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Snapchat is designed to allow users to send “Snaps”--photo, video, and chat messages–back and forth between one person or a group of users. Snaps disappear after a short time, and can be replayed only once. There is an option to save chat messages in the feed.

Instagram

Snapchat

Proceed with caution

Snapchat is a photo and video messaging app that allows users to communicate with friends, family, and followers by snapping and sharing photos in an instant.

Social Networking

Photo & Video

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Snapchat allows public location sharing.

Parental Controls

In August 2022, Snapchat implemented an in-app family center that allows parents to see which Snapchat friends have sent their children messages, photos or videos within the last week. Parents also have the option to report any suspicious or concerning accounts to Snapchat’s trust and safety teams.

Insights

Snapchat can be used innocently for kids to message their friends, but there are a number of potentially-dangerous uses that parents should keep in mind if their kids are using the app.

Users must be 13 years old to create an account. However, an account is not required to view YouTube content. Some videos are age-restricted based on explicit content and are not visible to any users under age 18 or anyone without an account.

Snapchat

YouTube

Proceed with caution

YouTube is an entertainment platform where users can watch, create, and share video content via channels. It is the second most-visited website on the internet, right behind Google.

Entertainment

Photo & Video

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

YouTube does not allow direct messaging. Users with an account can post public comments on videos.

Location Sharing

YouTube does not publicly share user location.

Parental Controls

YouTube has built-in parental controls, including a Restricted Mode, that allows parents to control the type of content their child views.

Insights

YouTube has one of the largest libraries of video content on the internet. Some of it is safe for children, but some of it contains things that parents may find inappropriate.

Users must be 18 to create an account.

YouTube

Netflix

Proceed with caution

Netflix is a popular television and film streaming app. As is typical of streaming sites, it is as dangerous as you make it; there is both content that is appropriate as well as inappropriate.

Entertainment

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

None

Location Sharing

None

Parental Controls

Offers a ‘kids profile’ option in settings. This disables all media that is rated for adults and only displays content suitable for children.

Insights

The ‘kids profile’ version offers an incredibly safe and accessible version of the app for children to use. Netflix requires a paid subscription.

Users can audio or video call each other, as well as text chat. There are also forum-like chat groups where users can communicate with each other.

Netflix

Discord

Proceed with caution

Popular among the gaming community, Discord uses both the video and audio calling functions and community forums. It also offers one-to-one messaging. Discord has over 100 million users.

Communication

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

None, though Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Parental Controls

Insights

Discord is as risky as you make it. Users have control over the groups they join and the individuals they message. It is common for gaming communities to use Discord to communicate.

Discord

BeReal is a social media platform that asks users to post unfiltered photos of themselves once per day. All users receive a once-daily notification and have a two-minute window to capture a photo of where they are and what they’re doing at the moment. The platform is designed to encourage people to be more authentic online.

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

There is no private messaging on BeReal. Comments can only be posted by a user’s approved friends.

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

BeReal contains a “Maps” feature that allows users to share their location with friends.

Parental Controls

None. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

BeReal does not allow users to see others’ photos unless they have posted one themselves for the day. It also does not have followers or likes. Some experts have praised the app for those features, its focus on authenticity, and a format that encourages screen-time moderation instead of endless scrolling. As with any social media platform, some content may not be appropriate for users of all ages.

13+ with adult supervision or 18+

BeReal.

Twitch

Proceed with caution

Twitch is a live streaming app which allows users to watch and interact with popular gamers or other hobbyists around the world via real-time videos and public chat features. Users can also publicly post their own gameplay and webcam footage live.

Entertainment

Photo & Video

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Users can type comments in a public chat room-style feed associated with each stream. Users can also send streamers monetary gifts and privately message one another.

Location Sharing

There are some privacy setting options such as blocking “whispers” (direct messages) from other users and filtering chat to block crude or insulting words.

Parental Controls

Insights

There is a wide variety of content available on Twitch. Pornographic content is against Twitch guidelines, but the nature of livestreaming means Twitch streams are unfiltered and may contain mature content.

Twitch

Spotify

Safe for most kids

Spotify is a music streaming platform that allows users to search for music, create playlists, and listen to podcasts.

Music & Audio

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

In settings, users can toggle whether they would like explicit-rated content to be hidden. However, there is no external parental lock on this toggle.

Parental Controls

Insights

Spotify contains music and podcast content covering a wide range of genres and subjects, including content that some parents may find inappropriate even with explicit lyrics filtered. A separate app, Spotify Kids, does provide parental controls and more carefully curated content.

None. Users over the age of 13 have access to additional features.

Spotify

Roblox

Safe for most kids

Roblox is an online game platform and game creation system that allows users to program games of their own and play through others’ games.

Games

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Users over the age of 13 can send and receive private messages.

Location Sharing

Roblox does not publicly share user location.

Parental Controls

Roblox has robust built-in parental controls that allow parents to customize a child’s experience in the game.

Insights

Roblox teaches children the basics of programming and game design. It is utilized primarily by younger children.

Zepeto allows public, private, and group messaging. Users can also “live stream” via their avatar.

Roblox

Zepeto

Proceed with caution

Zepeto is a virtual role-playing game that allows users to create digital avatars of themselves, customize their avatars and virtual environments, and socialize with other anonymous users from all over the world.

Games

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Zepeto does not publicly share user location.

Parental Controls

Zepeto does not have built-in parental controls. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

Zepeto caters to a younger audience and has more gameplay features than many other apps of its type. Avatars in Zepeto are created directly from personal images of the user, which can lead to privacy issues.

Zepeto

Whisper

Not safe for kids under 18

Whisper is an anonymous social networking app. Users post short text posts overlaid with pictures and anyone on the app can respond.

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Users can post public comments or send private messages to other users. Also allows photo, audio, and video messaging.

