Popular Apps Your Child May Be Using (and What They Mean for You)

Content creation platforms empower your child to produce and share their work with the world, often on social media platforms, which encourages self-expression and creativity. However, be mindful of privacy concerns as well as the potential for generating deepfakes. Popular platforms include Capcut, Canva and Inshot.

Every child loves to have fun, and gaming apps offer vibrant worlds where they can explore and play on their devices. There is a wide range of games, including online games, strategy and casual games. These games may foster social connections and boost self-esteem as your child collaborates with friends or competes in challenges. However, be aware of game dependency, inappropriate content like explicit content or violent content, and gambling-like elements. Popular gaming apps include Roblox, Subway Surfers and Pokémon Go.

Generative AI (Gen AI) tools help your child create new content by learning from existing data. These tools can produce text, images, and even videos based on prompts. GenAI may enhance your child's learning and creativity, but be careful about sharing personal information, encountering potential copyright issues, and the risk of misinformation, as GenAI can sometimes produce convincing yet inaccurate content due to hallucination. Popular tools include ChatGPT, Co-Pilot and Gemini.

Music streaming services give your child access to vast libraries of songs and podcasts, which can be both educational and entertaining. Watch out for explicit content and encourage balanced listening habits. Notable platforms include Spotify, YouTube Music and Apple Music.

Messaging apps allow your child to communicate with friends and family, sharing messages, images and even videos. While these apps help to stay connected, it’s important to note that many have age restrictions, often requiring users to be at least 13 years old. Ensure your child understands the importance of privacy and respectful communication. Be aware of potential risks such as inappropriate content, scams and cyberbullying. Popular messaging apps include WhatsApp, Telegram and Messenger.

Like an online playground, social media allows your child to connect, learn, share, and express themselves online. These platforms may help them build communities, foster friendships and discover educational content. However, most social media platforms set an age requirement of 13 years old to ensure a safer experience. Watch out for signs of addiction, online privacy issues or potential cyberbullying incidents. Always remind your child to use safety tools and think carefully before they post. Popular platforms include Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Discord and Facebook.

Video streaming services offer on-demand access to movies and shows that entertain the family. These platforms often include educational and family-friendly content, making them a great channel for learning and fun. However, be mindful of inappropriate content and balanced screen use. Notable platforms are Netflix, Disney+, YouTube.