Safe Social Media Apps for Kids

Social media apps for kids can be an incredible tool for children to keep in touch with friends and family, stay informed, play games, and even express themselves. However, there are a lot of potential risks associated with its use. For children under the age of 12, parents must select a safe social media app that provides befitting content for their child’s development and protects them from any inappropriate or explicit content that they might be exposed to, and make sure we as parents have adequate control over what our children view or share online.

Want to avoid dangerous apps and learn which social media applications are best and safest for kids? Read on as we explore some of the top picks.

Contents:

• Kid-Friendly Apps List
• Zigazoo (6–12 years)
• Azoomee (6 and above)
• Messenger Kids (6–12 years)
• YouTube Kids (4–12 years)
• Neopets (12 and above)
• GeckoLife (4 and above)
• JusTalk Kids (4–13 years)
• Trivia Crack (4 and above)
• LEGO Life/Play (5–12 years)
• Club Penguin Island (6–14 years)
• Hidden Features Of Popular Social Media Apps That Parents Need to Know
• Tip for Parents to Make Using Social Media Apps Safe for Kids 
• FAQs

Kid-Friendly Apps List

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Ensuring a safe environment when it comes to children using these apps is no small feat, but certain key features can help. Parents should look for age-appropriate content and make sure the app has strict privacy policies. Other important factors include audit settings that allow parents to screen all posts before they are shared.

To identify the right social networking sites and social media applications for children, we looked into various elements such as benefits and drawbacks, pricing info, device compatibility, and popularity. These factors helped us find a great set of safe apps that are ideal for kids. Read on to find out more about our top picks.

Zigazoo (6–12 years)

Credit: play.google.com

Zigazoo is a social content sharing platform designed specifically for children, offering a safe and engaging environment where kids can create and share short videos. The app encourages creativity through interactive challenges, such as singing, dancing, and educational content, often in collaboration with reputable organizations like museums and zoos.

Price:

The app is free to download and use. However, Zigazoo offers a Premium subscription that unlocks additional features:

• Monthly Subscription: $7.99
• Annual Subscription: $59.99

These subscriptions provide benefits such as extended video lengths, unlimited commenting, and enhanced video editing tools.

Devices: iPhone and Android

Number of Active Users: 1 million

Pros:

• 100% human-moderated and KidSAFE COPPA Certified, ensuring all content is appropriate for children.
• Zigazoo fosters a supportive community by allowing only positive emojis and stickers for responses, eliminating text-based comments that could lead to negativity.
• The app offers content that promotes learning and creativity.

Cons:

• The app’s strict content guidelines may restrict some creative expressions, leading to a narrower range of content compared to other platforms.
• While the app is free, certain features and content require additional purchases, which may not be ideal for all users.

Parents need to know: The app requires parental consent for account creation, and parents can monitor their child’s online activity. All content undergoes human moderation to maintain a safe environment. However, parents should be aware of the in-app purchases and discuss appropriate usage with their children.

Azoomee (6 and above)

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The Azoomee app from Tinizine Ltd. is an exciting social media network for kids between the ages of 6 and 12. With a wide selection of engaging content, including inspiring TV shows, action-packed games, and creative activities, it’s easy to see why Azoomee has become such a popular choice among parents who want to give their children access to quality entertainment. There are various videos, games, and activities available to explore within the app.

• Price: Free to try and then $4.99 per month
• Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, and Android
• Total Number of Users: 5 devices at a time with a premium subscription

Pros:

• Free 7-day trial.
• Easy to download and set up a profile.
• NSPCC certified.

Cons:

• Not 100% free.
• Cannot download any media or games.
• Does not work offline.

Parents need to know: It’s critical to have open conversations with your children about internet safety. Sharing their personal information on Azoomee can be risky—make sure they understand why names, addresses, and other confidential details should remain off the platform.

Messenger Kids (6–12 years)

Credit: axios.com

The Messenger Kids is a kid-friendly communication app that is the perfect way for parents to stay in control of their children’s communication. This innovative social media platform allows kids to video chat, message, and collaborate with friends and family while ensuring that the content they see and access is age-appropriate. The app also includes a quiet mode feature that lets parents easily pause all incoming social notifications.