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

All posts on Whisper are location-based. There is no way to disable the geo-location feature.

Parental Controls

None. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

While this app is intended to be anonymous, the posts are location-based, and the messaging feature allows for anyone to message a user.

After users “match” by both approving of the others’ profile/bio, they can send direct messages, along with voice and video calling.

Whisper

Tinder

Not safe for kids under 18

Tinder is a popular dating app where users can upload and browse profile pictures and bio descriptions. If two users “match”, they can directly message one another. Sexual/Mature content is likely.

Dating

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Location is used to connect users within a certain radius and cannot be turned off while using the app.

Parental Controls

None, though Apple and Android parental controls could be used at the device level.

Insights

Tinder started on college campuses and has a reputation for being a “hook up” app that facilitates sexual encounters. Owned by The Match Group (Like OkCupid, Hinge, and Match).

Tinder

Facebook

Proceed with caution

Facebook is a feature-heavy social media platform that allows users to create a personal profile page and share images, articles, and other content publicly or privately within their circle of connected friends.

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Users can comment publicly on each other’s posts and may also encounter strangers on comment threads in public posts and groups. Direct messaging is also a prominent feature (See Facebook Messenger).

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Location sharing on posts is enabled, but users may opt out by adjusting their settings.

Parental Controls

There are no external parental controls built into the app. However, privacy settings can be adjusted to fit what users are comfortable sharing, and with whom they are comfortable sharing it.

Insights

Like many social apps, Facebook can be relatively safe or extremely dangerous depending on how it is used. Always ensure teens know how to block other users and understand the importance of privacy settings.

Fanfiction.net contains public forums where users can talk to each other about a variety of topics. It also allows for private messaging between users.

Facebook

Fanfiction.net

Proceed with caution

Fanfiction.net is an online archive of works of fiction created by fans of various books, TV shows, movies, and real celebrities.

Books & Reading

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Fanfiction.net allows users to publicly display their location in their profile.

Parental Controls

Fanfiction.net does not have built-in parental controls. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

Some content on Fanfiction.net is safe for younger readers, but the app also contains mature content that is inappropriate for anyone under the age of 18. Built-in filters allow users to restrict certain types of content from their feed; however, filters rely on authors to rate the appropriateness of their own work.

Twitter allows users to privately message one another, including sending photo and video messages. It also allows disappearing messages, which are visible for a short time before being deleted.

Fanfiction.net

Twitter

Proceed with caution

Twitter is an online social media platform where people communicate with friends, influencers, celebrities, and businesses via short messages called tweets.

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Twitter allows users to publicly share their location.

Parental Controls

Twitter does not have built-in parental controls. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

While 13-year-olds can legally join twitter, it is rated 17+ and contains mature content, including pornographic material, that is inappropriate for children of any age.

Twitter

Disney+

Proceed with caution

Disney+ is a popular television and film streaming app. As is typical of streaming sites, it is as dangerous as you make it; there is both content that is appropriate, as well as inappropriate.

Entertainment

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Offers a ‘kids profile’ option in settings. This disables all media that is rated for adults and only displays content suitable for children.

Parental Controls

Insights

The ‘kids profile’ version offers an incredibly safe and accessible version of the app for children to use. Disney+ requires a paid subscription.

Disney+

YouTube Kids

Safe for most kids

YouTube Kids is a version of the popular entertainment platform, YouTube, designed specifically with kids in mind. It is optimized for family-friendly video content and robust parental controls.

Entertainment

Photo & Video

Minimum Age Requirement

None

Messaging Capabillities

YouTube Kids does not publicly share user location

Location Sharing

Parental Controls

YouTube Kids has robust parental controls, including settings that allow parents to individually approve each video their child sees.

Insights

All content posted to the platform goes through a human review process. Ads that appear on YouTube Kids may not be subject to the same restrictions.

Allows text chat, group chat, video call, and voice call. Users have the ability to send links, video, and gifs. Has a ‘secret message’ feature that allows messages to disappear.

YouTube Kids

Facebook Messenger

Proceed with caution

Facebook Messenger allows users to send instant messages back and forth through an internet connection without requiring a phone plan.

Communication

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Allows users to publicly share their location

Parental Controls

Specific users can be blocked from sending messages. Apple or Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

A Facebook Messenger account is linked to a user’s Facebook account. Anyone can message your child if they can find their Facebook account. Messenger also has a feature that allows people to share money back and forth.

Wattpad allows public comments on original works as well as private messages between users.

Facebook Messenger

Wattpad

Proceed with caution

Wattpad is an online social reading platform designed for users to read and write original stories.

Books & Reading

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Wattpad allows users to publicly display their location in their profile.

Parental Controls

Wattpad does not have built-in parental controls. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

Some content on Wattpad is safe for younger readers, but the app also contains mature content that is inappropriate for anyone under the age of 18. Built-in filters allow readers to restrict certain types of content from their feed; however, filters rely on authors to rate the appropriateness of their own work.

Wattpad

Amazon Prime Video

Proceed with caution

Amazon Prime is a popular television and film streaming app. As is typical of streaming sites, it is as dangerous as you make it; there is both content that is appropriate as well as inappropriate.

Entertainment

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Offers a ‘kids profile’ option in settings. This disables all media that is rated for adults and only displays content suitable for children.

Parental Controls

Insights

The ‘kids profile’ version offers an incredibly safe and accessible version of the app for children to use.

Amazon Prime Video

Hulu

Proceed with caution

Hulu is a popular television and film streaming app. Hulu is a subsidiary of Disney and houses the majority of their more ‘adult’ content. As is typical of streaming sites, it is as dangerous as you make it; there is both content that is appropriate as well as inappropriate.

Entertainment

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Offers a ‘kids profile’ option in settings. This disables all media that is rated for adults and only displays content suitable for children.

