Parents' Guide to Tankee

While this app creates a safe space for kids who want to watch game-related videos, older kids won't appreciate its walls or lack of freedom. Much like YouTube, Tankee lets kids watch tons of game-related videos. They can even subscribe to their favorite games and video game personalities -- like streamers and comedians -- so that they never miss a newly released video on their channel. But the games and the video makers are all ones that are kid-friendly: Every video complies with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Even the commenting is safe because it's done with emojis, not words. Additionally, the system automatically generates screen names, which prevents kids from being exposed to or calling themselves something offensive.

All of this means that kids won't see inappropriate videos or wander out of the gaming section and into more mature content. That right there is where the app will probably lose most older kids. Without the ability to explore the wide variety of videos on the web, and without the ability to comment on a video with something deeper than a smiley face, older players will find this app to be too stifling. But if your little gamer is still young enough that they don't mind a little parental constraint and guidance for their hobby, Tankee is a great video option.