In today’s world, it’s widely accepted that families will eventually find themselves in search of secure messaging apps suitable for their kids. Whether your little one is just dipping their toes into the realm of smartphones or is already a seasoned texter, ensuring their safety remains a top priority. With the plethora of apps and social media platforms available, making the right choice can be overwhelming. But fear not, as we’re here to help guide you in selecting the safest messaging apps for your kids.
For teenagers, the preferred method of communication seems to change like the seasons. Snapchat has long been the favorite for texting and group chats, but let’s face it, it’s not the safest option. So, what’s a concerned parent to do? Let’s break down the best—and not-so-great—messaging apps for kids. We’ll consider factors like user-friendliness, cost, and how well Pinardin can keep an eye on them for potential risks.
Top Picks for Kid-Friendly Messaging Apps
When it comes to messaging apps designed with safety and parental control in mind, these four stand out:
Messenger Kids
For the best texting experience that puts you in the driver’s seat, Messenger Kids takes the lead. We’ve chosen it as the top texting app for kids because of its emphasis on visibility from all angles, leaving no room for unexpected surprises. Parents can even download their child’s conversations whenever they want. Plus, with the app linked to your personal Facebook profile, adding friends and family members for your child to chat with is a breeze. Check it out at Messenger Kids.
Google Chat
Discover the hidden gem among messaging apps for your kid—Google Chat. Often overlooked, it becomes a natural choice as your child ventures into the online world and acquires their first email account, typically through Gmail. Renamed from Hangouts, Google Chat seamlessly integrates with Google Workplace features like Drive and more. With its dedicated app, messaging becomes a breeze. The added benefit? Google archives Chats, allowing you to revisit message transcripts anytime. It’s worth noting that you have the option to turn off this feature if needed.
GroupMe
When it comes to group chatting, GroupMe stands out as an excellent choice. Users can sign up using their phone numbers or email addresses and send private or group messages effortlessly. Popular among both kids and college students for coordinating group projects, GroupMe serves as a great equalizer, working seamlessly across various platforms—be it iPhone, Android, computer, or tablet. Connectivity requires only a device and Wi-Fi or cellular data. However, it’s important to be aware that GroupMe comes with its own internal browser, which kids may stumble upon.
Enter the world of WhatsApp, a versatile and free instant messaging service that bridges communication across various mobile devices. Connecting people globally, it allows users to text, call, and engage in video chats seamlessly. Popular for maintaining connections with family and friends living abroad, WhatsApp enables users to create groups and share pictures, audio, and video messages—all within the realm of internet connectivity. While the option exists to send disappearing messages, rest assured, this feature can be easily turned off, offering users control over their messaging experience.
Messaging Apps to Avoid for Kids
In the realm of risky messaging apps for kids, consider these platforms as the “Pinardin’s Most Wanted List.” They have a track record of being repeat offenders when it comes to potential dangers.
Telegram
Sharing similarities with WhatsApp but taking it a step further, Telegram introduces group chat functionality akin to apps like Discord. Additionally, it allows users to share and store large files, from TV shows to documents. However, the concerning aspect lies in its ability to connect with nearby users, opening the door to potential risks for kids. The option for secret mode and self-destructing messages adds another layer of concern, making Telegram a messaging app that warrants careful monitoring.
Kik
While Kik may appear to be just another chat app, resembling WhatsApp, GroupMe, or Facebook Messenger, it relies heavily on anonymity in its interactions. What sets Kik apart is its plethora of public chat rooms filled with strangers, a considerable number of whom are adults. Unlike other popular apps, Kik provides minimal support for parental controls, leaving parents with limited tools to safeguard their children. As a result, Kik ranks among the least secure messaging apps for kids and demands extra caution.
Snapchat
Beyond its fame for disappearing messages, Snapchat has gained notoriety for more than just inappropriate photos. In a disturbing turn, drug dealers have begun exploiting the app to contact kids for sales, posing a significant threat. What elevates the danger is Snapchat’s venture into location sharing through the GPS-powered Snap Map, allowing friends and potentially even strangers to pinpoint your child’s exact location. As one of the most notorious messaging apps on this list of concerns, Snapchat demands heightened vigilance from parents.
Discord
Known as a popular gaming messaging platform resembling Slack, Discord provides chatrooms, direct messaging, voice chat, and video calls, creating a massive space for kids to engage in gaming discussions. Whether immersed in Call of Duty or casual post-school hangouts, Discord’s widespread use poses risks. Unfortunately, the platform hosts numerous “adult” servers containing explicit and sexual content, raising concerns about potential encounters with predators. Parents should exercise caution when it comes to Discord and its potential risks for children.
