Social media apps for kids
See our list of child-friendly social media and messaging apps. Help children learn how to interact with each other and share safely online before graduating to other social media apps when your child is of age.
Social and messaging apps for kids
Social media continues to grow in popularity with both teens and tweens. With popular social networks requiring users to be 13 or older, this unfortunately means children might be using social media apps underage. This can leave them open to safety issues and harm.
So, if your child is eager to start posting, creating and sharing while still underage, there are kid-friendly apps and platforms they can use. These apps tend to offer more safety features than other platforms.
Additionally, using these apps can help children develop positive habits before graduating to regular social media when they’re of age. Explore these platforms below.
Childline’s message boards
While more forum than social media, Childline’s message boards give children space to talk about issues important to them. Whether they need support with their mental health or just want to chat with other young people, this is a great option to offer your child.
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Safety features
- Robust moderation with messages needing to be reviewed and approved.
- Anonymised names to avoid sharing personal information.
- No direct messaging.
- Regular responses and oversight from the Childline moderation team.
Age: Due to potentially difficult topics, Childline recommends 12+. However, they say under-12s can use the platform as well.
Cost: Free
Available on: web
Kinzoo Messenger
Kinzoo Messenger is a family- and child-friendly messaging app that uses wifi rather than a mobile number. It lets users make video calls and share pictures, text and videos with chosen family and friends.
Kinzoo Onboarding Video
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Safety features
- It does not use persuasive design to keep children using the app, which can help children take breaks.
- The community is limited to your child’s family and friends rather than a global community.
Age: 6+
Cost: Free
Zigazoo
Zigazoo is the world’s largest social media platform for kids. It’s designed with safety, education and fun at its heart. Often described as a kid-friendly alternative to TikTok, the app lets children create and share short-form videos in response to daily challenges from celebrities, brands and creators. Interactions on the platform are built to promote positivity, creativity and digital citizenship.
Find out why parents love Zigazoo!
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With over 12 million users, Zigazoo is backed by high-profile investors including Serena Williams’ Serena Ventures, Jimmy Kimmel and Charli D’Amelio. It has also partnered with a range of brands to create engaging, family-friendly content.
Safety features
- A kids-only community, verified with age assurance technology.
- Media is screened to ensure it’s developmentally appropriate.
- Parents must sign up their child using their own email to verify children’s accounts.
- Options and oversight for which communities your child joins.
- There are options to share privately or publicly.
- Features for interaction are designed to promote positivity and build confidence.
Age: 5+
Cost: Free with in-app purchases
Additional resources
Help children stay safe on their devices as they learn about social media with expert advice and guides.
