Is GamePigeon Safe for Children?

Remember the good old days when games meant running outside to play tag or gathering around the table for a family board game night? Those moments were filled with laughter, friendly competition, and the joy of bonding. Games allowed us to connect with friends and family, share stories, and create lasting memories.

Today, however, the definition of a game has changed. With smartphones and tablets, gaming has moved into the digital realm, becoming an integral part of our kids’ lives.

A recent survey by Pew Research asked 1,453 teens in the U.S. between the ages of 13 and 17 about their gaming habits. The results showed that 85% of these teens play video games. About 41% say they play games every day, and a similar number consider themselves “gamers.”

Source: Pew Research

In this blog, we’ll delve into one of the popular online games among students: Game Pigeon. This iMessage app brings classic games to life on our phones, offering a fun way for kids to challenge their friends in games like 8-Ball and Anagrams while chatting away. However, as parents, we understandably worry about our kids’ safety in this new gaming landscape. How can we keep them safe while allowing them to enjoy this modern twist on play? So, let’s dive in!

What is the GamePigeon App?

GamePigeon is an app that many of our kids might be using without us even realizing it. It’s an extension for iMessage, which works seamlessly within the texting app on iPhones and iPads. Kids can play various two-player games with their friends, all while chatting back and forth through iMessage. GamePigeon consists of 25 different mini-games. 

The app was released in 2016 and grew in popularity over time, winning #1 in the Top Free Category in the App Store during its first six months. Some of the most popular games our kids might be playing include:

• 8-Ball: This is a digital version of pool, where players aim and shoot the balls into the pockets.
• Knock-out: In Knock-out, players command their four penguins to try to knock their friend’s penguins off the shared block of ice while avoiding being knocked off themselves.
• Sea Battle: Similar to the classic game Battleship, where players try to sink each other’s ships.
• Anagrams: A word puzzle where players rearrange letters to form words.
• Gomoku: A strategy board game, also known as Five in a Row. The objective is to get five pieces in a row before your opponent does.

GamePigeon is only available through iMessage, which means our kids are likely playing with people already in their contacts, such as friends from school or family members. To play, they simply select a game within iMessage, send an invite, and the game starts in the same conversation. They take turns playing while messaging each other.

Potential Risks of GamePigeon App

In terms of online safety for kids, GamePigeon is generally considered safe. Since it’s an iMessage extension, it only works with people already in your contacts or with whom you’ve had conversations. This means players usually interact with people they know, which limits exposure to strangers. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

• In-App Purchases: Although GamePigeon is free to download, it offers numerous in-app purchases. Kids can unlock new styles for pool cues, paintballs, and other game features. They can also buy cosmetic skins for their avatars or pay to remove ads. These purchases, if unmonitored, can add up quickly.

• Privacy Concerns: Since GamePigeon uses iMessage, the app’s privacy is tied to Apple’s messaging platform. While it’s easy for kids to play games with friends and family, they may also share their phone number or Apple ID. If they add new contacts or play with someone outside their friend group, they might inadvertently expose personal information to strangers. (You may like to read : How to Keep Your Child’s Information Private )

• Inappropriate Content: Although the games themselves are harmless, ads or in-game chats can sometimes expose kids to inappropriate content. GamePigeon may contain frequent or intense cartoon or fantasy violence. This means kids might see characters getting into fights, using weapons, or engaging in other violent acts. The violence may not be realistic and occurs in a world where characters can perform actions that aren’t possible in real life. For example, characters might bounce back after being hit or engage in silly battles with no real consequences. Exposure to such content can affect their mental and emotional well-being.

• Cyberbullying and Predators: Since GamePigeon involves messaging, there’s a risk of cyberbullying. Hurtful messages can be sent alongside games, turning a fun experience into something negative. Predators can also use the app to contact kids more easily by suggesting a game and then chatting privately through iMessage.

• Distraction and Addiction: Like any mobile game, GamePigeon can become addictive. The games are fun and competitive, making it easy to spend excessive time playing, especially since they’re integrated into the messaging app. Kids can easily engage in back-and-forth games all day long, which may distract them and prevent them from focusing on schoolwork or other important daily activities.

What is the age rating of GamePigeon App?

GamePigeon is rated 12+ on the App Store. This is mainly because of some mild content, like ads or the chance to chat with others through iMessage. The games are mostly harmless, but since kids are interacting with people who have their phone number, it’s important to keep an eye on who they’re playing with. Also, be aware of any in-app purchases or ads they might see. As parents, we need to stay involved and make sure they’re using the app safely.

Benefits of GamePigeon

While we’ve talked about the potential risks of GamePigeon, there are also some benefits that can’t be overlooked. With the right tools and precautions, we can let our kids enjoy this app in moderation.

