Google is planning to add a dedicated ‘Designed for Families’ section to the Play Store that will showcase apps and games that are child- and family-friendly. The company is expected to launch the new section at Google I/O later this week.

“A few weeks ago we invited you to opt-in to the Designed for Families program, a new program that lets developers like you signal that your apps and games are kid- or family-focused,” reads an email Google sent out to one Android developer this week.

“There’s still time to opt-in to the program before the new family-friendly experience launches to consumers and helps parents find suitable, trusted, high-quality apps and games more easily.”

Google is giving developers a deadline of May 28, which happens to be the first day of Google I/O. This suggests that the new section will be announced at the event and rolled out soon after it.

As a parent with kids who love to play smartphone and tablet games, it’s great to see Google is working to make the Play Store a better, more enjoyable place for kids who are looking for new content. It should also make it easier for parents to seek out new content for them.

For the longest time, Google took a completely hands-off approach to Google play, and famously allowed anything and everything — unlike its rivals. But in recent years, as Android has gotten increasingly popular, the company has took steps to provide some regulation.

While Google will still allow emulators and apps that require root access, then, it’s also working hard to keep the Play Store free from malware and junk that no one wants.

• ViaPhandroid