13+

None.

No public location sharing.

In settings, users can toggle whether they would like explicit-rated content to be hidden. However, there is no external parental lock on this toggle.

Spotify contains music and podcast content covering a wide range of genres and subjects, including content that some parents may find inappropriate even with explicit lyrics filtered. A separate app, Spotify Kids, does provide parental controls and more carefully curated content.

None. Users over the age of 13 have access to additional features.

Users over the age of 13 can send and receive private messages.

Roblox does not publicly share user location.

Roblox has robust built-in parental controls that allow parents to customize a child’s experience in the game.

Roblox teaches children the basics of programming and game design. It is utilized primarily by younger children.

None

Not available

YouTube Kids does not publicly share user location

YouTube Kids has robust parental controls, including settings that allow parents to individually approve each video their child sees.

All content posted to the platform goes through a human review process. Ads that appear on YouTube Kids may not be subject to the same restrictions.

None.

None.

No public location sharing.

Spotify Kids requires a Spotify Family subscription and allows parents to control some factors behind the playlists the app suggests.

Spotify Kids content is curated for kids or young teens and suggests music based on the child’s age category.

The ESRB recommends that players be at least 10 years of age or older.

Text chat is an important feature of an Among Us game. Between rounds, players exchange chat messages with the rest of the crew to try to identify the Imposters among the group. There is a “Quick Chat Only” mode for players under 13 that only allows them to select from a prepared list of dialogue options rather than freely typing in the chat window.

No public location sharing.

Among Us has some in-game parental controls. Apple and Android parental controls can also be used at the device level.

The term “murder game” can frighten some parents; however, Among Us features only mild cartoon violence. Local freeplay and online invite-only game modes are the safest options for children.

12

Line offers text chat, group chat, voice call, and video call. The popular trend is to send different cartoon stickers.

Not available in-app. Line offers a sister app, ‘Line Here,’ that has location sharing features.

Profiles of users under the age of 18 cannot be searched for by other users. Underage profiles have to initiate any line of communication, or share their user code outside the app.

Line prioritizes keeping their app as safe as possible for younger users; however, as with any messaging app, there is no absolute guarantee that a child will not encounter anything inappropriate.

13+

Video messages exchanged to individuals or groups whose contact info (phone number) you already have.

None.

No built-in parental controls. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

None. The app is installed by default on Apple devices and any account with an Apple ID, including a child Apple ID, can use FaceTime.

FaceTime allows for video and audio calls between users who already have each other’s contact information, either phone number or email address.

FaceTime does not share users’ location.

Apple’s parental controls at the device level can be used to directly manage a child’s use of FaceTime.

13+

Skype allows individual and group video calls, instant messaging, and even calls to landlines (though with fees). Calls need to be added as contacts through an email, phone number, or name search.

None.

Skype is owned by Microsoft, and within a Microsoft family account, parents can limit screen time, establish filters, and block app usage. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

You can make yourself unsearchable in Skype, so that no one can contact you unless you reach out to them directly.

16+, unless signing in as a student in an educational account.

Zoom allows individual and group video calls, voice calls, and chat functions, as well as the ability to show others the content of your computer screen.

None.

Zoom meetings can be protected with passwords, and locked to prevent uninvited participants from joining. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

13+

Google Duo allows individual and group video calls.

No public location sharing.

No built-in parental controls. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Requires user to sign in with a Google account.

13+

None.

No public location sharing.

An explicit language filter can be toggled on or off. If you have an Amazon Alexa device in your home, you or your kids can also verbally change this setting.

Amazon Music contains music and podcast content covering a wide range of genres and subjects, including content that some parents may find inappropriate even with the explicit language filter on.

13+ to create their own Apple ID, 4+ to use the app

None.

No public location sharing.

Apple Music has fairly robust parental controls compared to some other music streaming apps, allowing parents to turn on content restrictions with a four-digit passcode.

Apple Music streams music covering a wide range of genres, including content that some parents may find inappropriate even with an explicit content filter on.

13+

None.

No public location sharing.

In settings, users can toggle whether they would like explicit-rated content to be hidden and to play only radio edits or “clean” versions of songs. However, there is no external parental lock on this setting.

Pandora contains music and podcast content covering a wide range of genres and subjects, including content that some parents may find inappropriate even with explicit content filtered.