In today’s online, kids and teenagers are increasingly drawn to interactive apps like Zepeto, a South Korean mobile chat app where users create and interact as 3D avatars in various virtual worlds . While this app offers creative and social opportunities, it’s so important for parents to be aware of potential risks and the measures in place to mitigate them. In this article, we will explain the purpose of this trending app and answer the question: “Is Zepeto safe for kids?”
What Is Zepeto?
Zepeto is a social networking app that allows its users to design unique avatars and interact in customizable virtual worlds. It offers various activities like games, chats, and mini social hubs. While these features may seem harmless, parents have been questioning, is Zepeto actually safe?
Is Zepeto Safe for Kids?
Zepeto is an open app, which means anyone can use it. If anyone can use it, this means adults can be on the app, posing as kids as a grooming tactic. For this reason and the others listed below, we don’t believe Zepeto is safe for children.
Storytime: My daughter is seven. And of course, she wants to have a phone, a tablet, and a computer—but that doesn’t mean we will be giving her any of these anytime soon. My husband and I are very afraid of exposing her to the online world, including apps like Zepeto. I don’t even post photos or anything about her on my socials and sharenting scares the living crap out of me. I really wish parents were more aware of the risks of allowing their children unrestricted access to the internet.
Of course, this a personal and tough decision for every parent. It feels like the world and school system shoves technology onto our kids younger and younger, and I’m sure capitalism plays a big role in that. As does the influence children have on each other! I hear “But ____’s parents let her!” constantly from my little one.
Why Is Zepeto Not Safe for Kids?
Unrestricted Chatting with Strangers
As mentioned above, one of our biggest concerns is that Zepeto allows users to chat with anyone, not just friends. This means kids could be interacting with unknown adults. While there are some privacy settings on this app, children may still receive messages from random strangers, increasing the risk of inappropriate conversations and potential grooming attempts…
This is why it’s so important for us to monitor our children and teen’s activity online. This can happen on ANY app that isn’t closed to the public.
Exposure to Inappropriate Content
Since Zepeto is an open-world app, users can encounter avatars, animations, or discussions that are not age-appropriate. Even though there are some moderation tools in place, creepy content can still slip through the cracks. For example, sadly, there have been reported cases of children receiving sexually suggestive messages from adults on Zepeto.
Privacy and Data Collection Issues
Like many apps—Zepeto collects user data, including location information, app activity, and even biometric data for avatar creation. If not managed properly, this could pose serious privacy risks. So, look after your cybersecurity, be aware of which apps use data collection, and which settings to disable on your devices to somewhat maintain your privacy.
Hidden Costs and In-App Purchases
The app is free to download, but users are encouraged to buy virtual clothing, accessories, and features. Without proper parental controls, children could rack up significant and irreversable charges. This is a callback to when I was a teenager, but instead of apps, I was casually using mobile data. I cost my parents so much money because I overused data back in the day. But at least I was only chatting to my friends…
How to Keep Your Child Safe on Zepeto
If you do make the decision to allow your child to use Zepeto, here are some ways to lower the risk. Keep in mind that these are band-aids for a bullet wound. Predators are finding new ways everyday to groom children and take your personal information. Which is why parental monitoring and practicing cybersecurity is so important!
- Enable Strict Privacy Settings: Adjust settings so only approved friends can interact with your child.
- Monitor Chat Activity: Regularly check on who your child is chatting with and ensure they understand the dangers of interacting with strangers. There are so many creeps out there, and they are good at disguising themselves.
- Disable In-App Purchases: Use parental controls to prevent unauthorized spending and protect your hard-earned money.
For Android (Google Play Store)- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile icon (top-right corner).
- Select Settings > Authentication.
- Tap Require authentication for purchases.
- Choose For all purchases through Google Play on this device.
- Enter your Google account password to confirm.
For iOS (iPhone & iPad) - Open Settings.
- Tap Screen Time (if not enabled, turn it on).
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and toggle it ON.
- Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases.
- Select In-app Purchases > Don’t Allow.
- Optionally, set “Require Password” to Always Require for extra security.
- Have Open Conversations: Talk to your child about online safety and encourage them to report anything that makes them uncomfortable. Keep an open dialogue with your child and tell them the signs of online grooming.
- Use a Parental Control App: We recommend Google Family Link, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. This apps allows parents to monitor which apps their children are on, approve or block apps, set limits for screen time, and even see your child’s location on a map.
Final Thoughts: Is Zepeto Safe for Kids?
While Zepeto may seem like a fun way for kids to express themselves, it also comes with risks that parents cannot and should not ignore. If you’re asking yourself, “Is Zepeto safe for kids?“ the answer is generally—no. While you can use our tips above, there is no way to ensure 100% safety for your little one on this app.
The reality is that no app is completely safe for children, except for school sites and apps that are closed to the public. However, the best way to enhance safety is by using an application specifically designed to monitor your child’s online activity.
Would you feel comfortable letting your child use Zepeto, or do the risks outweigh the benefits? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Be aware, and stay safe!
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