Safe web based chat on Kindle/android?

[Bill]

Just trying to work out ways my kids can keep in touch with their friends and I really don't know where to start. They're 9 so don't have phones for WhatsApp, and I'm wary of Facebook...

[oilslick]

Skype?

[The_Jackal]

Just let them use your phone or tablet while you are there in the same room.
No need to worry about facebook, its parents that leave their underage kids to use it unattended all the time that get the problems.
The chat and video call system on Messenger actually works really well.

[Bill]

I need my phone for work, plus I don't want to encourage them to think a phone is normal for kids.

Hadn't considered Skype, thanks. I have a look.

[MitchT]

Skype is pretty flaky in my experience. Zoom is better.

[Bill]

Flaky in what way? And does zoom do messaging?

[aquarianone]

I'm sure you can get any reasonably modern Android tablet <£100 and then create an account/profile on there just for the kids and just add the apps that you want, Games, Skype, whatsapp etc.


https://www.bark.us/guides/tablet/galaxy-tab

[alorotom]

Bill said:

I need my phone for work, plus I don't want to encourage them to think a phone is normal for kids.

Hadn't considered Skype, thanks. I have a look.

I get that you need the phone for work ... most of us do. However phones are completely normal across all society especially when approaching double digits.

If they have android tablets use WhatsApp or google duo.

[Chozza]

Rules not Tools


What tool you want them to use is surely less important than what tool their friends are using!

If everyone is on whatsapp then that's what they will want to use.

What is more important is they know the rules ...and that they know at this stage that their use will be monitored by you.

In less than two years time your children WILL have devices ( they will need laptops or ipads for school ) , they will be ignoring the under 13/16 age limits on whatsapp, tiktok, facebook , inst etc. so making them aware of the dangers/rules and promoting the benefits now is very important.

Also remember that if you've heard of it then its not the place to be ! ( Facebook/youtube etc. are for the stuff your parents can see )

[Bill]

Chozza said:

What tool you want them to use is surely less important than what tool their friends are using!

If everyone is on whatsapp then that's what they will want to use.

Fair point but they're all in the same boat and current circumstances is pushing the move.