Parental Controls

Insights

The ‘kids profile’ version offers an incredibly safe and accessible version of the app for children to use. Hulu does not require a paid subscription; it has a free with ads level.

Hulu

HBO Max

Proceed with caution

HBO Max is a popular television and film streaming app. As is typical of streaming sites, it is as dangerous as you make it; there is both content that is appropriate as well as inappropriate.

Entertainment

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Offers a ‘kids profile’ option in settings. This disables all media that is rated for adults and only displays content suitable for children.

Parental Controls

Insights

The ‘kids profile’ version offers an incredibly safe and accessible version of the app for children to use.

Users must be 18 to create an account.

HBO Max

Peacock TV

Proceed with caution

Peacock is a popular television and film streaming app. As is typical of streaming sites, it is as dangerous as you make it; there is both content that is appropriate as well as inappropriate.

Entertainment

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Offers a ‘kids profile’ option in settings. This disables all media that is rated for adults and only displays content suitable for children.

Parental Controls

Insights

The ‘kids profile’ version offers an incredibly safe and accessible version of the app for children to use.

There is no age requirement to download the app. It is rated for users 17+.

Peacock TV

Calculator#

Not safe for kids under 18

Calculator# appears on your phone’s home screen as a calculator app, but is actually a password-protected secret storage for photos, videos, contacts, notes, passwords, and more.

Utilities

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

None, though Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Parental Controls

Insights

The purpose of apps like Calculator# is to create a secret, secure vault for storing sensitive or private information on a mobile device. While there may be good reasons for adults to use an app of this type, it is not recommended for use by children.

Calculator#

Paramount Plus

Proceed with caution

Paramount Plus is a popular television and film streaming app. As is typical of streaming sites, it is as dangerous as you make it; there is both content that is appropriate as well as inappropriate.

Entertainment

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Offers a ‘kids profile’ option in settings. This disables all media that is rated for adults and only displays content suitable for children.

Parental Controls

Insights

The ‘kids profile’ version offers an incredibly safe and accessible version of the app for children to use.

WhatsApp allows video chat, one-on-one text chat, and group text chats.

Paramount Plus

Proceed with caution

Whats App allows users to send messages back and forth via an Internet connection. It has become the most popular transcontinental (mainly Europe) messaging app due to it not necessitating a cellular connection.

Communication

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

WhatsApp offers a ‘Share Location’ feature, which allows users to share their location in a one-on-one chat and group chat.

Parental Controls

Limited to blocking users from contacting the account. Apple or Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

Users of the app have the ability to set it so that only saved contacts have the ability to message them.

Sling TV

Proceed with caution

SlingTV is a popular television and film streaming app. As is typical of streaming sites, it is as dangerous as you make it; there is both content that is appropriate as well as inappropriate.

Entertainment

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Offers a ‘kids profile’ option in settings. This disables all media that is rated for adults and only displays content suitable for children.

Parental Controls

Insights

The ‘kids profile’ version offers an incredibly safe and accessible version of the app for children to use.

Sling TV

YouTube TV

Proceed with caution

YouTubeTV is a popular television and film streaming app. As is typical of streaming sites, it is as dangerous as you make it; there is both content that is appropriate as well as inappropriate.

Entertainment

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Offers a ‘kids profile’ option in settings. This disables all media that is rated for adults and only displays content suitable for children.

Parental Controls

Insights

The ‘kids profile’ version offers an incredibly safe and accessible version of the app for children to use.

YouTube TV

Spotify Kids

Safe for most kids

Spotify Kids is a music streaming platform that includes kid-curated content such as singalongs and soundtracks, allowing kids to explore music without encountering explicit content.

Music & Audio

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Spotify Kids requires a Spotify Family subscription and allows parents to control some factors behind the playlists the app suggests.

Parental Controls

Insights

Spotify Kids content is curated for kids or young teens and suggests music based on the child’s age category.

13, but it is designed for a more adult audience. An Access Pass allows users over the age of 18 to access adults-only content and requires third-party age verification.

Spotify Kids

IMVU

Proceed with caution

IMVU is an avatar-based social network that allows users to create digital avatars of themselves, customize their avatars and virtual environments, and socialize with other anonymous users from all over the world.

Games

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

IMVU allows public, private, and group messaging.

Location Sharing

IMVU allows public location sharing.

Parental Controls

IMVU does not have built-in parental controls. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

Parents may find much of the content in IMVU inappropriate for teens. Customization of your avatar and environment is a huge focus of gameplay, so in-app purchases are heavily emphasized.

IMVU

FuboTV

Not safe for kids under 18

FuboTV is a popular television and film streaming app. As is typical of streaming sites, it is as dangerous as you make it; there is both content that is appropriate as well as inappropriate.

Entertainment

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

None, though Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Parental Controls

Insights

FuboTV is not intended for children.

FuboTV

Pluto TV

Proceed with caution

PlutoTV is a popular television and film streaming app. As is typical of streaming sites, it is as dangerous as you make it; there is both content that is appropriate as well as inappropriate.

Entertainment

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Offers a ‘kids profile’ option in settings. This disables all media that is rated for adults and only displays content suitable for children.

Parental Controls

Insights

The ‘kids profile’ version offers an incredibly safe and accessible version of the app for children to use.

The ESRB recommends that players be at least 10 years of age or older.

Pluto TV

Among Us

Safe for most kids

Among Us is an online multiplayer game that allows 4-15 users to play as the crew of a spaceship. At the beginning of each game, some characters are randomly assigned as Imposters, whose job it is to assassinate the unsuspecting crew. Among Us has three game modes: local private freeplay games, online invite-only games, and online public games.

