Look out, ‘brain games’ — the Federal Trade Commission is cracking down

Many parents will do anything to ensure their children are smart and healthy, but one company just got in trouble with the Federal Trade Commission for preying on those desires with potentially false claims.

Focus Education, a company responsible for the development of a “edutainment” software, has settled a complaint with the FTC regarding claims it made about one of its products. The government agency alleged that Focus Education marketed its Jungle Rangers game by telling parents that it would help improve school performance, attention, and behavior in children. The company even claimed that it could help alleviate the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As part of the settlement, Focus Education agreed to no longer mislead people by suggesting the cognitive claims are scientifically proven. Americans alone spent approximately $1.3 billion on brain games in 2013, and million of people subscribe to website that promise to improve mental functions.