11 messaging apps for kids to stay safe online

In today’s digital world, communication is everything — especially for kids who want to stay connected with family and friends. But how can you ensure your child is chatting safely? The good news is there are plenty of kid-friendly messaging apps designed with safety and parental controls in mind. Whether your child is just learning the ropes of online communication or needs a secure platform to stay in touch, here are 13 of the best messaging apps for kids.

1. Messenger Kids

Best for: Younger children starting to explore online communication Messenger Kids, developed by Meta, offers a fun and controlled environment for kids. Parents have full control over their child’s contact list and can monitor conversations through the app’s dashboard. The app also features activity reports that provide insights into how kids are using the platform, ensuring transparency for parents. With no ads or in-app purchases, it also prioritizes safety and a distraction-free experience.

Key features:

• No phone number required

• Messages and video calls with fun stickers and filters

• Parental controls to manage contacts and monitor activity

2. JusTalk Kids

Best for: Interactive video calling with added security JusTalk Kids is a simplified version of the popular JusTalk app, tailored for younger users. It provides a safe space for kids to chat and video call, with encryption to protect conversations. Parents can take advantage of the app’s privacy settings to monitor activity, approve contacts, and ensure that their child’s interactions are secure. JusTalk Kids doesn’t have ads or in-app purchases, focusing on creating a distraction-free and fun communication environment for children.

Key features:

• Fun doodling options during video calls

• Encrypted messages for added safety

• No ads or in-app purchases

3. Google Family Link + Google Chat

Best for: Tech-savvy families with Android devices

Google Family Link allows parents to manage their child’s Google account, offering tools to set screen time limits, approve or block app downloads, and monitor device activity. Meanwhile, Google Chat provides a safe and user-friendly messaging platform that integrates seamlessly with Google services. Parents can ensure that their child communicates only with trusted contacts, and with Family Link's comprehensive controls, they can maintain oversight of their child’s digital activities while encouraging responsible online behavior.

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Key features:

• Monitor screen time and app usage

• Restrict contacts to family and trusted friends

• Built-in parental approvals for app downloads and features

4. Bark

Best for: Parents prioritizing monitoring and safety alerts Bark is a comprehensive online safety tool that monitors messaging apps like WhatsApp and Instagram. It also scans texts, emails, and other online activities for signs of bullying, potential predators, self-harm, and inappropriate content. The app provides real-time alerts and actionable insights for parents to address issues as they arise.

Key features:

• Comprehensive activity monitoring

• Alerts for flagged content

• Customizable privacy settings and filters

5. Fennec Messenger

Best for: Families seeking ad-free communication Fennec Messenger is designed with simplicity and security in mind. It’s a text-only app with no ads, making it distraction-free for younger kids. The app provides a straightforward messaging platform where parents have complete control over the contact list, ensuring that children communicate only with trusted individuals. Additionally, Fennec takes a strong stance on privacy by avoiding data tracking or third-party integrations.

Key features:

• Simple text-based messaging interface

• No ads or tracking

• Fully managed parental controls

6. Roblox Chat

Best for: Gamers looking to connect with friends

Roblox offers an in-game chat feature that parents can control through account settings. Parents have the ability to customize chat filters and manage privacy settings, ensuring that children only interact with approved friends. Additionally, Roblox allows parents to restrict who can send friend requests, disable chat altogether for younger users, or set up a PIN to prevent unauthorized changes to settings.

Key features:

• Filtered chat options to prevent inappropriate language

• Adjustable parental controls

• Limits for chat accessibility based on age

7. Skype

Best for: Families staying in touch across distances

Skype’s video call and chat features remain a popular choice for families worldwide. Its robust platform allows for high-quality video calls, voice calls, and instant messaging, making it ideal for families to stay connected regardless of distance. Skype also supports group video calls, enabling larger family gatherings or study groups to communicate seamlessly. With end-to-end encryption, parents can trust that conversations remain private and secure.

Key features:

• User-friendly interface

• Encrypted calls and messages

• Options to limit who can contact your child

8. WhatsApp (with supervision)

Best for: Families with global connections

WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption makes it a secure option when used responsibly. This encryption ensures that messages, calls, photos, and videos remain private between the sender and receiver. Additionally, WhatsApp supports easy sharing of multimedia and location updates, which can be helpful for coordinating family plans. Parents can supervise usage by setting up family group chats, limiting interactions to trusted contacts, and discussing appropriate online behavior with their kids. WhatsApp’s simple interface and global reach can make it a good option for families spread across different locations.

Key features:

• Easy messaging and voice calling

• Encrypted communication

• Group chat options for family members

9. KidsEmail

Best for: Early communication through email

KidsEmail provides a safe email platform with options for parents to monitor and approve incoming or outgoing emails. It allows parents to set up trusted contact lists, review message content, and filter out inappropriate language or attachments. Additional features include scheduling times when emails can be sent or received, ensuring children use the platform responsibly. With its customizable settings for each child, KidsEmail can be a valuable tool for teaching email etiquette while maintaining a secure, supervised environment for early digital communication.

Key features:

• Parent-approved contact lists

• Filters for inappropriate language

• Options to block images or attachments

10. Snapchat (with parental supervision)

Best for: Teens who enjoy creative communication

Snapchat’s disappearing messages can be risky, but with the right tools in place, it can be a fun and engaging way for teens to connect. Its Family Center is a dedicated feature that allows parents to oversee their child’s activity, including tools such as content controls, privacy settings, and the ability to view who their child has been messaging — but without access to the content of those messages. Combined with Snapchat’s creative tools, teens can enjoy expressing themselves in a controlled and monitored environment that encourages responsible usage.

Key features:

• Creative tools like filters, lenses, and stickers for engaging communication

• Family Center allows parents to oversee activity with content controls and privacy settings

• Parents can view who their child has been messaging, although message content remains private

11. Marco Polo

Best for: Video-based communication

Marco Polo is a walkie-talkie style app that lets kids send short video messages to friends and family. Unlike traditional video calling, Marco Polo allows users to record messages at their convenience, making it ideal for families with busy schedules or different time zones. The app offers an ad-free experience and includes features like video filters, voice effects, and the ability to save video messages for future playback.

Key features:

• Video messaging with no time limits

• Ad-free experience

• Easy-to-use interface for all ages

How to choose the best app for your child

When evaluating messaging apps, consider these factors:

• Age appropriateness: Does the app cater to your child’s maturity level?

• Parental controls: How easily can you manage or monitor your child’s activity?

• Data privacy: Does the app prioritize encryption and secure communication?

• Ease of use: Is the app simple enough for your child to navigate confidently?

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