, which can run from $0.99 to $99.99 in real money (without taxes) in the U.S, and are non-refundable except in rare cases, we suggest you <\/span>disable in-app purchases entirely <\/b>through your mobile device\u2019s general settings<\/span><\/p>\n 2. Beware of any third party sites that promise enhancements for Brawl stars.<\/b><\/p>\n These <\/span>sites may collect your personal information, money, or both<\/b>, and often never deliver the promised in-game products (e.g. gems). If you allow your child to make in-app purchases, make sure it is through the game itself on your mobile device.<\/span><\/p>\n 3. Warn your child about online predators.<\/b><\/p>\n Sexual predators and data thieves are increasingly finding victims in games (and on social platforms). They tend to strike up conversations designed to build up trust, eventually asking for private information or explicit photos. <\/span>Make sure your child knows it is not their fault if this happens to them <\/b>and that they should report it immediately to an adult they trust. Parents should then screen capture any evidence and notify both Supercell and their local police.<\/span><\/p>\n 4. Remember that players of video games often join chats and groups outside of the Brawl Stars itself <\/b>on social platforms such as Discord.<\/span><\/p>\n These can be more difficult to monitor. We suggest using Qustodio to block them and encourage any chatting to remain within the Brawl Stars app itself if at all.<\/span><\/p>\n 5. Block the Brawl Stars app using Qustodio.<\/b><\/p>\n Should your 9-year-old play Brawl Stars? Every child is different, and you know your kids best, so <\/span>we\u2019d suggest playing the game first to help you make your decision<\/b>. Through gameplay, you may decide your child is ready to play this app based on their mental maturity and <\/span>digital resilience<\/span><\/a>. If you think your child isn\u2019t ready to download Brawl Stars yet, then a <\/span>parental control tool<\/span><\/a> like Qustodio can help your family block inappropriate apps and games on their devices. <\/span><\/p>\n 6. Play Brawl Stars together with your child<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n Qustodio always recommends<\/span> spending time together with your child to get to know the apps they use<\/b>. The great thing about video games is that this can be a really fun bonding activity.<\/span><\/p>\n 7. Limit the amount of time your child spends playing video games.<\/b><\/p>\n Like all screen-based activities, video games are best capped, so they don\u2019t replace much-needed time getting exercise and sleep. Video games are generally designed to be addictive \u2013 <\/span>Brawlers with thousands of trophies easily spend 2 hours a day on the app<\/b> \u2013\u00a0 so use <\/span>parental control tools<\/span><\/a> like Qustodio to help prevent video game grinding (performing tasks over and over again usually for a gameplay advantage), and <\/span>set consistent time limits<\/span><\/a> and downtimes like total shut down <\/span>one hour before bed<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Since its release in 2017, Brawl Stars has consistently been one of the top games played by children of all ages, along with Roblox, Minecraft and Fortnite. And even though it doesn\u2019t get the hours of screen time that Roblox and Minecraft rake in, kids consistently spend just over 30 minutes on the game daily, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":2089,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" Since its release in 2017, Brawl Stars has consistently been one of the top games played by children of all ages, along with Roblox, Minecraft and Fortnite. According to Brawl Stars\u2019 Terms of Service<\/a>, players must be at least 13 years of age to play but there is no doubt that younger children are playing this video game. In fact, Apple\u2019s suggested age rating for Brawl Stars is 9+. Android rates it E10+<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p> Ratings aside, is Brawl Stars really safe for kids? Qustodio put together this quick and essential guide for parents to help you quickly understand what the Brawl Stars game is about and to be fully aware of any safety concerns related to the app that\u2019s probably on your child\u2019s mobile phone or tablet right now.<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n Brawl Stars<\/a> is a top-down (aerial view) gaming app created by Finnish mobile game development company Supercell<\/a>, the makers of Clash of Clans and Clash Royale. In this multiplayer shooter game, \u201cBrawlers\u201d attack other brawlers in three-on-three, duo, solo, special and competitive events or battles. Players can select their brawler\u2019s distinctive attack, super (special attack), and health.<\/p> Kids like the game\u2019s cartoonish, not scary, animation, the colorful characters, and the quick pace of play with their friends or other brawlers with the same skill level (though some complain the matchmaking isn\u2019t always perfect). Kids also like that Brawl Stars is a pretty simple game to pick up and play in a mobile environment with a digital left and right joystick to easily move, aim and shoot. <\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n The risks involved in letting your child play Brawl Stars are not unique to Brawl Stars. Like most video games, Brawl Stars contains violence, gives the child access to chat rooms with strangers and contains loot boxes and in-app purchases, and it\u2019s designed to be addictive. Here we look at each of those online gaming risks in detail:<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\nBrawl Stars ratings<\/b><\/h2>\n
What is Brawl Stars?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Why do kids love Brawl Stars?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Is Brawl Stars safe to play?<\/b><\/h2>\n
What can I do to keep Brawl Stars safe for my kids? <\/b><\/h2>\n
What parents need to know about Brawl Stars to keep their children safe while playing one of the world\u2019s most popular video game apps.\u00a0<\/h2><\/div>\r\n\r\n
Qustodio\u2019s Safety Guide to the Brawl Stars video game app<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\r\n\r\n
What is Brawl Stars and why do kids love this game so much?<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\r\n\r\n
Is Brawl Stars safe for my child?<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\r\n\r\n
\r\nThe objective of Brawl Stars is different based on which game modes \u2013 with names like Smash & Grab, Showdown, Heist, etc. \u2013 your child plays, but the core goal is simply to kill opposing brawlers, using a variety of weapons, and in so doing collect trophies. Despite the near-constant violence, the animation is cartoonish and there is no blood. The injured characters generally just grunt, or exert a funny catch phrase, and die.\u00a0
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\r\nRecent studies mostly absolve violent video games from leading to serious violent behavior later in life<\/a>. The The American Psychological Association (APA) cites citing other negative life factors, such as history of violence, as being much more significant indicators of violence later in life. While the case is not entirely closed, the question parents should ask now is if the violence in video games is a good reflection of their family\u2019s values? And, if playing hours of \u201cshoot-em-up\u201d is the best use of their child\u2019s time over the long-run?<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\r\n\r\n
\r\nParents should worry more about gaming chat rooms than about violent content. Video game chat rooms have often been referred to by the New York Times as \u2018hunting grounds<\/a>\u2019 for child predators. Brawls Stars has Clubs, social groups within the game that players can join to chat and join rooms to brawl together. While the chat feature is censored, it can still\u00a0 lead to exposure to profanity and expose your children to people you don\u2019t know who may have bad intentions.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\r\n\r\n
\r\nBrawl Stars has tempting in-app purchases that are pushed to players encouraging them to spend real world money for in-game items. Although not required to make progress, they help brawlers progress faster in the game and avoid the long \u2018grind\u2019 it would normally take. Brawl boxes are Braw Stars in-game loot boxes (virtual items in many video games that let players \u201cgamble\u201d on an item of chance) or chests that are available in the shop. Regulators and researchers are concerned that spending money on loot boxes may be linked to gamling-related harm among children<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\r\n\r\nWhat can I do to keep Brawl Stars safe for my kids?<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\r\n\r\n
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\r\n<\/li>More great online safety and digital wellbeing guides and articles for your family:<\/strong><\/h3>
Where to get Qustodio<\/strong><\/h3>