Is NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts Safe for Kids?
Age rating is set by Google Play, not by Unstar. This page explains it and adds what parents report in reviews. Not affiliated with Particle Media Inc..
What NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts's age rating means
NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts is rated Teen on the Google Play, meaning it targets older teenagers, not young children. With parental controls and an honest conversation, many teens use apps like this fine, but the rating exists for a reason.
Things for parents to check
- NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts offers in-app purchases. Without a purchase password or spending limit, a child can run up charges. Set up Ask to Buy (iOS) or a Play purchase PIN (Android).
- NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts shows ads. Ads inside kids' apps can lead to unexpected content or accidental taps that open other stores or links.
What parents and users report about NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts
Users frequently complain about intrusive and excessive ads, including full-page video ads and audio ads that override other content. Many find the app's notifications overwhelming and irrelevant, often delivering clickbait or outdated news. Technical issues, such as problems downloading stories and difficulty accessing shared content, are also common frustrations.
Summarized from 204 recent 1-3 star reviews. These are user reports, not verified claims.
How to keep your child safe with NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts
Settings, Screen Time, Content & Privacy Restrictions. Set an age limit for apps, require Ask to Buy for purchases, and restrict or remove NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts if it is above your child's age.
Use Google Family Link to approve installs, set a Play Store content rating limit, require purchase approval, and block or uninstall NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts on your child's device.
NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts for kids: frequently asked questions
Is NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts safe for kids?
NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts has an official age rating of Teen on the Google Play, aimed at older teens rather than young children. It can be appropriate with guidance, parental controls, and a conversation about what to share and who to talk to.
What age rating does NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts have?
The Google Play rates NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts as Teen. This is the store's own content rating, set from the app's features and content, not our opinion. Use it as the starting point for whether it fits your child's age.
Can my child use NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts safely?
If you decide to allow it, use device parental controls: Screen Time and Content & Privacy Restrictions on iPhone, or Family Link and Play Store parental controls on Android. Turn on purchase approval, set age-appropriate content limits, and keep the account under your family group so you can see activity.
How do I block or remove NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts from my child's phone?
On iPhone, open Settings, Screen Time, Content & Privacy Restrictions, then restrict or delete the app and block reinstalling it. On Android, open Family Link, select your child, find NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts and block or uninstall it. You can also set a store age limit so apps above your child's age cannot be installed.