• Price: Free
• Devices: Android, iPad, and iPhone
• Total Number of Users: 1.4 Million

Pros:

• Controlled by parents.
• Safe playground to learn about digital citizenship with parents.
• Data is deleted with account deactivation.
• History can be reviewed.
• Contacts can be blocked.

Cons:

• Inappropriate language, photos, or screenshots can’t be controlled.
• Some data about the child needs to be collected.
• Filters/games can distract children from talking.
• A parent needs a Facebook account.

Parents need to know: Parents can give permission for a teacher to add their kids to an interactive group chat with other students. Messenger Kids offers this feature to facilitate communication within classrooms.

YouTube Kids (4–12 years)

Credit: en.wikipedia.org

YouTube Kids is a video streaming app developed by Google, specifically designed to provide children with a safer and more controlled environment for exploring video content. Launched in 2015, the app offers a curated selection of family-friendly videos, including educational content, cartoons, music, and more, organized into categories such as Shows, Music, Learning, and Explore.

• Price: Free
• Devices: iOS, Android, and mobile web
• Number of Active Users: 143 million

Pros:

• The app offers a wide range of age-appropriate videos, making it easier for children and parents to find content they are interested in.
• Parents can customize their child’s experience by setting screen time limits, enabling or disabling search, and blocking specific videos or channels.
• YouTube Kids uses a combination of automated filters, human review, and feedback from parents to keep the videos family-friendly.

Cons:

• While the app is free, it includes advertisements, which, although reviewed for age appropriateness, may still be a concern for some parents.
• Despite efforts to filter content, some inappropriate videos may slip through, requiring parental vigilance.

Parents need to know: YouTube Kids provides a platform for children to explore videos in a safer environment. However, it is essential for parents to actively engage with their children’s media consumption by setting appropriate controls and discussing online safety. Regularly reviewing the content and settings can help ensure a positive experience for young users.

Neopets (12 and above)

Credit: neopets.com

Neopets is an online platform that allows users to create and care for virtual pets called “Neopets” within the expansive world of Neopia. Players engage in various activities, such as playing games, customizing their pets, building homes, and exploring different lands. The platform also features an economy where users earn “Neopoints” to purchase items and services.

• Price: Registration and basic gameplay on Neopets are free. However, the site offers premium content and items through “Neocash,” which can be purchased with real money. Additionally, a Neopets Premium membership is available for $7.99 per month, providing benefits like an ad-free experience and exclusive features.
• Devices: Web browser
• Number of Users: 69 million

Pros:

• Neopets encourages reading and financial literacy, as players manage resources and engage in a virtual economy.
• Users can personalize their Neopets and create custom content, fostering creativity.
• The platform offers forums and guilds, allowing users to connect with others who share similar interests.

Cons:

• The free version includes ads, which can be intrusive. An ad-free experience requires a premium membership.
• Some games resemble gambling activities, which may not be suitable for younger children.
• There have been instances of data breaches, raising concerns about user information security.

Parents need to know: Neopets offers a rich virtual environment that can be both entertaining and educational. However, parents should be aware of the presence of advertisements and the option for in-game purchases, which may lead to unexpected expenses. The platform includes games with gambling-like features, so it’s essential to monitor and discuss appropriate online behaviors with children. Given past data security incidents, parents should ensure that children use strong, unique passwords and understand the importance of online privacy. Engaging with children about their activities on Neopets can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Related: Top 10 Adult Social Media Platforms Parents Should Know.

GeckoLife (4 and above)

Credit: geckolife.com

GeckoLife is the perfect way to stay in touch with your friends, family, and acquaintances without worrying about safety. Its private platform brings you closer together for unrivaled convenience—easily chat, share media, or plan activities all on one user-friendly app.

• Price: Free
• Devices: Android, iPad, and iPhone
• Total Number of Users: 8 Million

Pros:

• Aimed towards promoting private and secure online communication.
• Users of the software can quickly interact on canvases organized by themes of interest or by a specified audience group.
• Users continue to connect, work together, upload files, and store information, mostly using Geckolife Canvases.
• Users can search within a canvas by subject or user function, making it simple to identify and retrieve earlier content and ensuring that nothing is ever lost.

