Gaming
Is Toca Life World Safe? A Toca Life World App Review for Parents
Recommended Age
5 and up
Overview
**This blog post was updated on August 9, 2023.**
When it comes to super wholesome video games for kids, Toca Life World is one of the best out there. But it’s not really like a typical video game — it’s more a vehicle for kids to use their imagination to create characters and bring environments to life. Nearly everything in the game is customizable, and after you create something, you can screen record it and add audio narration describing the world you’ve built from scratch, kind of like you’re the narrator in a movie!
Harmful Content 😲
The world that kids can interact with in Toca Life World is wholesome — there’s no fighting or sexuality. The only potential negative aspect of the game is that some features like extra outfits, new locations, or bonus objects require you to purchase them. Kids may not always understand how quickly these types of purchases can add up. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do in-game without having to worry about these kinds of purchases.
Predation 🚨
Toca Life World has no in-game chat or messaging, so the potential for predation is near zero.
Positive Value 💙
Giving kids an outlet to play make-believe can do wonders for creativity. Letting them decide how they’d decorate their dream kitchen or boutique also gives them agency in situations they normally wouldn’t. This helps them think on their feet and learn to rely on themselves for inspiration and guidance. And when they record themselves narrating their newly built environments, they’re flexing their writing muscles (even if they don’t realize it!).
Another super positive thing about Toca Life World is its inclusive character customization options. Kids have the ability to build characters that look like them and their friends, no matter what that looks like — from skin color and hairstyles to prosthetic limbs and body types. This type of representation is rare in children’s games, so it’s nice to see it in Toca Life World.
Privacy 🔒
Privacy in Toco Life World isn’t really an issue because there’s no logging in or display of any personal information.
Parental Controls ✅
There are no parental controls in Toca Life World, but there is a handy “Grown-ups Only” section that explains how the game works. You can turn off the Shop section of the app from the settings menu on your child’s device — as well as the music (which can be kind of loud and persistent).
So, should my kid download it?
Sure! The Toca Life World app is one of the most popular games for kids right now, and it was even named the iPhone app of the year in 2021. It’s safe, provides a creative outlet for kids, and helps them build worlds that they want to get lost in. Sounds like a win-win!
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