Google is launching a new Kids section for the Google Play Store, which will offer a selection of so-called “Teacher Approved” apps. The search giant says these are apps that meet its quality standards and are highly rated by teachers. Each approved app includes a list of reasons why teachers like it, including age-appropriateness, and what it’s trying to teach children.
According to Google, it had originally planned to launch the new section later this year, but it brought the launch forward since so many children are now spending so much of their time at home in front of screens. The reason for this is, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced schools to temporarily close around the world, shifting much of the responsibility onto parents. Google says that this early launch means that the section will launch with some apps missing but that it’s working to review more “as quickly as possible.”
Google is also introducing a “teacher approved” badge, so even if you’re searching outside of the Kids tab, you’ll be able to find apps that have been rated by educators. Google has been working with teachers for the last few years to curate apps that are both fun and educational, and it has consulted with educational experts from institutions like Harvard’s Graduate School of Education and Georgetown University.
“We trust teachers to enrich our kids while they’re in school, and we’re grateful they’ve shared their expertise to rate the apps kids use when they’re not in school as well,” Google wrote in a blog post.
Google says it is adding content as quickly as possible, but in the meantime, you may not see some of your favorite apps. The Kids tab is rolling out across the US over the next few days, and it will be expanding internationally in the coming months.