Games

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Text chat is an important feature of an Among Us game. Between rounds, players exchange chat messages with the rest of the crew to try to identify the Imposters among the group. There is a “Quick Chat Only” mode for players under 13 that only allows them to select from a prepared list of dialogue options rather than freely typing in the chat window.

Location Sharing

Among Us has some in-game parental controls. Apple and Android parental controls can also be used at the device level.

Parental Controls

Insights

The term “murder game” can frighten some parents; however, Among Us features only mild cartoon violence. Local freeplay and online invite-only game modes are the safest options for children.

Among Us

Crackle

Proceed with caution

Crackle is a popular television and film streaming app. As is typical of streaming sites, it is as dangerous as you make it; there is both content that is appropriate, as well as inappropriate.

Entertainment

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Offers a ‘kids profile’ option in settings. This disables all media that is rated for adults and only displays content suitable for children.

Parental Controls

Insights

The ‘kids profile’ version offers an incredibly safe and accessible version of the app for children to use.

Crackle

Crunchyroll

Proceed with caution

Crunchyroll is a popular television and film streaming app which is especially popular among fans of anime. As is typical of streaming sites, it is as dangerous as you make it; there is both content that is appropriate as well as inappropriate.

Entertainment

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Offers a ‘kids profile’ option in settings. This disables all media that is rated for adults and only displays content suitable for children.

Parental Controls

Insights

The ‘kids profile’ version offers an incredibly safe and accessible version of the app for children to use.

Crunchyroll

Tubi

Proceed with caution

Tubi is a popular television and film streaming app. As is typical of streaming sites, it is as dangerous as you make it; there is both content that is appropriate as well as inappropriate.

Entertainment

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Offers a ‘kids profile’ option in settings. This disables all media that is rated for adults and only displays content suitable for children.

Parental Controls

Insights

The ‘kids profile’ version offers an incredibly safe and accessible version of the app for children to use.

Tubi

BBC iPlayer

Proceed with caution

BBC iPlayer is a popular audio, television, and film streaming app. As is typical of streaming sites, it is as dangerous as you make it; there is both content that is appropriate as well as inappropriate.

Entertainment

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Offers a ‘kids profile’ option in settings. This disables all media that is rated for adults and only displays content suitable for children.

Parental Controls

Insights

The ‘kids profile’ version offers an incredibly safe and accessible version of the app for children to use.

BBC iPlayer

Starz

Proceed with caution

Starz is a popular television and film streaming app. As is typical of streaming sites, it is as dangerous as you make it; there is both content that is appropriate as well as inappropriate.

Entertainment

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Offers a ‘kids profile’ option in settings. This disables all media that is rated for adults and only displays content suitable for children.

Parental Controls

Insights

The ‘kids profile’ version offers an incredibly safe and accessible version of the app for children to use.

Starz

Omegle

Not safe for kids under 18

Omegle is designed to connect a user with another randomized user from anywhere else in the world. Touting the tagline “chat with strangers,” Omegle allows users to browse and connect with strangers via live video chat.

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Allows messaging, photo sharing, and live video chat with strangers

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Collects location data to pair users by region

Parental Controls

No parental controls or settings to allow for private profiles, and no way to report or block users. Apple or Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

Due to the nature of random video chatting, there is a strong chance of users encountering shocking or sexual content on this app.

Omegle

NowChat

Not safe for kids under 18

NowChat allows users to connect with randomized strangers anywhere in the world via video chat.

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Allows live video chat with strangers

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Collects location data to pair users by region

Parental Controls

Limited privacy settings and no parental filters. Apple or Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

Although their guidelines state that asking for nudes or posting pornographic content is against the rules, there is nevertheless a strong chance of users encountering shocking or sexual content on NowChat.

NowChat

Joi

Not safe for kids under 18

Joi allows users to browse and connect with strangers anywhere in the world via instant messaging, photo, and video chat.

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Allows messaging, photo sharing, and live video chat with strangers

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Collects location data and allows users to filter matches by region

Parental Controls

Limited privacy settings and no parental filters. Apple or Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

Joi includes a feature which blurs video chats when they first go live so that users are less likely to be immediately surprised by nudity without consent. However, there is still a strong chance of users encountering shocking or sexual content on this app.

Joi

Holla

Not safe for kids under 18

Holla allows users to browse and connect with strangers via instant messaging, photo, voice chat, and one-on-one video chat. Users can select Nearby (which allows users to pick matches like a dating app), or Live (which connects them to a completely random stranger).

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Allows messaging, photo sharing, and live video chat with strangers

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Collects location data and allows users to filter matches by region

Parental Controls

Limited privacy settings and no parental filters. Apple or Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

Holla includes a feature which blurs video chats when they first go live so that users are less likely to be immediately surprised by nudity without consent. However, there is still a strong chance of users encountering shocking or sexual content on this app.

Holla

Monkey

Not safe for kids under 18

Monkey allows users to browse and connect with strangers via one-on-one video chat

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Allows messaging, photo sharing, and live video chat with strangers

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Collects location data and displays what state users are in

Parental Controls

Limited privacy settings and no parental filters. Apple or Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

Due to the nature of random video chatting, there is a strong chance of users encountering shocking or sexual content on this app.

Allows group messages, SMS messaging, GIF, video, photo sharing, and Skype video chatting

Monkey

GroupMe

Proceed with caution

GroupMe is an app affiliated with Skype which allows users to set up group chats using their friends’ phone numbers or email addresses. Although the stated purpose of the app is creating group messages with people you know, users can be added by their friends to larger group chats which could include strangers. Within the app, users text one another and share videos, memes, and images.

Communication

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

GroupMe allows users to share location data with their groups

Parental Controls

No internal parental filters or controls, but can be monitored by third-party software. Apple or Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

Like any type of group messaging, GroupMe is a potential setting for bullying. Phone numbers and email addresses are hidden from people who aren’t on users’ contacts list, but names and profile pictures are public. GroupMe also includes GIF, meme, and video search features via unfiltered internet access, so it is possible for kids to find explicit content.

One-to-one messaging with another person with the ability to send photo, video, and link messages. Kik allows group messages with up to 49 additional participants. All messages are saved on your phone via the Kik app, but users have the option to enable disappearing messages.

GroupMe

Kik Messenger

Not safe for kids under 18

Kik Messenger allows users to send instant messages back and forth through an internet connection without requiring a phone plan. It also has functionality that allows users to send sketches and viral videos, play games, and listen to music.

Messaging

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Kik enables users to share their location with each other using a feature they call ‘Glympse.’

Parental Controls

Not available. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

In addition to having messaging capabilities, Kik offers an in-app browser where users can surf the web or stream content. There are no ways to place parental controls on this type of surfing. Messages on the Kik app are difficult to trace, and law enforcement has previously found that "child exploitation is prominent on the app."

Line offers text chat, group chat, voice call, and video call. The popular trend is to send different cartoon stickers.

Kik Messenger

Line

Safe for most kids

Line is a popular messenger app owned by the giant Internet search company, Naver. It is a popular alternative to WhatsApp, with the majority of its usage coming from Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan.

Communication

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Not available in-app. Line offers a sister app, ‘Line Here,’ that has location sharing features.

Parental Controls

Profiles of users under the age of 18 cannot be searched for by other users. Underage profiles have to initiate any line of communication, or share their user code outside the app.

Insights

Line prioritizes keeping their app as safe as possible for younger users; however, as with any messaging app, there is no absolute guarantee that a child will not encounter anything inappropriate.

Allows users to text chat, group chat, and video call. It also allows users to chat with strangers around the world, at random.

Line

WeChat

Not safe for kids under 18

WeChat is a free texting, video, and calling app. It also has functionality that allows users to chat with strangers.

Communication

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Allows basic location sharing. People can chat with strangers nearby.

Parental Controls

Basic control settings. If parents don’t change security settings, anyone using the app can access the users’ information.

Insights

WeChat has a multitude of features, many of which are appropriate for children, but also offers more risky features such as chatting with strangers, location sharing, and sending and receiving money.

Allows text and group chat. They can also send pictures, videos, stickers, and other files.

WeChat

Proceed with caution

Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app allowing usage across many devices.

Communication

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Allows users to share their locations with other users by using the ‘Send Current Location’ feature.

Parental Controls

There are no built-in parental controls. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

Telegram is designed for adults. The minimum age requirement in-app is 16, but the Apple App Store recommends 17. This app was not designed for children.

Lipsi

Not safe for kids under 18

Lipsi is an anonymous feedback app. Individuals can follow anyone anonymously and leave comments. If the user decides, they can reveal their profile to another.

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Lipsi allows private messaging between users.

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Interactions on Lipsi are location-based. There is no way to disable the geo-location feature.

Parental Controls

None. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

Lipsi has a feature to integrate it with an instagram account which makes it popular with teens. Since it is anonymous, cyberbullying has been noted as a common occurrence

Lipsi

Tellonym

Not safe for kids under 18

Tellonym is an anonymous question-and-answer social media platform. Individuals can follow anyone and submit responses to their questions completely anonymously.

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Allows private messaging between users.

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Allows public location sharing and restricts features for users who disable this setting.

Parental Controls

None, but users can set safety levels for spam & offensive language. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

While the app store says ages 17+, Tellonym will allow users ages 13+ with written permission from their parents. Since it is completely anonymous, cyberbullying has been noted as a common occurrence.

Tellonym

Ask.FM

Not safe for kids under 18

Ask.fm is an anonymous question-and-answer social media site. Individuals can follow anyone and submit responses to their questions completely anonymously.

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Allows private messaging between users.

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Allows public location sharing and restricts features for users who disable this setting.

Parental Controls

None. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

Since Ask.fm is completely anonymous, cyberbullying has been noted as a common occurrence.

Ask.FM

MeetMe

Not safe for kids under 18

MeetMe is an online dating app that allows members to meet new people and play games to get to know each other while creating relationships.

Dating

Minimum Age Requirement

Allows private messaging between users.

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Allows public location sharing.

Parental Controls

None. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

This app allows for you to post images and user data such as age, gender, and country.

MeetMe

YikYak

Not safe for kids under 18

YikYak is an anonymous social media app that allows individuals to make posts to anyone within a five-mile radius.

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

YikYak is a location-based app.

Location Sharing

Parental Controls

None. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

YikYak’s location sharing creates a five-mile radius so anyone posting can assume an approximate location. Since it is completely anonymous, cyberbullying has been noted as a common occurrence.

Skout allows private text, audio, photo, and video messaging.

YikYak

Skout

Not safe for kids under 18

Skout is an anonymous dating app. Users post short text posts overlaid with pictures and anyone on the app can respond.

Dating

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Skout is designed to connect users based on their location. It also has a “shake to chat” feature which randomly pairs a user with another user nearby.

Parental Controls

None. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

There have been multiple rape cases where adults used the Skout app to target teens. This app is not safe for children of any age.

After users “match” by both approving of the others’ profile/bio, they can send direct messages, along with voice and video calling.

Skout

Bumble

Not safe for kids under 18

Bumble is primarily a dating app where users can upload and browse profile pictures and bio descriptions. If two users “match”, they can directly message one another. Sexual/Mature content is likely.

Dating

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Location is used to connect users within a certain radius and cannot be turned off while using the app. There is a “snooze mode” to temporarily disable location tracking.

Parental Controls

None, though Apple and Android parental controls could be used at the device level.

Insights

Bumble is structured so women initiate first contact; men are unable to reach out until they have first been messaged. The app recently initiated two additional app modes: one for making friends and one for business contacts.

