In today’s digital age, social media is more pervasive than ever. Children are increasingly drawn to these platforms. While social media can be a fantastic way for kids to connect with friends, share their creativity, and learn new things, it’s essential to prioritize safety. We’ve rounded up some of the safest, and not-so-safe, social media apps for kids. 

Somewhat Safe For Kids Under 13

1. Kidzworld

Kidzworld is a social networking site designed specifically for children ages 9-16. This platform focuses on promoting a safe online environment, with strict moderation and no advertising. Kids can create their profiles, engage in discussions, and participate in forums about topics that interest them, from gaming to fashion. Parental controls are a key feature, allowing parents to monitor their kids’ interactions.

2. Grom Social

Created by kids for kids, Grom Social is another social media platform designed for children aged 13 and under. It emphasizes safety and positivity, providing a secure space for kids to share pictures, videos, and opinions. Grom Social includes features like friend requests, private messaging, and an activity feed, all under careful moderation to keep interactions safe.

3. YouTube Kids

While not a traditional social media app, YouTube Kids offers a platform for children to explore videos in a safe environment. The app is designed for kids ages 4-12 and features content filters, parental controls, and curated playlists. Kids can enjoy educational videos, music, and entertainment, while parents can rest assured that inappropriate content is limited.

4. Messenger Kids

Facebook’s Messenger Kids is a messaging app tailored for children under 13. It allows kids to communicate with friends and family through messages and video chats, all with parental supervision. Parents can manage their child’s contact list and monitor conversations, ensuring that interactions are safe and appropriate.

5. PopJam

PopJam is a creative social media app for kids aged 7-12, offering a platform for kids to express themselves through drawings, polls, and games. The platform is heavily moderated, which means that all user-generated content is reviewed before being published. This makes PopJam an excellent choice for kids who love to create while staying safe online.

6. Zigazoo

Zigazoo is an engaging social media platform designed for children aged 6-12, offering a unique blend of creativity, learning, and social interaction. Kids can create and share fun videos, participate in challenges, and learn through interactive content while enjoying a safe environment. With features that prioritize moderation and privacy, Zigazoo allows children to express themselves freely while being protected from inappropriate content. Parents can feel confident knowing that their kids are participating in a positive online community that encourages collaboration and creativity. Zigazoo is not just about connecting with friends—it’s about inspiring young minds to express their ideas and have fun in a secure space!

7. Coverstar

Coverstar is an innovative platform, where safety meets creativity! Designed for young, aspiring content creators and artists to shine in the digital realm, Coverstar allows kids to engage in challenges and explore new trends in a safe environment. Coverstar prioritizes a child’s safety with strict privacy controls, content moderation, and age-appropriate features, ensuring a positive experience.

8. Azoomee

Azoomee is a safe and engaging app designed specifically for kids aged 5 to 12, offering a world of creativity and fun in a digital space. With a focus on safety and educational value, Azoomee provides a variety of games, videos, and creative activities that entertain while encouraging learning and social interaction. Parents can rest easy knowing that content is carefully curated and monitored, creating a secure environment for children to explore their interests. 

9. Justalk Kids

Justalk Kids is a supervised messaging app designed exclusively for children, providing a secure platform for them to connect with friends and family. Aimed at kids ages 7-12, Justalk Kids emphasizes safety and privacy, allowing parents to maintain control over their child’s contacts and conversations. The app features engaging stickers, fun emojis, and video calling options, making communication enjoyable for kids. With strict moderation and parental monitoring tools, Justalk Kids ensures that interactions remain positive and age-appropriate.  

Not-So-Safe for Kids Under 13

1. TikTok

Though extremely popular with under-13 kids despite age limits, the algorithm-driven feed can expose children to inappropriate content, risky trends, and challenges. Age verification is minimal, so many kids can easily join.

2. Roblox

Roblox is a hugely popular online gaming and social platform that a lot of kids under 13 use, but safety experts and parents have mixed views about its risks and protections. Roblox can be reasonably safe for kids under 13 if parents actively manage it, but it isn’t inherently risk-free. Younger accounts have stricter defaults, including limited chat, filtered interactions, and parental controls for privacy, content, and screen time. However, because Roblox hosts millions of user-created games, kids can still encounter inappropriate content or interact with strangers, and age verification isn’t foolproof. To keep it safe, parents should enable all safety settings, monitor their child’s friends and in-game activity, and regularly discuss online boundaries.

3. Snapchat

Disappearing photos and messages give kids a false sense of privacy—and “Snap Map” can share location with peers without realizing the risk. The app can be difficult for parents to monitor due to ephemeral content.

4. Instagram (including Threads/X)

The visual focus encourages comparison and self-esteem pressures, and even with private accounts, kids can see and send messages, and the explore feed can show unfiltered content. Addiction-like usage patterns among young users are increasingly common.

5. Discord

This app offers chat with strangers over shared interests, and some servers contain unmoderated content that might not be age-appropriate. This app can be hard for parents to monitor private chats or communities.

Tips for Ensuring Safety on Social Media 

• Set Clear Rules: Discuss with your child what is acceptable behavior on social media. Talk about privacy settings, who they should share information with, and how to recognize inappropriate content. 
• Monitor Activity: Regularly check in on your child’s social media interactions. It’s essential to be aware of who they are communicating with and the types of content they are engaging with. 
• Encourage Open Communication: Foster a trusting environment where your child feels comfortable coming to you with any concerns or questions about their online experiences.
• Lead by Example: Model safe social media use yourself. Show your children how to interact positively online and respect others’ privacy.