Educational Value

Some games on GamePigeon can actually help kids learn while they play. For example, games like Anagrams and Word Bites encourage vocabulary building and critical thinking. These games challenge kids to form words from scrambled letters, helping them expand their language skills in a fun way. Games like Chess and Checkers promote strategic thinking and problem-solving. So, while they’re having fun, they’re also sharpening their minds!

Developing Social Skills

GamePigeon is a great way for kids to connect with friends and family. Playing games together through iMessage lets them share laughs and enjoy friendly competition, even if they can’t meet in person. It can be a wonderful way for them to keep in touch with grandparents, cousins, or friends who live far away. This social interaction is important for building relationships and can help kids feel less isolated.

How to Make GamePigeon Safer for Children

If your child is using GamePigeon, it’s wise to implement online safety measures. Here’s how you can set up parental controls and help your kids stay safe while gaming.

Set Up Screen Time

1. Open Settings: Go to the Settings app on your child’s iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap on Screen Time: Look for “Screen Time” and tap it.
3. Turn On Screen Time: If it’s not already enabled, tap “Turn On Screen Time.”
4. Set a Passcode: Create a passcode that only you know. This will prevent your child from changing the settings.
5. App Limits: Tap on “App Limits” to set limits for GamePigeon and other apps. You can choose how much time your child can spend playing each day.

Manage In-App Purchases

1. Open Settings: Again, go to the Settings app.
2. Tap on Screen Time: Tap on “Screen Time” again.
3. Content & Privacy Restrictions: Tap on “Content & Privacy Restrictions.”
4. In-App Purchases: Tap on “iTunes & App Store Purchases.” Here, you can choose to allow or disallow in-app purchases. It’s a good idea to turn this off to prevent unexpected charges.

Talk About Online Safety

1. Have Open Conversations: Talk to your child about who they play with. Make sure they understand they should only play with friends and family.
2. Explain Inappropriate Content: Let them know that some ads or messages may not be suitable. Encourage them to come to you if they see anything that makes them uncomfortable.
3. Discuss Cyberbullying: Teach your child what cyberbullying is and how to handle it. Remind them it’s important to tell you if someone is being mean or makes them feel bad.

Check In Regularly

1. Monitor Playtime: Keep an eye on how much time your child spends on GamePigeon. Ensure it’s not interfering with homework or family time.
2. Play Together: Occasionally, play a game with your child! It’s a fun way to bond and observe how they interact with others.

Use Mobicip Parental Control for Monitoring

While following the steps above to make GamePigeon safer is a great start, adding a parental control solution like Mobicip provides advanced protection and creates a robust safety net for your children. 

Mobicip continuously monitors your child’s activity in real-time, offering an added layer of protection that gives you peace of mind. This helps ensure your child has a fun, safe gaming experience. It makes you feel confident that you’re doing everything possible to keep them safe online. 

Let’s explore some useful features of Mobicip that make managing gaming apps like GamePigeon easy.

Features of Mobicip

• Screen Time Limits: Mobicip allows you to set daily limits on screen time. You can decide how long your child can use their device each day for playing games, making it easier to encourage breaks and maintain balance.

• Content Filtering: With Mobicip, you can filter out inappropriate websites and apps. It blocks adult content and allows only age-appropriate material, giving you peace of mind knowing your child is safe while browsing.

• Activity Monitoring: Mobicip provides a report of your child’s activity, showing you what apps they use the most and how long they spend on them. This helps you understand their habits and guide them accordingly. You will even receive notifications when they try installing or uninstalling apps from their devices.

• App Management: You can block or allow specific apps on your child’s device. If you’re concerned about GamePigeon or any other app, you can easily manage access and set time limits for various apps. Mobicip blocks all apps rated 17+ by default for kids, reducing the likelihood of them stumbling across inappropriate content. While most app blockers only allow you to block installed apps, Mobicip goes one step further by enabling you to block apps in advance, even before your kids download them!

Like it or not, technology is a big part of our modern lives. Completely blocking it off or making your child fear it won’t help them. Instead, let’s focus on teaching healthy habits around technology that will stick with them for a lifetime.

With GamePigeon, we can find a balance. It offers fun and social interaction, but we also need to be proactive and vigilant. Encourage your child to explore this new world of gaming, but keep an eye on how they’re using it. By setting boundaries and having open conversations, we can help them enjoy the benefits while staying safe.

If you’re looking for a way to make your kid’s gaming experience safer, why not give Mobicip a try? Start your 7-day free trial today and see how it can help you monitor your child’s activity while they have fun! Let’s empower our kids to enjoy technology responsibly!