Is Your Child Playing Toca Boca World? Here’s What You Should Know

Toca Boca World is a popular interactive game that lets children explore, build, and tell stories in their own digital universe. Developed by Toca Boca, a Swedish mobile game studio focused on kids' experiences, the app invites young players to design homes, run restaurants, visit malls, and interact with a wide variety of characters and locations. It's available on both the App Store and Google Play Store and is designed for children aged 6 to 12.

The app is marketed as a safe and educational way for kids to express their creativity and use their imagination freely. There are no strict rules, no levels to beat, and no pressure to win—just open-ended play. That's part of what makes it so appealing to both children and parents. With over 100 million downloads worldwide, Toca Boca World has become a favorite in many households and is frequently featured in YouTube content by kid-friendly influencers, which only boosts its popularity.

But while the app offers plenty of creative opportunities, it's still important for parents to understand how it works, what risks to watch for, and how to help their child stay safe while playing.

How Does Toca Boca World Work?

In Toca Boca World, players can drag and drop characters, create different scenes, and role-play everyday life in settings like hospitals, schools, and shopping malls.

There's no text-based chat or open messaging system, and the games don't rely on social media to function. That's a good thing when it comes to protecting kids from strangers online. However, there are still areas parents should keep an eye on.

What Are the Risks?

While Toca Boca games are generally safe, here are a few concerns to be aware of:

In-app purchases – While the base game is free, many features, buildings, and characters cost money. Children might not always understand the difference between free and paid content, which can lead to unexpected purchases.

YouTube exposure – Toca Boca content is hugely popular on YouTube, where children watch others play and build in the game. Some creators post appropriate content, but not all. There's a risk your child might end up watching videos with ads, inappropriate language, or fake links.
Data collection – Toca Boca states that it complies with child privacy laws, like COPPA (in the US) and GDPR-K (in Europe). Still, some data may be collected for analytics or crash reporting, especially if the app uses third-party tools.
Unrealistic expectations – Some kids may spend hours building perfect virtual homes and characters, then feel disappointed when real life doesn't match up. They might also compare their creations to what they see in polished YouTube videos or feel left out when friends have access to more in-game content. In some cases, children may even start competing with friends who have spent more money in the game, leading to pressure or frustration over not having the same items or features.
Too much screen time – Because the game is open-ended with no clear stopping points, it’s easy for kids to lose track of time while playing. Without limits, sessions can stretch much longer than intended, which may affect sleep, mood, or attention span over time.

How to Protect Your Child While Playing

To keep your child safe while enjoying Toca Boca games, here are a few simple tips:

Play together – Spend a few minutes exploring the app with your child. It helps you understand how the game works and gives you a chance to talk about what they're creating.
Talk about real vs. virtual – Remind your child that online content, especially what they see on YouTube, is often edited, staged, or created by people who’ve spent real money in the game. Encourage them to enjoy the creative process without feeling pressured to copy others or make everything perfect. It's okay if their world looks different—what matters is that they’re having fun and using their imagination.
Use parental control tools – Bitdefender Parental Control gives you the ability to decide when and if your child can use Toca Boca World. This could look like "only in the evenings," "just for 30 minutes a day," or even "never" if you feel they need a break. In addition to managing internet time, tools like Bitdefender Parental Control also let you block websites, create custom schedules, and track your child's location—giving you more ways to support healthy device use.