Cons:

• Does not support the latest versions of Android OS or iOS.
• Not easily downloaded through app stores.

JusTalk Kids (4–13 years)

Credit: kids.justalk.com

JusTalk Kids is a voice and video calling, as well as instant messaging app, specifically designed for children to communicate safely with family and friends. It offers features such as high-quality video calls, voice calls, text messaging, interactive doodles, stickers, and games during calls, aiming to provide a fun and secure communication platform for kids.

Price:

The app is free to download and use. However, it offers premium features through subscription plans:

• Monthly Subscription: $10.99
• Yearly Subscription: $39.99 (discounted from $49.99)

These subscriptions unlock additional features such as HD+ quality video and voice calls, voice and video recordings, group video calls and chats, access to all stickers, games, themes, and ringtones.

Devices: iOS and Android

Total Number of Users: 20 Million

Pros:

• The app ensures that children do not receive friend requests, calls, or messages from strangers. All personal information and conversations are encrypted, providing a secure environment.
• Parents can manage their child’s usage by controlling friend additions, viewing call records, and setting chat time limits. The app also notifies parents if sensitive images or videos are sent or received.
• Children can enjoy doodles, stickers, and games during calls, enhancing their communication experience.

Cons:

• While the basic app is free, access to premium features requires a subscription, which may be a consideration for some families.
• The app restricts communication to approved contacts only, which, while enhancing safety, may limit the child’s ability to connect more broadly.

Parents need to know: JusTalk Kids is designed to provide a safe and enjoyable communication platform for children. Parents should utilize the app’s parental control features to monitor and manage their child’s interactions. It’s essential to discuss online safety practices with children and ensure they understand the importance of communicating only with approved contacts. Parents should be aware of the subscription options and decide whether the premium features are necessary for their child’s experience.

Trivia Crack (4 and above)

Credit: triviacrack.com

Trivia Crack is a popular mobile trivia game developed by Etermax that allows players to test their knowledge across various categories by competing against friends or random opponents. The game features six categories: Science, Sports, Entertainment, Art, Geography, and History. Players spin a wheel to select a category and answer multiple-choice questions to earn characters representing each category. The objective is to collect all six characters before your opponent does.

• Price: Free
• Devices: iOS and Android
• Number of Users: 150 million

Pros:

• The game offers a fun way to learn new facts and improve general knowledge across diverse subjects.
• Players can connect with friends and family, fostering friendly competition and engagement.
• The platform allows users to submit their own questions, enhancing the variety and relevance of content.

Cons:

• The free version contains frequent ads, which some users find disruptive.
• Certain features and benefits require additional purchases, which may not be suitable for all users.
• The in-game chat function allows interaction and private chats with strangers, which could pose safety concerns for younger players.

Parents need to know: While Trivia Crack can be an entertaining and educational tool, parents should be aware that the ability to chat with opponents includes strangers. Parents may want to monitor this feature to ensure safe interactions.

LEGO Life/Play (5–12 years)

Credit: thebrickfan.com

LEGO Play is a kid-friendly social media app created by The LEGO Group, designed for children aged 5 to 13. The platform allows kids to share pictures of their LEGO creations, participate in building challenges, and interact with other young LEGO fans in a moderated and safe environment. Instead of text-based comments, users communicate using a selection of pre-approved LEGO-themed emojis to promote positive online interactions.

Price: Free

Compatible Devices: iOS and Android

Number of Users: 1 million

Pros: 

• All content is reviewed by human moderators before being published, ensuring no inappropriate material appears.
• Users have randomly generated usernames and can only create avatars using LEGO minifigure pieces.
• Kids can upload photos of their LEGO builds and enter fun challenges set by LEGO.
• No private messages are allowed to eliminate the risks of cyberbullying or strangers contacting children.
• Completely ad-free, so parents don’t have to worry about unexpected purchases or intrusive advertising.

Related: Social Media Is Toxic: How to Protect Your Kids from It.

