Most children nowadays own a phone by the age of seven. Bill Gates, on the other hand, didn’t let his children have a cell phone before they were fourteen. One thing is certain, kids use digital technologies at an increasingly young age, and the immersive world of apps and videos can quickly become overwhelming for them.
Therefore, regardless of when your kids get their first mobile device, parental guidance is essential. Such as when they are learning to use new apps or deciding what apps they want to try. For the latter, we provide a few tips. Most apps we suggest come with information about the recommended age range and availability on Android/iOS. It’s always good to double-check that the app is suitable for your child so that the activities it offers are neither too simple, nor complex for them.
Some apps for kids offer a great way of learning about art and ways how to create it. You will find apps for young filmmakers or photographers, and there are some great easy-to-use options for those who’d like to try composing music too.
A family section of Google's extensive online visual art gallery, which can be explored for hours on end. Getting around may be a little trickier for children, but this allows for an opportunity to explore the world of art with them.
For the whole family
Android/iOS/web
An amazing app and a website where kids can easily create beatbox songs. It features simple and intuitive controls with a fun design. Composing their very first track doesn't have to be complicated at all.
For the whole family
Android/iOS/web
Understanding the basics of programming: now useful, but soon, essential. Not only will it teach your children skills like problem-solving and logical thinking, but it will help them build resilience too. Knowing how to code will also allow them to become more competent users of digital technologies and have a deeper understanding of the software and apps they will use on a daily basis. Importantly, it will also open many doors for them career-wise. With coding apps for kids, designed to teach them the basic principles while playing games, learning to code can also be fun.
An award-winning coding platform where users can both play games and design their own.
For kids aged 10–16
iOS
Children can create interactive stories and games to learn the basics of programming.
For kids aged 5–7
Android/iOS/web
Kids are naturally creative. They enjoy inventing new things or taking a creative approach to solving problems. Creativity is key to the healthy development of their personality and success in future life. That is why it pays off to practice it. With the help of mobile applications, they can immerse themselves in new worlds, try logic games, and design things.
An original game with colourful graphics, in which children create their own worlds made with cubes. They can wander through their creations with one of the cute characters. The newly created worlds can be both shared online and combined with friends.
For kids aged 9–12
Android/iOS/Kindle Fire
Intuitive app in which kids can design the interior of their dreams.
For kids aged 4+
Android/iOS
For those who love learning, training their mathematical or logical thinking, and exploring new territories, there are many quality apps to choose from.
An app from an American non-profit education organization, with games that support children's education. It doesn’t contain any ads or subscriptions.
For kids aged 2–7
Android/iOS/Amazon
In this platform that connects in-class learning with at-home math practice, kids can battle foes and rescue pets by answering math questions. They can build a team with personalized characters and learn to cooperate in solving problems. Unlike other apps, this one is web-based.
For grades 1–8
Web
When your kid wants to just chill out, watch a video or listen to an audiobook, there is an app for that. They need to learn to relax after an eventful day, appreciate a good book, or even catch up with the latest trends on the kids’ version of YouTube. However, you should set clear boundaries for them to know how much video is too much so that they don’t develop a tendency to binge-watch.
The kids’ version of the original platform features videos suitable for children, with an interface so simple that even the smallest ones can control it. All you have to do is set up an account for your child as a parent and type in the child's age.
For kids aged 4+
Android/iOS
A playful application in which children mix differently coloured liquids to create enchanting combinations of shapes and colours.
For kids aged 4+
Android/iOS
An e-book library with over 35,000 children's books and a read-to-me feature for the little ones not old enough to read yet. Ideal for when you want to allow your kid to have some quality screen time. Good for kids of various ages.
For kids aged 4–12
Android/iOS
5 Security Tips for Downloading Kids AppsUse official app storesApproach applications from unofficial app stores with caution. For maximum device security, preferably download apps only from Google Play or App Store. Unofficial app stores and forums can sometimes be misused by attackers to spread malware. Check app reviewsAlways read the reviews posted by other users. Pay special attention to all negative reviews – a bad app will probably have many positive reviews created by the attackers themselves. Do other users refer to the app as fake, malware, or a virus? Postpone the installation and do a simple online search first. The app may have already been tagged as unsafe. Review app permissionsEvery app provides information about the data and features it needs to access for full functionality. Suspicious apps often request access to features completely unrelated to their purpose. An image viewer app requesting access to the microphone? This can suggest an attempt to stalk the user. Regularly update apps and OSDevelopers constantly find new flaws and vulnerabilities in apps – and issue regular updates to fix them. In settings, you can set up automatic device updates. Alternatively, choose to get notified when updates are available and install them manually. Double-check the developer’s nameEven the official app stores can be infiltrated by malicious actors or malware. Often, they simply aim to increase the trustworthiness of their app by choosing a misleading name. You can come across fake versions of popular apps, or developer account names that pretend to show the number of user downloads. So, beware. |
With ESET Parental Control for Android
TRY FREE FOR 30 DAYSDid you know that screen time can be a powerful tool to bring families closer together, rather than something that pulls us apart? By engaging with our children through technology, we can transform what might seem like solitary or passive activities into shared experiences that foster learning, creativity, and deeper bonds. How? Here are some tips for fun but also educational playdates.
Exploring online art with parents, learning the basics of coding, or even composing beatbox tracks. Mobile apps designed for young kids now offer plenty of meaningful activities. But is your tech-savvy first-grader discerning enough to choose the best ones? This is where they may appreciate getting a few suggestions from you.
Today's kids are exposed to technology from an early age. Can new technology, specifically machine learning and artificial intelligence, actually help kids become more creative? These AI-powered models provide inspiration, generate ideas, and offer feedback that can help spark creativity and encourage kids to think outside the box. How can AI enhance children’s creative skills?
