WhatsApp is the most used messaging app in the world, but the truth is that it is not recommended for children. Although every time the age of access to a smartphone is lower, there are certain apps that it is not recommended that the smallest of the house use. Check this https://www.gudtechtricks.com for getting more details about the best apps.
The age limit of WhatsApp is very clear in its terms and conditions, and WhatsApp can delete the account of any user under this age at any time.
WhatsApp Age Limit
WhatsApp has limits regarding the age of use, and they are very clear limits. The minimum age to be able to use WhatsApp in Spain and that of European countries is 16 years old. If you live in another country that does not belong to Europe, this age drops to 13 years.
If you reside in a country of the European Economic Area (including the European Union) or in any other country or territory that is part of it (collectively called the European Region), you must be at least 16 years old (or older, if it is required by the legislation of your country) to register and use WhatsApp «.
WhatsApp has tools to cancel the account of a user under this minimum age and informs that the creation of accounts with false information is a violation of the conditions. And it also doesn't allow parents to create accounts on behalf of their minor children.
Alternatives to WhatsApp that children can use
Seeing that the age limit for using WhatsApp is only 16 years old, we are going to look for alternatives that can be used by minors of this age without fear and without violating the conditions of use. These are the alternatives that we propose.
- Messenger Kids
- Hangouts
- JusTalk Kids
- iMessage
Messenger Kids
Facebook launched a version of its popular messaging app designed exclusively for children a few years ago. This app allows parents to have control at all times of what their children can do, in fact, it is the parents who create the account and those who manage it.
The only problem with this app is that it is not available in Europe at the moment, although it is available in the rest of the world, in all Latin American countries it can be downloaded without problems. It is a very complete app that allows secure chat and video calls, Facebook ensures that it does not collect any data.
Messenger Kids is a free video calling and messaging app for smartphones and tablets. Parents control the contact list and kids control the fun. Stay in touch with close friends and family with fun features like filters and stickers.
Hangouts with Google Family Link
Hangouts are Google's messaging app and are one of the most used in the world. It is a great alternative to WhatsApp, although to set up an account for your children you must use another app called Google Family Link.
The minimum age to have a Google account is 13 years old. However, with Family Link, you can create and manage a minor's account. You can then use this account to log into Hangouts.
The Family Link application allows you to establish certain basic rules to guide your child (child or adolescent) while learning, playing, and discovering things online with their digital devices. If your child is under the age of 13 (or the age of consent stipulated in your country), Family Link also allows you to create a Google account for your child like yours, with access to most Google services.
JusTalk Kids
One of the best alternatives to WhatsApp on the market for children. JusTalk Kid is a secure video calling and messaging app designed for kids to connect with close friends and family. This app offers all these advantages:
- No Ads.
- Parental control: Guardians can control children's access to all social functions by setting a 4-digit access code for them.
- There will be no harassment from strangers. Children cannot receive friend requests in the JusTalk Kids app, and they will not receive messages or calls from strangers unless they add the person approved by the parents first.
- No phone number is needed. Parents and Guardians help their children create a JusTalk Kids account by setting up a JusTalk ID at the bottom of the registration page.
- Your child's JusTalk user will not be recommended to any other user on JusTalk or JusTalk Kids.
iMessage
Another interesting alternative is the iMessage app for the iPhone and iPad. The only thing necessary to use iMessage is to have an Apple ID, and the minimum age to have it is 13 years, 14 years , however Apple allows a legal guardian to manage an account of a minor.