Zift Advisory
ABCya is the companion app for one of the most popular educational gaming websites in the world. Many of the games are created for toddlers and kindergartners with the goal of supporting skills in the early stages of math and literacy education. ABCya is absolutely safe for children ages four and older.
What is ABCya Games?
ABCya for iOS is the companion app for ABCya.com, one of the most popular educational gaming websites in the world. Many of the games are created for toddlers and kindergarten students, with the goal of supporting skills in the early stages of math and literacy education.
The site was founded by two educators, who started by making games and enrichment activities for their own classrooms. Since then, the brand has grown into one of the most recognizable in children's educational games. ABCya mobile apps have been downloaded over ten million times.
ABCya estimates that over one million children play the games each month, many as an enrichment activity in the classroom. Most of the games available to subscribers are explicitly modeled after Common Core educational standards, which can be useful to families making the transition to Common Core methods. The app is browse-able by age, skill level, or Common Core standards.
There are over 250 games and activities available for subscribers, or six free playable games per week. Each of the games encourage children to practice a variety of skills, from letter recognition to division, multiplication, and grammar. Content is organized by skill and grade level, with new educational games and activities added each month.
Subscribers without an iOS device can access all ABCya content via their web browser. You don't need to have an active subscription to download the app, or play one of the weekly rotation of free games, but can sign up for one either as an in-app purchase or via the main ABCya website. Which games are available may differ between web browsers and mobile devices.
Is ABCya Games safe for my kids?
ABCya is absolutely safe for children ages four and older. All content within the app and ABCya site is approved by the kidSAFE program, which certifies the company's technology and privacy policies are certify compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The kidSAFE program is an independent, federally-recognized body which develops and verifies compliance with child safety standards for websites, apps, and technologies intended for kids.
ABCya was recognized as an independent COPPA certification body by a 4-0 vote of the Federal Trade commission in 2014.
In order to qualify for kidSAFE and COPPA certification, app developers have to demonstrate:
- Active safety measures for all online interactions.
- Real procedures for responding to safety issues, when identified.
- Parental control mechanisms.
- Entirely age-appropriate content and branding.
- Parental access, notification, and consent wherever a child's information is involved.
- Data security and privacy assurances in place.
Younger children will need certain basic skills to get the most use out of this app, such as navigating touchscreen interfaces and following verbal directions. The site and ABCya app are best for children between the ages of four and eight. Although the app offers games for kids up to grade five, it may not appeal to children over ten.
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