Are you sick of handing over your phone so your little social butterfly can send messages to their eight closest besties? Or perhaps you want your child to be able to reach you while they’re home alone. Regardless, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up six safe messenger apps for kids that you can feel good about letting your child use.
Apps were chosen based on two main criteria:
For example, if you prefer to use Facebook’s interface, Messenger might be a good option. If you have an iPhone and would rather limit the number of apps your child uses, iMessage (and Apple Family Sharing) might be the way to go.
| Available on | Parental Controls | Requires a phone number? | |
| JusTalk Kids | iOS, Android, Amazon Fire | Yes | No |
| Kinzoo Messenger | iOS, Android, Amazon Fire | Yes | No |
| iMessage | iOS | Yes | No |
| Facebook Messenger | iOS, Android, Desktop | Yes | No |
| Messenger Kids | iOS, Android, Amazon Fire | Yes | No |
| Blinx | iOS | Yes | Yes |
Best for: 13+
Platforms: iOS, Android, Amazon Fire
Why we like it: JusTalk Kids is a pared-down version of the JusTalk video chat and messaging app that includes fun features for kids, like doodles, stickers, and games. You don’t need a phone number to use it, so you can easily repurpose an old phone without adding a new line.
Considerations for parents: Although JusTalk Kids does have parental controls, you can’t link and manage it with an adult account. It’s also possible for kids to use their account to log in to the adult version of the app.
Best for: 6+
Platforms: iOS, Android, Amazon Fire
Why we like it: Kinzoo Messenger allows kids to stay in touch with family and friends under the safety of exceptionally robust parental controls, including a family “magic code” and required parental approval for every person they want to message. Its COPPA certification demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to safety.
Considerations for parents: There are in-app purchases for things like sticker packs. Kids can’t purchase them without parental approval, but they are promoted with a prompt to “ask a parent” to purchase.
Best for: 10+
Platforms: iOS
Why we like it: The native messaging application on Apple devices offers strong parental controls, like content restrictions, blocking unknown senders, and restricting location sharing. Kids under 13 are required to have their account linked to a parent’s through Family Sharing.
Considerations for parents: Parental controls must be set up in order for iMessage to be a safe option for kids.
Best for: 13+
Platforms: iOS, Android, desktop
Why we like it: Kids don’t have to have a Facebook account to use the Messenger app. Parental controls have recently been introduced to Messenger, including the ability to view and receive updates on their teen’s Messenger contact list, as well as notifications if they change their privacy or safety settings.
Users can block people or ignore messages from specific senders. Minors who receive a message from an adult they don't know will receive a pop-up cautioning them about the interaction.
Considerations for parents: Chats can be set to Vanish Mode, which erases messages after users leave the chat, making it harder for parents to track.
Best for: ages 6+
Platforms: iOS, Android, Amazon Fire
Why we like it: Messenger Kids mirrors the regular Facebook Messenger app, but it's designed with kids’ safety in mind. Parents create their child’s account, manage their contact lists, and can review content through a parent dashboard. Flexible options for how parents manage their child’s contacts allow for a stepped approach as a child gets older. Parents can also remotely log kids out of the app on any device.
Considerations for parents: Facebook’s lack of transparency around data collection on the Messenger Kids app makes it hard for parents to assess how their child’s data is being collected and used.
Best for: 8+
Platforms: iOS
Why we like it: Blinx is a way for children to message with family and friends in a closed environment. They can send photos, videos, and voice memos to approved people with a single click. It also features good data privacy by only storing messages on the devices of the people messaging.
Considerations for parents: Blinx requires a mobile phone number to use.
Here are some tips for keeping your child safe on messenger apps:
