I'm honestly asking if anyone has a chrome browser app idea or a potentially just some type of interface where I could potentially safely let me kids roam, I could give them an allowance to buy certain games to support the developers, and everyone wins.
I ask because I'm 33 and I had unrestricted access to the internet (not all good, not all bad), but I don't want to limit my kids to boring educational games or just their tablet. I see the gap in their education is even if they don't fully want to learn how to code they should have access to the sandbox type of internet where they can explore online, educational or entertainment games, but in a safe way where they won't get traumatized from clicking on the wrong thing.
I think the geriatric community would benefit from this too - especially brain, memory,and Demet related games.
I just ask because I'm not a full luddite, but I don't have the connections or capacity to learn how to do this type of things myself. I am quite sad that my childhood when I had access to jumpstart, neopets, zoo and dino tycoon, and even the original oregon trail might have been peak educational fun games. Today even my kids amazon tablets are full of ai generated advertisements that makes them put it down more than actually play it.
TLDR;
The Problem: Modern internet access for kids is broken. It's either completely locked down and boring, or a minefield of tracking, AI-generated ads, and explicit content.
The Concept: A custom Chrome app or extension that serves as a safe, curated "sandbox" browser interface. It would recreate the magic of the early 2000s web (Neopets, JumpStart, Oregon Trail) where users can freely explore web games without the risk of a wrong click leading to something awful.
Key Features:
- Safe Exploration: A visual, ad-free portal of approved web games and HTML5 projects (like the ones hosted here on itch!).
- Parent-Managed Wallet: A built-in allowance system allowing kids to purchase games or tip creators safely, teaching them digital literacy and supporting indie devs.
- Dual Audience: A simplified version of this interface would be incredibly beneficial for seniors dealing with memory issues or dementia who need safe, easy access to brain games without confusing pop-ups.
I don't have the capacity to build this myself, but I feel like the market is desperate for it. Are there existing open-source projects doing this? Would love to know if any developers see potential in a tool like this.