App + Game Reviews

Google Earth

Cyber Expert Reviewer:

Teodora Pavkovic

Certified Digital Wellness Educator

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2022

Google Earth is a geobrowser app that uses satellite and aerial imagery to show the earth via 3D images. Users can search the globe for mountains, buildings, monuments, or even their own home. With 360 degree viewing capabilities, you can get a very close perspective. The creation tool allows you to draw on maps, add images or videos and collaborate /share with others. Users can login using their Gmail account, but this is not essential for use. With guided tours presented by some of the worlds leading storytellers and scientists, this app can be a great educational tool for kids.

App Store Rating

Ages 18+

Our Experts Recommend

Ages 10+

Parents' Guide to Google Earth

Known Risks (0 - Low; 5 - High)

Sexting & Hook-ups

Privacy & Security

1.5

Adult Content

Online Bullying

Deception

Violence

Predators

Gambling

Costs

Screen-time

What parents need to know

Logging in

The app allows you to login via a Gmail account to have a more personalized experience. Logging in will allow users to upload images and reviews to locations. It is important to note that children can still have a thorough educational experience without logging in.

Location location location

Let's talk about location tracking and sharing. Google Earth will ask all users whether they agree to have their location tracked. This will look different on all devices, but will usually ask something like; Can google earth track your location? Users can click allow once, allow while using, or don't allow. 'Don't allow' is the safest option for children, this will help prevent them from sharing their location with others. Although it is important to note that this feature is not foolproof and children can still search their home address, screenshot it and pass it on.

Interesting and educational

Google Earth is filled with games, quizzes, and stories for all ages. With themes like space, nature, and history there really is something for everyone. Children can share and information they wish with their friends via other connected apps. They can even measure distances from point A to point B.

Notifications

Children can opt to get notifications when new content relevant to their interests is added. This can increase their screentime, but parents can rest with the knowledge that the use of this app (if used appropriately) is very positive and educational for your child.

Sending your location

This app has sharing functionality. The biggest concern with this feature is that children can either take a screengrab of their own location or share a link of what they are viewing directly to contacts via other apps. Children can easily search their home address, click street view, zoom into their house and send a photo to anyone they are in contact with via apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Gmail. We encourage parents to have regular chats about safe practices when it comes to sharing content in our apps.

Pictures all over

Users from all over the world can upload images they have taken. These pictures can be uploaded to specific locations such as landmarks, monuments, or even restaurants.

Tips and tricks for safe, responsible use

Location and photo sharing

It is really important that we are thinking about what we are sharing on any apps and games we have on our devices. Before you post anything at all you need to be asking yourself these questions; Will I be safe if a stranger saw this? Will I get into trouble with mum and dad if they saw me posting this? Does this picture give away any private information about me? If you answer yes to any of these questions, it is safest not to post.

Reporting a pic

People from all over the world can share any photos and videos they like. These photos can be added to any location and can be viewed by anyone. Unfortunately, this means that sometimes photos that may be too grown-up for you can be shared. If you see something that is not appropriate for you, go show a trusted grown-up, take a screenshot and then report it. Go to the 'how to's' section below for tips on how to report something.

Parents permission

Like all apps and games on your device, it is very important that you have permission to use Google Earth. Have a chat with mum and dad about this app, show them the app and get them to have a look through it. There is also an option for you to login using an email address. You can still have a great time on the app without doing this, but again if you would like to login please talk to mum and dad first.

How tos

Reporting

How to flag a pic

1- Click on the inappropriate image.

2- Click on the flag in the bottom right corner.

3- Choose your reason for reporting the photo.

4- Enter a parent's email address and submit.

Features

Augmented or Virtual Reality
Data Storage
Educational Information
Internet Browsing
Location Tracking
Navigation
Photo and Video Sharing

Your Child's Online Rights

The Gold Standard: COPPA [Implemented globally, legally enforced only in the U.S.]
California: CCPA
U.K and Europe: GDPR-K
Australia: Online Safety Act 2021

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