How it works
In the app a user can access a set of children’s videos from KidsTube – some videos are free but full access requires a paid membership. The ‘Play Zone’ includes virtual prizes as rewards for children who complete tasks such as watching a video. The JusTalk Kids app does not have adverts.
Children under 13 can use the app with the consent of their parent. A child can create their own account directly from the app. Users don’t need a phone number to use JusTalk Kids but the app suggests adding a parent’s number to the account. Parents can use their own JusTalk app (which has a 13+ age limit) to talk to their child who is using the JusTalk Kids app.
Parental controls or safety settings available
Parents can set a four digit passcode in the app settings, which stops a child changing safety settings for friend requests, messages and calls or sharing their JusTalk ID. Parents are notified when a child tries to add a friend and can approve or deny it, and both users must approve each other before they can chat. The app blocks images and videos it identifies as sensitive and alerts the parent. Users can also disable read receipts, prevent notifications popping up, and block and report other users.
To monitor a child’s account from their own device, a parent downloads either the JusTalk app or the JusTalk Family app, which is free and includes a parent dashboard. JusTalk’s membership pages lists benefits of paid membership as follows:
• Linking a parent account
• Managing the child’s friends list
• Blocking photos and videos which may contain adult content
• Seeing a child’s real-time location