After users “match” by both approving of the others’ profile/bio, they can send direct messages.

Bumble

OkCupid

Not safe for kids under 18

OkCupid is a dating app where users can upload and browse profile pictures and bio descriptions. If two users “match”, they can directly message one another. An introductory message can be sent even if the other user has not reciprocated a liked profile. Sexual/Mature content is likely.

Dating

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Location is used to connect users within a certain radius and cannot be turned off while using the app.

Parental Controls

None, though Apple and Android parental controls could be used at the device level.

Insights

OkCupid markets itself as unique by having users answer questions to help filter who they connect with (as opposed to users choosing who they connect with based off of a few pictures). It also bans profiles for nudity/explicit content. Has an incognito mode so your profile is not viewed. Owned by The Match Group (Like Tinder,Hinge, and Match).

After users “match” by both approving of the others’ profile/bio, they can send direct messages, along with voice and video calling.

OkCupid

Hinge

Not safe for kids under 18

Hinge is a dating app where users can upload and browse profile pictures and bio descriptions, including audio clips. If two users “match”, they can directly message one another. Sexual/Mature content is likely.

Dating

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Users can determine the radius within which they prefer to meet other users.

Parental Controls

None, though Apple and Android parental controls could be used at the device level.

Insights

Hinge markets itself as a dating app “designed to be deleted”, and follows up with users to gather data on whether first dates were successful or not. Owned by The Match Group (Like Tinder, OkCupid, and Match).

After users “match” by both approving of the others’ profile/bio, they can send direct messages, along with time-limited voice and video calling.

Hinge

Coffee Meets Bagel

Not safe for kids under 18

Coffee Meets Bagel is a dating app where users can upload and browse profile pictures and bio descriptions. If two users “match”, they can directly message one another. Sexual/Mature content is likely.

Dating

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Users can determine the location where they prefer to meet other users.

Parental Controls

None, though Apple and Android parental controls could be used at the device level.

Insights

Coffee Meets Bagel markets itself as a dating app for people seeking serious relationships. Owned by The Match Group (Like Tinder, OkCupid, and Match).

After users cross paths, they can secretly like the other person’s profile and then connect if reciprocated, or directly send a message. If both users approve of the others’ profile/bio, they can send direct messages, along with a single time-limited voice and video calls.

Coffee Meets Bagel

Happn

Not safe for kids under 18

Happn is a dating app that tells users if they crossed paths with other users that have the same set preferences (age and gender). Users can upload and browse profile pictures and bio descriptions, including audio clips. If two users like each others’ profiles, they can directly message one another. Sexual/Mature content is likely.

Dating

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

While specific location is not shared with other users, the app does show places where you cross paths with other users.This setting can be turned off.

Parental Controls

None, though Apple and Android parental controls could be used at the device level.

Insights

Happn is premised on connecting users who could bump into each other in real life.

After users both approve of the other person’s profile, they can directly send messages and have limited video call dates.

Happn

The League

Not safe for kids under 18

The League is a members-only dating app that markets towards highly-educated and career-minded singles. Users can upload and browse profile pictures and bio descriptions. If two users like each others’ profiles, they can directly message one another. Sexual/Mature content is likely.

Dating

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

While specific location is not shared with other users, the app does show places where you cross paths with other users.This setting can be turned off.

Parental Controls

None, though Apple and Android parental controls could be used at the device level.

Insights

The League works in concert with information from LinkedIn and Facebook profiles.

After users both approve of the other person’s profile, they can send messages directly.

The League

Her

Not safe for kids under 18

Her is a dating app that markets towards the LGBTQ community. Users can upload and browse profile pictures and bio descriptions. If two users like each others’ profiles, they can directly message one another. Sexual/Mature content is likely.

Dating

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Location is used to connect users within a certain radius. Can be turned off in settings.

Parental Controls

None, though Apple and Android parental controls could be used at the device level.

Insights

Her caters primarily to Lesbian, queer, & bi women.

Users can send messages directly to other active users in their area, including photo, audio, and video messages.

Her

Grindr

Not safe for kids under 18

Grindr is a dating app that markets towards gay, bi, trans, and queer people. Users can upload and browse profile pictures and bio descriptions and directly message one another. Sexual/Mature content is likely.

Dating

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Location is used to connect users within a certain radius.

Parental Controls

None, though Apple and Android parental controls could be used at the device level.

Insights

Grindr has a reputation for being a “hookup” app that facilitates sexual encounters between queer men.

Users can send messages to other users with whom they match (or even before matching in premium versions). Also includes video/voice calls, live streaming and group conversation options.

Grindr

Clover

Not safe for kids under 18

Clover is a dating app where users can upload and browse profile pictures and bio descriptions. If two users “match”, they can directly message one another. Sexual/Mature content is likely.

Dating

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Location is used to connect users within a certain radius.

Parental Controls

None, though Apple and Android parental controls could be used at the device level.

Insights

Users can send messages to other users with whom they match Also includes video/voice calls and live streaming features.

Clover

Plenty of Fish

Not safe for kids under 18

Plenty of Fish is a dating app where users can upload and browse profile pictures and bio descriptions. If two users “match”, they can directly message one another. Sexual/Mature content is likely.

Dating

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Location is used to connect users within a certain radius.

Parental Controls

None, though Apple and Android parental controls could be used at the device level.

Insights

Owned by The Match Group (Like Tinder, Hinge, OkCupid, and Match).

Paying users can send messages to other users, even before both parties match. After matching, video and voice calls are accessible.

Plenty of Fish

Match

Not safe for kids under 18

Match is a dating app where users can upload and browse profile pictures and bio descriptions. If two users “match”, they can directly message one another. Sexual/Mature content is likely.

Dating

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Location is used to connect users within a certain radius.

