SUBWAY SURFERS
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PEGI RATING: 3+
WHAT IS IT? This is a fast-paced, cartoon-style endless runner game where a character runs along train tracks on foot or using a hoverboard, dodging obstacles and barriers. If he hits something, a security guard catches him and the game ends - there is no violence or harm shown. Click here to watch the trailer! WHAT WE SAY: Suitable for all users. ✅ POSITIVES
⚠️ KEY RISKS While Subway Surfers does not contain inappropriate content, it may still present concerns for some parents due to in-game ads, optional purchases, and the potential for excessive screen time. The game features fast-paced action and endless running mechanics, which can be highly engaging but might encourage prolonged play sessions. 📢 Lack of advert moderation While the game itself is family-friendly, online interactions or exposure to ads could introduce content that some parents may find unsuitable. 💸 In-Game Purchases Subway Surfers includes in-game purchases that allow players to buy coins, keys, and special character skins. These purchases can help players unlock characters, boards, and power-ups faster than they would through regular gameplay. While the game is free to play, these microtransactions can add up, so parents may want to set up parental controls or disable in-app purchases to prevent accidental purchases. 💬 Direct Messaging The game itself does not have a direct messaging system, but discussions about the game happen on platforms like Discord, YouTube, and Reddit. 🧑💻 Online Predators and Grooming: Since Subway Surfers has a very active online fan base, children may interact with strangers in chat rooms or discussion forums. Online predators may exploit in these spaces to groom children but not directly through this game. 🔐 Privacy Concerns: Subway Surfers is known to collect small amounts of data from the mobile app. |
🛡️SAFETY TIPS:
📲 Understand the game Familiarise yourself with the games features and how they work. Knowing how the app works will help you guide your child effectively. 👨👧 Parental supervision Check their interactions and adjust privacy settings accordingly. 💸 Limit In-App Purchases Set spending limits or disable in-app purchases on your device to avoid accidental or excessive spending. 🚨 Avoid Unofficial Downloads Stick to downloading the game from official sources (like the App Store or Google Play) to avoid malware, data breaches, or compromised versions. 📢 Underage Accounts This game might have an age restriction but it lacks a proper age verification process. Therefore, there’s little stopping users from faking their dates of birth or creating bogus profiles and targeting children and young people. 👥 Manage friend requests Teach your child only to accept friend requests from people they know in real life. 📷 Cover the Webcam When Not in Use Physically cover your camera when you're not ready to go live. Always be mindful of what’s visible in your background—it can reveal location clues. 🧠 Trust Your Instincts If something feels uncomfortable, it is uncomfortable. Leave the chat immediately and don’t engage with users who seem suspicious, aggressive, or inappropriate. 🖥️ Place Devices in Shared Spaces Keep internet-connected devices in living rooms or kitchens, not bedrooms. This makes risky behaviour less likely and easier to notice. 🙋♀️Conversations: Have open discussions with children and young people about the topics associated with online use - bullying, grooming, sexual and criminal exploitation, body image, as well as accessing support and how to report. 🚨 Know the Signs of Trouble Watch for behaviour changes—like anxiety, secrecy, mood swings, or suddenly deleting apps. These can signal something inappropriate happened online. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you discover criminal content when online then report it directly to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation. If you're worried about online grooming or sexual behaviour online then report directly to the police or contact CEOP. For Children & young people if they're worried or want to talk, encourage them to contact Childline Online or call 0800 1111. Check out our Resource Centre for further information and useful online safety tips. |