Brawl Stars. All you should know about your kid’s favourite game

Free-to-play does not mean free-to-boost

Not only are online games fun, but they can also develop children’s skills, help them socialize, communicate with each other, and improve their creativity. Anyway, there are also many challenges connected to online games, including Brawl Stars. This cartoon look of this real-time strategy game is really appealing to young players. The game itself can be downloaded for free, but kids can buy additional equipment via the so-called in-app purchases. In some cases, parents can be surprised by unexpected payments via their payment cards. Why do kids buy extra features in the game? Because if they want to proceed to the next level, they must be endowed with enough trophies, tokens and gems. It's faster if they just buy the things they need – with real money. 

When gaming gets toxic

In-game purchases aren't the only problem with Brawl Stars. Short playing rounds tempt the kids to continue playing and it’s more difficult for them to stop. According to experts, there are even some similarities to gambling in the reward system based on the opening of random boxes, which can – again – be either earned by playing or bought for real money. Kids gain valuable objects, but also useless stuff – the virtual surprise bag is unpredictable in terms of content. 

Also, kids are motivated to play as much as possible by having the chance to boost their avatars by earning enough gems or tokens. The so-called Brawlers (game characters) can compete online against other Brawlers, alone or in a team. Each character has a different appearance, strengths, and weapons. If the player wants to get a rare character they particularly like, they have to collect a certain number of tokens. They get them by winning. A game round lasts only a few minutes. The first Brawler is available "for free", and if the player wants a new one, they must earn it.

Questionable age limits and social environment

In addition, the game is not moderated, apart from the possibility to mute the chat, there are no limits to hate comments, insults, or sexual harassment from strangers. For example, controversial user groups named after porn websites have appeared not only in Brawl Stars, but also in Clash Royale. 

It can therefore be assumed that content nor age restrictions are checked particularly thoroughly by the provider. Even younger children can easily download the game. According to the Terms and Conditions of the provider, kids between 14 and 18 need a declaration of consent from their parents – but the game does not require any. You will find contradictory information about the game, depending on the manufacturer and testing institution. In the Google Play Store, the recommended age limit starts at 10 years of age, in the Apple Play Store, year younger players are alright to play. 

How to approach Brawl Stars as a parent?

When it comes to rating Brawl Stars, opinions vary. Some parents see the game as a waste of time, but kids love it uncritically. How to be aware of what your kid’s been experiencing online and allow them to have fun, staying safe at the same time? Here are a few tips: 

• Play Brawl Stars together: It's best to watch or play the game together with your kids. Let them explain why they find it cool and maybe play a round with them. By the way: There is a large community connected to the online game on YouTube that shares Let's Plays and discusses updates to the Brawl Stars gaming world. Have a look. You should be familiar with the topic and know the game if you want to increase the chance that your child adheres to your rules.  
• Block in-app purchases on your child's smartphone: If your kid plays on an iPhone or an iPad, go to the "Settings”, and proceed to "Screen Time/Restrictions” and "iTunes & App Store Purchases". Tap "In-app Purchases“ and set to "Don't Allow“. Activate a "Screen Time Code", so that your children can’t switch this function off themselves. For Android devices, open the "Play Store" and click the icon "Settings". Tap “Settings Authentication” > “Require authentication for purchases” > select "For all Google Play purchases made on this device". To prevent children from performing any in-app purchases, it is not enough to change the game settings. You should also avoid storing your credit card in the apps which can than use it for in-app purchases.
• Limit the in-app purchases: If you don't want to ban in-app purchases entirely, agree with your child on how much they can spend on them, for example from their pocket money.
• Agree on the amount of time your kid can spend playing: Brawl Stars tempts the kids to play one round after another. The social pressure to win as a team should not be underestimated. You should therefore set clear screen time rules with your kids, and for example, agree on how many laps are allowed per day. With a media usage agreement hung on the fridge where everybody can see it, you raise the chance that your kids accept the restrictions.
• Offer extra laps of the game when some more boring activities and duties or school results are done exceptionally well.
• Be careful you don’t focus only on limiting and restricting, but you are paying attention to what is done and needs to be done besides gaming. Try to reach the balance between fun and duties and teach your children about the importance of such approach.

How much screen time is recommended?

For children between 6 and 9, a maximum of 60 minutes per day of media consumption is recommended. From the age of 10, a weekly quota can be set.

1. Set up a third-party ban: Third parties offer in-app purchases in Supercell games, among other free jewels in Brawl Stars etc. They ask for personal data or money in exchange. In many cases, what is promised is not delivered. It is safer to request a "third-party ban" from the mobile operator. Thanks to that, the cell phone number can’t be used to bill any paid services. You can contact the operator via e-mail, online customer service, or apps they have for their clients.
2. Individualize game settings: For example, you can disable push notifications that constantly remind your child of the game. Contact with strangers can be prevented by turning the chat off. Teach your child not to reveal any personal information such as their name, place of residence, and so on. Make sure they know that they can never be sure of who is sitting behind the screen on the other end of the conversation. 
3. Agree on the rules of communication: In Brawl Stars, players can play with friends, start or join clubs. The integrated chat function increases the risk of insults, hate comments or sexual harassment from strangers. Therefore, talk to your child about cyberbullying and grooming, and eventually agree on rules for digital communication.
4. Go through the Supercell guide for parents: Various topics are discussed in the material, such as managing and disabling in-app purchases, reporting other users, warning about third-party providers, privacy policies and information about the chat function. Get to know more about muting messages or reviewing content.

By following a few simple rules, you can increase the chance that your kids will understand the potential dangers of online games, such as Brawl Stars. Playing is supposed to be fun and relaxing – and now you know how to keep it that way.