Parental Controls

None, though Apple and Android parental controls could be used at the device level.

Insights

Owned by The Match Group (Like Tinder, Hinge, OkCupid, and Plenty of Fish).

Users must pay to see profile pictures of other users. After both parties match, they can send messages to other users, even before both parties match. After matching, video and voice calls are accessible.

Match

eHarmony

Not safe for kids under 18

eHarmony is a dating app launched in 2000, where users can upload and browse profile pictures and bio descriptions. If two users “match”, they can directly message one another. Sexual/Mature content is likely.

Dating

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Location is used to connect users within a certain radius.

Parental Controls

None, though Apple and Android parental controls could be used at the device level.

Insights

Many functions of eHarmony are behind a paywall.

Tumblr allows users to post public comments and exchange private messages with other users. Users can adjust their own privacy settings to block their posts from view or turn off direct messaging from strangers.

eHarmony

Tumblr

Proceed with caution

Tumblr is a micro-blogging social media platform that allows users to post multimedia and text content to their own blog. Users can also follow other users’ blogs.

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Tumblr does not publicly share user location.

Parental Controls

None, though Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

Tumblr made headlines in 2018 for blocking pornographic content from its platform. However, due to the wide variety of content, there may still be things that some parents find inappropriate.

Reddit allows private and group messaging. Users must accept any messages sent to them before they can be viewed.

Tumblr

Proceed with caution

Reddit is a social networking and news site that consists of a massive collection of topic-based forums, called subreddits, where users can anonymously share information and talk to others with similar interests.

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Reddit does not publicly share users’ location.

Parental Controls

None, though. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

The scope of content on Reddit is enormous. Many subreddits are family-friendly; however, others contain adult content that is not appropriate for children. All Reddit users are anonymous, with only a username and no profile photo. This anonymity can make some users feel safer, but can also create an environment that allows for bad online behavior free from real-life consequences.

BitLife

Not safe for kids under 18

BitLife is a simulation story game designed to follow the life of a character from birth until death.

Games

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

BitLife does not publicly share user location.

Location Sharing

Parental Controls

BitLife does not have built-in parental controls. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

While much of the content in BitLife is PG, it also contains mature themes that are not appropriate for children.

13, but the app is designed for a more adult audience.

BitLife

Avakin Life

Proceed with caution

Avakin Life is a virtual role-playing game and social networking site that allows users to create digital avatars of themselves, customize their avatars and virtual environments, and socialize with other anonymous users from all over the world.

Games

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Avakin Life allows public, private, and group messaging. According to the app’s website, “Avakin Life unites people from all over the world, and chatting with people you don’t know could potentially expose you to danger.”

Location Sharing

Avakin Life does not publicly share user location.

Parental Controls

Avakin Life does not have built-in parental controls. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

There are many sexually-charged features of interactions between avatars in Avakin Life that parents may find inappropriate. Customization of your avatar and environment is a huge focus of gameplay, so in-app purchases are heavily emphasized.

Avakin Life

HIP - Hide It Pro

Not safe for kids under 18

Hide It Pro (HIP) is a password-protected secret storage for photos, videos, contacts, notes, passwords, and more.

Utilities

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

None, though Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Parental Controls

Insights

The purpose of apps like HIP is to create a secret, secure vault for storing sensitive or private information on a mobile device. While there may be good reasons for adults to use an app of this type, it is not recommended for use by children.

HIP - Hide It Pro

Keepsafe

Not safe for kids under 18

Keepsafe is a password-protected secret storage for photos and videos.

Utilities

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Keepsafe has no built-in parental controls. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Parental Controls

Insights

The purpose of apps like Keepsafe is to create a secret, secure vault for storing sensitive or private information on a mobile device. While there may be good reasons for adults to use an app of this type, it is not recommended for use by children.

Keepsafe

VSCO

Proceed with caution

VSCO is a photo and video editing and sharing app. It includes community features such as image sharing, following other creators, and sending messages to creators only if they follow you.

Photo & Video

Minimum Age Requirement

Users cannot opt out of the messaging feature. However, users cannot receive messages from anyone whose profile they don’t follow.

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Location data can be shared with images.

Parental Controls

In privacy settings, users can opt out of sharing location data with the photography or videos they post, but there are no external parental controls for this app.

Insights

VSCO doesn’t include likes or comments and emphasizes artistic imagery rather than traditional social media posts. Teenagers using VSCO can choose an anonymous username and opt out of location data sharing. However, users cannot make their profiles private at this time.

VSCO

Marco Polo

Safe for most kids

Marco Polo is a video-messaging app geared towards helping friends and family groups stay in contact. It operates similar to texting or email, but by exchanging videos with people whose contact info you already have.

Social Networking

Communication

Photo & Video

Minimum Age Requirement

Video messages exchanged to individuals or groups whose contact info (phone number) you already have.

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

No built-in parental controls. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Parental Controls

Insights

None. The app is installed by default on Apple devices and any account with an Apple ID, including a child Apple ID, can use FaceTime.

Marco Polo

FaceTime

Safe for most kids

FaceTime is an app exclusive to Apple devices that allows users to connect with family and friends around the world via video and audio calls.

Communication

Social Networking

Photo & Video

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

FaceTime allows for video and audio calls between users who already have each other’s contact information, either phone number or email address.

Location Sharing

FaceTime does not share users’ location.

Parental Controls

Apple’s parental controls at the device level can be used to directly manage a child’s use of FaceTime.

Insights

FaceTime

Skype

Safe for most kids

Skype is a video-conferencing app that also supports instant chat messaging and voice calls.

Social Networking

Communication

Photo & Video

Minimum Age Requirement

Skype allows individual and group video calls, instant messaging, and even calls to landlines (though with fees). Calls need to be added as contacts through an email, phone number, or name search.

