Understanding the ‘Teacher Approved’ Label on Google Play
As school holidays continue across Australia, many parents are seeking engaging and educational activities for their children. With the widespread use of Android devices, it’s common for parents to turn to Google Play to find suitable apps for their kids. The platform has a dedicated section for children, featuring “Teacher Approved” apps and games that are designed for children under 13 years old. These apps are categorized by age ranges and themes, aiming to provide a safe and enriching experience for young users.
Among the popular “Teacher Approved” apps are Lingokids, a learning app, and Bluey: Let’s Play, a game based on the beloved children’s show. YouTube Kids, another widely used app, also carries the “Teacher Approved” label and has been downloaded over 500 million times. While these apps may seem beneficial, there is growing concern about the criteria used to determine what qualifies as “teacher approved.”
What Does “Teacher Approved” Mean?
Google launched the “Teacher Approved” program in 2020 with the goal of setting quality standards for apps targeting children under 13. To be included in the “Teacher Approved” section, an app must meet Google’s family policies, which include having an easy-to-understand interface and content that is appropriate for children. Ads, in-app purchases, and cross-promotion must also be considered appropriate.
Google offers an online course for developers who wish to have their apps included in the “Teacher Approved” section. This course states that an app doesn’t need to be strictly educational as long as it is “enriching” and supports a child’s healthy development. However, the criteria for assessing learning impact remain unclear, especially for non-educational apps.
Our Research Findings
In our study, we examined how apps are presented in the children’s section of Google Play and interviewed five industry stakeholders, including founders and design specialists from companies that develop apps for children. We focused on industry experts rather than parents, as anecdotal evidence suggests that many parents lack understanding of the “Teacher Approved” program.
One of our key findings was the confusion caused by vague or interchangeable labels such as “enriching apps,” “enriching games,” and “games for kids.” This can make it difficult for parents to discern whether an app is truly educational or simply entertainment. For example, Paw Patrol Rescue World, which carries the “Teacher Approved” badge, is labeled as “action-adventure” by its developer.
Who Approves the Apps?
The “Teacher Approved” badge implies that teachers evaluate the apps featured in the children’s section on Google Play. However, according to Google’s developer section, the evaluation process involves more than just teachers. It mentions that “teachers and children’s education and media specialists recommend high-quality [Teacher Approved] apps for kids on Google Play.”
In 2020, Google shared the names of two experts who were “lead advisers” at the time—a developmental psychologist and an education and media expert. However, it remains unclear who the current teachers and specialists are or how many of them are actual educators. When asked about this, Google did not respond before the deadline.
What Can Parents Do?
Our research highlights the confusion surrounding the “Teacher Approved” label. In the meantime, parents can take several steps to ensure they are making informed choices:
- Use independent sites such as Children and Media Australia that evaluate the educational content of apps
- Don’t rely solely on the content description on Google Play; instead, test the apps yourself
- Avoid using apps with advertising, as this can disrupt the learning experience
By taking these precautions, parents can better navigate the digital landscape and ensure their children are engaging with high-quality, educational content.
