Minimum Age Requirements
Here are some popular online platforms and their minimum age requirements:
Facebook 13 Facebook age limit
Instagram 13 Instagram age limit
TikTok 13 TikTok Terms of Service
BeReal 13 BeReal Terms of Service
Snapchat 13 and p.c.* Snapchat Terms of Service
Discord 13 and p.c.* Discord Terms of Service
Twitch 13 and p.c.* Twitch Terms of Service
Whatsapp 13 Whatsapp Terms of Service
Google/Gmail 13 Google age requirements
Please note that Google offers a service called Family Link that allows parents to create an account for a child under 13. This also gives them access to Google Chat, a safer alternative to Whatsapp. See our Screen Time page for more information.
*p.c. = parental consent
Social Media Surveys
Age Appropriate Messaging Apps
We have found that, most of the time, what children really want to do is message their friends. Without being provided with alternatives, they tend to end up on platforms like Snapchat or Whatsapp, where there are serious risks such as unwanted contact from strangers and scams.
We would recommend that parents talk to children from an early age (in the Primary School) about this, and if their children really want to message their friends then there are some child-friendly platforms that enable this in a safe environment.
Below you can see some links that will help you to research the options, with a couple of examples at the bottom.
Common Sense Media provide a comprehensive list of messaging apps that can be used safely by younger children. They also provide in-depth review of each app, although there is a limit on how many of these reviews you can read for free.
"If you have younger kids who are eager to get in on the messaging app craze, some excellent programs are designed for users under 13."
The Talking Parents website has a good page of suggestions for apps that were created for kids to talk with their family members, classmates, and friends.
"TalkingParents strives to increase family harmony through better communication and transparency."
Example 1: Justalk & Justalk Kids
Parents, and approved adults like grandparents, can video chat and message with their children through their existing JusTalk app.
Children will not receive friend requests, calls or messages from strangers. All of your children's personal information (including conversations) is encrypted and completely safe.
JusTalk Kids allows children to video call and message using Wi-Fi so they don't need a phone number.
Example 2: Kinzoo & Kinzoo Messenger
"Kinzoo Messenger for Families is messaging tool that allows families and friends to stay in touch in a tightly controlled environment. Parents must start the account using their email and birth year and then must approve (via email) each child they want to add. Kids and families each have a "magic code" which allows other friends and family to directly connect with one another. Even these require parental approval before being finalized. Adults can also send invites via email and text. Each user has their own pin to access their account, but adults have full control over those as well."
Example 3: Fennec Messenger
"Strangers can not text your child on Fennec Messenger until you approve their friend request. You can manage their contacts whenever you need, and there are even more safety features that help your kids enjoy chatting in a safe and controlled environment.
Not all kids know what appropriate internet behavior is. When necessary, you can turn on the View Conversation feature to view your kid's conversations. Help your kids voice their concerns, protect their privacy, avoid internet bullying, and guide them towards proper Internet community behavior.
The Time Restrictions feature lets you limit the time when your kids can chat. For example, you can set up a time restriction from 11 PM to 6 AM; during this time, your child will not be allowed to access chat rooms and will be shown as unavailable for their friends."
