Messaging apps for kids

[scarcelyodd]

DD is nine and would like to be able to message her friends. She has an ipad so can message other friends with ipads/iphones but how can she chat to friends with other devices?
I'm considering getting a SIM so she can use my old phone and put whatsapp on there but is there a better way?

facebook messenger should work. you can set it up with your facebook, or make one for your dc (but make it completely private). you use facebook to add friends, but your child won't need access to the facebook account as that and the facebook messenger app are different. once you have set up the facebook account and added her friends, they can message and video call. (you can only call/message people that you are friends with on facebook)

I thought you had to be 13 for a facebook account? (I know whatsapp is 13 too but I feel less dubious about that.) I don't have a facebook account either and am not keen on getting one really.

you do have to be 13 for a facebook account, but facebook messenger is just a service that facebook provides (and so requires a facebook account). I'm sure there are other options if you don't feel comfortable getting an account yourself x

Ok, thanks, I'll keep looking.

WhatsApp is 16 !

BBC have child friendly app called Own It.

My 8yr old niece messages and video calls me from FB's Kids messenger, I am unable to send gifs etc to her but she sends me little things I think are from GIPHY.

Not sure if it is on an ipad though.

Oh, that's true! I forgot whatsapp had changed the age rating.

I'll look at the bbc app, thanks.