Many popular smartphone apps expose users—especially kids—to inappropriate ads. Free games often rely on ads for revenue, some intrusive or highly inappropriate. Worse, many games reward players for watching these ads, making exposure unavoidable.

Block Blast, currently the #1 download in its category, is a prime example. Reports of inappropriate ads led Apple to give it a 17+ rating—meaning it’s recommended for ages 17 and older. This raises concerns for parents who assumed it was child-friendly.

To protect kids, check app ratings, read reviews, and opt for ad-free versions or parental controls. Spending a few dollars on an ad-free game is often a safer investment than exposing children to questionable content.