Brave – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Brave

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

app2016

62%

WISE Score

4.8

App Store

Privacy-first browser that blocks ads and trackers—great tool, but it's still the whole internet without training wheels.

Brave

app

Everyone, 2016

62%

WISE Score

4.8

App Store

Privacy-first browser that blocks ads and trackers—great tool, but it's still the whole internet without training wheels.

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Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

Brave is a solid privacy-focused browser that does what it promises: blocks ads, stops trackers, and speeds up browsing. For families, it's a meaningful upgrade over ad-riddled alternatives and passively teaches kids that their data has value.

But let's be clear—this is not a kids' browser. There are no parental controls, no content filters, no guardrails. It's the entire internet with better privacy protection, which is great for teens and adults but requires active parenting for younger kids.

The privacy features are genuinely good, and the ad-free experience is refreshing in 2025's attention-economy hellscape. If your teen is ready for unrestricted browsing and you want to model healthy digital habits, Brave is a smart choice. Just don't mistake privacy tools for supervision.

Age Fit

Best for teens 13+ who are ready for unsupervised internet access and can benefit from learning privacy concepts. Younger kids can use it with supervision, but the lack of parental controls means parents need to be actively involved. Adults will appreciate it most.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

As a browser, Brave's core function is emotionally neutral, but its privacy-first design models healthy digital habits and respect for user autonomy. The ad-blocking and tracker-blocking features create a less chaotic, less manipulative browsing experience compared to ad-heavy alternatives. No toxic social dynamics or inappropriate content inherent to the tool itself.

Imaginative

Brave is a utility tool, not a creative platform. While it enables access to the broader internet (which can be imaginative), the browser itself doesn't invite building, exploration, or creative expression. The AI assistant Leo adds some interactive capability, but it's primarily functional rather than imagination-sparking.

Safe

Strong built-in ad blocker, tracker protection, and script blocking reduce exposure to malicious ads and privacy invasion. No ads within the app itself is a major plus. However, Brave is still a full web browser with access to the entire internet—kids can navigate to any site, including inappropriate content. The VPN and privacy features are safety-positive, but there's no robust parental control system or content filtering for kids. Reddit discussions suggest it's more trustworthy than alternatives but acknowledge browser privacy is always a compromise.

Enriching

Brave teaches kids (and adults) about digital privacy, data protection, and the economics of online advertising through its design. The Brave Rewards system introduces micropayments and creator support concepts. However, as a browser, it's primarily a gateway tool—enrichment depends entirely on what users choose to access through it. The privacy education is valuable but passive.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Blocks ads and trackers by default, creating a cleaner, less manipulative browsing experience than Chrome or Safari
No ads within the app itself—a rare win in the free app economy
Built-in VPN and privacy features teach digital hygiene concepts passively
Fast performance and battery-saving features make it genuinely better than bloated alternatives
Brave Rewards system introduces kids to concepts of creator support and micropayments

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What to Watch For

Zero parental controls—this is a full web browser with access to literally everything on the internet
The AI assistant Leo is unfiltered and can answer any question or translate any content
Kids still need supervision and digital literacy education; a privacy browser doesn't replace parenting
Brave Rewards involves cryptocurrency concepts that might confuse younger users

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think some websites are free? Let's talk about how ads and tracking work."
"What's the difference between searching on Brave Search versus Google? Why might that matter?"
"If you could get paid tiny amounts for seeing ads you actually want, would you? That's what Brave Rewards does."
"What kinds of things do you think websites know about you when you browse? Should they?"

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