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Skype is owned by Microsoft, and within a Microsoft family account, parents can limit screen time, establish filters, and block app usage. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Parental Controls

Insights

You can make yourself unsearchable in Skype, so that no one can contact you unless you reach out to them directly.

16+, unless signing in as a student in an educational account.

Skype

Zoom

Safe for most kids

Zoom is a video-conferencing app that also supports chat messaging and voice calls.

Social Networking

Communication

Photo & Video

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Zoom allows individual and group video calls, voice calls, and chat functions, as well as the ability to show others the content of your computer screen.

Location Sharing

Zoom meetings can be protected with passwords, and locked to prevent uninvited participants from joining. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Parental Controls

Insights

Zoom

Google Duo

Safe for most kids

Google Duo is a video calling app that also allows sending pictures, video, and voice messages.

Social Networking

Communication

Photo & Video

Minimum Age Requirement

Google Duo allows individual and group video calls.

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

No built-in parental controls. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Parental Controls

Insights

Requires user to sign in with a Google account.

Google Duo

Honeygain

Not safe for kids under 18

Honeygain allows users to make passive income online by sharing their internet connection. The app accesses a user’s IP address and, according to its website, uses that connection to “provide third-party businesses with stable connectivity for a number of initiatives.” Honeygain’s website goes out of its way to assure users that its operations are safe and above-board. However, it releases little-to-no data about which companies are using the data connections that users sell or what kind of business is being conducted.

Finance

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

None, though Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Parental Controls

Insights

There is always inherent risk in allowing a third-party to access your data and IP address. The decision about whether to do so should be made by an adult, not a minor.

Honeygain

YouTube Music

Proceed with caution

YouTube Music is a music streaming platform that allows users to browse for music and playlists.

Music & Audio

Minimum Age Requirement

13+ or 17+

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

In settings, users can turn on Restricted Mode, which filters out songs with explicit-rated content. However, there is no external parental lock on this feature.

Parental Controls

Insights

Youtube Music contains music covering a wide range of genres and subjects, including content that some parents may find inappropriate. YouTube Music is restricted to 17+ on iTunes.

YouTube Music

Amazon Music

Safe for most kids

Amazon Music is a music streaming platform that allows users to browse for music, playlists, and podcasts.

Music & Audio

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

An explicit language filter can be toggled on or off. If you have an Amazon Alexa device in your home, you or your kids can also verbally change this setting.

Parental Controls

Insights

Amazon Music contains music and podcast content covering a wide range of genres and subjects, including content that some parents may find inappropriate even with the explicit language filter on.

13+ to create their own Apple ID, 4+ to use the app

Amazon Music

Apple Music

Safe for most kids

Apple Music is a music streaming platform that allows users to browse for music and create playlists.

Music & Audio

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Apple Music has fairly robust parental controls compared to some other music streaming apps, allowing parents to turn on content restrictions with a four-digit passcode.

Parental Controls

Insights

Apple Music streams music covering a wide range of genres, including content that some parents may find inappropriate even with an explicit content filter on.

Apple Music

Soundcloud

Proceed with caution

Soundcloud is a music streaming platform with an emphasis on giving small artists a platform to upload their music and interact with listeners. Soundcloud allows users to search for music and create playlists, and to follow and message artists.

Music & Audio

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging is available through the Soundcloud website, allowing individuals to exchange messages with artists. Messaging can be dislabled by the user in the privacy settings. However, there is no external parental lock on this setting.

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Songs in Soundcloud are marked by the artist if they contain explicit lyrics, but there is no option to automatically filter out explicit song recommendations.

Parental Controls

Insights

The addition of chat messaging capability sets Soundcloud apart from other music apps. Like any app that allows messaging with strangers, this adds risk.

Soundcloud

Pandora

Safe for most kids

Pandora is a music streaming platform that allows users to discover music, create playlists, and listen to podcasts.

Music & Audio

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

In settings, users can toggle whether they would like explicit-rated content to be hidden and to play only radio edits or “clean” versions of songs. However, there is no external parental lock on this setting.

Parental Controls

Insights

Pandora contains music and podcast content covering a wide range of genres and subjects, including content that some parents may find inappropriate even with explicit content filtered.

Users must be 13 years old to create an account. Children ages 13-17 may view publicly posted content, but in order to support a creator as a patron, or to set up a creator account, users must be 18 years old or older. Children can set up creator accounts before age 18 with parent or guardian permission.

Pandora

Patreon

Proceed with caution

Patreon is a platform that lets users financially support the content creators they like through a monthly subscription format. Creators typically offer special rewards like exclusive content for certain tiers of financial contribution.

Entertainment

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Patreon allows users to post public comments or send messages to creators that they support financially.

Location Sharing

None, though Apple or Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Parental Controls

Insights

Patreon is not intended for use by children. Younger teens can view content that is posted publicly by creators, but are restricted from becoming patrons until they are adults. Children will likely be better off interacting with content creators through other platforms.

Patreon

Proceed with caution

Pinterest is a visual search engine and social networking platform that allows users to sort and store information in collections called pinboards.

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Pinterest allows private messaging between users.

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

None, though Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Parental Controls

Insights

Some visual content available on Pinterest may be considered inappropriate by parents. Pinterest attempts to restrict external linking to broken, inappropriate, or unsafe third-party websites; however, this is not 100% effective.

Amino allows private and group messaging.

Amino

Proceed with caution

Amino is a social media app that allows users to join “communities” based on their interests where they can chat publicly or private message other users.

Social Networking

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

Location Sharing

Amino allows users to share their generalized location publicly.

Parental Controls

Amino does not have built-in parental controls. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

Amino users are identified only by an anonymous username. The wide variety of communities and content means that children may be exposed to things that some parents find inappropriate.