What is the minimum age for the Episode app?
The app store rating is 12+ however, there are stories that reference sex, dating, censored nudity, alcohol, drugs and other suggested themes. In Episode’s terms and conditions, readers must be at least 13 to play the game.
Parents raised concerns about the Episode app
Seeing inappropriate content
Some stories in the Episode app contain adult themes such as sex, drugs and alcohol with frequent use of what can be deemed as bad language, making this less suitable for younger children.
In-app purchasing – Readers can also purchase passes or ‘gems’ to receive premium choices, this may reinforce inappropriate reactions to events and kids may unknowingly spend a lot of money. Prices of these gems and passes range between £1.99- £99.99 so it can become pricey.
Fiction vs Reality – The characters in the app may be impressionable on young children, especially those that are vulnerable as they may become influenced by certain aspects of the stories, so it is important to help children understand the difference between what is real and what isn’t and that the game doesn’t reflect real life.
Parental controls – There aren’t any parental controls on Episode, however, it is important to talk with your child about what stories are age-appropriate. There is risk a child will come across stories with high sexual themes and younger especially vulnerable children, may be tempted to interactive with it.