Club Penguin Island (6–14 years)

Credit: variety.com

The Club Penguin Island app offers players an alternative way to access the Club Penguin game. It is home to a diverse range of activities. Players can explore and make their way through the various zones in exciting adventures. As they progress through levels by completing Daily Challenges, they are rewarded with packs containing emojis or blueprints.

• Price: Free
• Devices: Android, IOS
• Total Number of Users: 330 Million

Pros:

• Offline playing mode.
• Players can use their mobile device’s camera to take pictures of real-life items and insert them into their game.
• Kids can customize their penguin’s look with exclusive clothing and accessories.

Cons:

• No online multiplayer mode is available.
• Offline playing mode is single-player only.

Hidden Features Of Popular Social Media Apps That Parents Need to Know

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Popular social media apps for kids can be a great way for them to stay connected and even build skills, but with the potential dangers of online safety risks, it pays for parents to learn about the hidden features of these services. Some apps contain hidden in-app purchases or age-inappropriate content, so parents should always do their research first and check out reviews on websites like Common Sense Media before allowing their children to use an app.

It’s no surprise that children are often drawn to apps that feature colorful visuals and games. But beneath the surface, some of these seemingly harmless apps can pose a real danger to kids. Hidden within many of these apps are features that can allow predators to gain access to children’s personal information or even track their location.

Snap Map

Credit: npr.org

With Snapchat’s Snap Map feature, users can physically locate themselves and find their friends. Although Snapchat claims the Snap Map is for constructive reasons like connecting with friends, it can be a dangerous tool that puts young Snapchat users at risk. By enabling a Snap Map, strangers can see your exact location, therefore putting your safety and privacy in jeopardy.

Parents must be aware of Snapchat’s Snap Map feature and how it could put their children in a vulnerable position. Keep an open dialogue with your kids while always enforcing the importance of online safety.

Read also The Dangerous Apps’ List for Kids and Tweens.

Calculator apps

Many fake calculator apps are actually vault apps that allow children to hide their sensitive data, such as inappropriate photos. Unfortunately, this type of application poses a real danger to kids since it gives them an opportunity to access harmful content that isn’t suitable for their age.

To protect children from fake calculator apps, parents should keep an eye on what their kids are downloading, establish clear rules about the difference between appropriate and dangerous content, and implement parental control services when necessary. By doing so, they can ensure that their children aren’t exposed to the potential risks that fake calculators present.

Tip for Parents to Make Using Social Media Apps Safe for Kids

The Kids360 app

As a parent, it’s essential for you to be aware of your child’s access to social media. Ensure they’re using age-appropriate platforms and protect them from cyberbullying or other unwanted online interactions and inappropriate content.

Thankfully, Kids360 provides a great solution for parents looking for a safe and kid-friendly social media app. With parental control settings and an age-appropriate multimedia environment, the app offers an ideal platform for your kids to learn more.

Whether used alone or together with parents, this app, with its protective built-in features, is an excellent option for ensuring kids understand the right way to use social media apps safely and are extra careful about their digital footprint. Kids360 can be downloaded from Google Play and App Store.

FAQs

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Is there a kid-friendly social media app?

One of the most popular kid-friendly social media apps is Kidzworld. It is an extensive social media site that provides everything from the most recent movie and television reviews to free online arcade-style games and secure chat rooms. It’s known as a “safe moderated website” and offers chat rooms and messaging to identify and safely connect with peers having similar interests.

What is the most popular social media for kids?

The most popular social media for kids between the ages of 4 and 18 is TikTok. With 41% of children using TikTok, it is the most popular app amongst a broad age group.

Is there a kid version of TikTok?

Although there isn’t a TikTok version for kids, there are plenty of options that are far safer and more enjoyable for your child to utilize. If you wish to ensure your child isn’t using the app to access objectionable material, then utilize the TikTok Restricted Mode, which restricts the app’s ability to display objectionable media.

Is there a kid-friendly app like Snapchat?

There are several kid-friendly alternatives to Snapchat that offer safer messaging and social features with parental controls. Messenger Kids (by Facebook) allows kids to chat with approved contacts under parental supervision. Kinzoo is another option focusing on private, secure family communication. JusTalk Kids provides video calling with strong privacy settings. These apps ensure a safer social experience for children while keeping parents in control.

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