TimeNest

AI chatbots and popular apps: what age is right for my child?

What ChatGPT, Character.AI, Snapchat, TikTok, Roblox and other apps do, how old kids should be, and how to set them up safely.

By the TimeNest team · Updated 12 November 2026

The quick versionMost social apps and AI chatbots set a minimum age of 13, and some AI companions are for adults only. Check the age, set up the app's own family tools together, and agree what it is for before saying yes.

Why AI chatbots need a closer look

AI chatbots answer questions, write text and chat like a friend. They can be useful for curious kids, but they can also be wrong while sounding sure, do homework for them, and some are designed to feel like a companion. Many children now meet them inside apps they already use, like Snapchat's My AI or Meta AI in WhatsApp and Instagram.

Good to know: the ages below come from each app's own terms. Rules change, so check the app's page in the App Store too.

🤖 AI chatbots

ChatGPT 13+

An AI chatbot that answers questions and writes text. It can be wrong and can be used to do homework for them.

  • OpenAI requires users to be 13 or older, with a parent's permission under 18.
  • Link your account to theirs in ChatGPT's parental controls.
  • Agree together what it is for, for example explaining, not writing homework.

Character.AI 13+

Chat with AI characters that act like friends or celebrities. Children can form strong attachments to them.

  • Character.AI ended open-ended chats for under-18s in late 2025.
  • Talk about the difference between an AI character and a real friend.
  • Most families say no for under-13s.

Google Gemini 13+

Google's AI assistant for questions, writing and images.

  • Younger children can only use it through a Google account managed with Family Link.
  • Check answers together: AI can sound sure and still be wrong.

Claude 18+

An AI assistant for questions and writing.

  • Anthropic's consumer app is for adults 18 and over.
  • For school help, look for AI tools made for children instead.

Meta AI 13+

An AI chatbot built into WhatsApp, Instagram and Messenger.

  • It comes with those apps; you cannot install the apps without it.
  • Remind them not to share personal details with any chatbot.

Replika 18+

An AI "companion" that chats like a friend or partner.

  • Replika is for adults 18 and over.
  • Not suitable for children.

💬 Social apps

Snapchat 13+

Photo and video messages that disappear, stories, a map that can show location, and the My AI chatbot.

  • Snapchat requires users to be 13 or older.
  • Turn on Ghost Mode so their location is hidden on the Snap Map.
  • Use Snapchat's Family Centre to see who they talk to (not what they say).

TikTok 13+

Short videos picked by an algorithm. Very easy to keep scrolling.

  • TikTok requires users to be 13 or older.
  • Use TikTok's Family Pairing to set screen time and who can message them.
  • A TimeNest app limit (for example 30 minutes) helps a lot here.

Instagram 13+

Photos, videos, stories and messages. Includes Meta AI.

  • Instagram requires users to be 13 or older. Under-18s get a private Teen Account.
  • Set up supervision in Instagram's Family Centre.

WhatsApp 13+

Messages and calls, including group chats with people they may not know.

  • WhatsApp requires users to be at least 13.
  • Set "Who can add me to groups" to "My contacts".

Discord 13+

Chat servers for games and hobbies, with voice and video. Many servers are open to strangers.

  • Discord requires users to be 13 or older.
  • Use Discord's Family Center and keep "safe direct messaging" on.

🎬 Video apps

YouTube 13+

Videos of every kind. Autoplay makes it easy to keep watching.

  • Under 13s should use YouTube Kids or a supervised Google account.
  • Turn off autoplay, and set a TimeNest app limit.

YouTube Kids All ages

YouTube made for children, with filtered videos and parent settings.

  • Choose the age setting yourself (Preschool, Younger or Older).
  • You can turn off search so they only see approved content.

🎮 Games

Roblox All ages

Millions of games made by players, with chat and in-game purchases (Robux).

  • Link a parent account in Roblox to control chat and spending.
  • Set a monthly spending limit or turn purchases off.
  • A TimeNest app limit keeps it to a fair amount each day.

Fortnite All ages

Online battle game with voice chat and in-game purchases. Rated PEGI 12.

  • Use Epic Games parental controls for voice chat, friend requests and spending.
  • Rated PEGI 12 in the UK and Europe, Teen in the US.

Minecraft All ages

Building and adventure game. Online servers have chat with other players.

  • Rated PEGI 7. Offline play is very safe.
  • Use Xbox family settings to control online play and chat.

How TimeNest helps

Turn on Block new app installs for your child in TimeNest. When they want something new, they ask for it by name from their device. You get a notification with our guide to that app, including its minimum age, and answer yes or no in one tap. A yes gives them 30 minutes to install it from the App Store. You can also give any app its own daily limit, like 30 minutes of TikTok.

Know what they install before they install it

Free on the App Store. Ask before installing, per-app limits and an app guide built in.

Download on theApp Store

Questions parents ask

Is ChatGPT safe for kids?

OpenAI requires users to be 13 or older, with a parent's permission under 18. For younger children, use AI together, and for older children agree what it is for and turn on the parental controls.

What age can kids use Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram?

All three require users to be 13 or older in their own terms. Each has a family or supervision tool that parents can link to their child's account.

How do I stop my child installing apps without asking?

In TimeNest turn on Block new app installs for your child. They can ask for an app by name, you see our guide to it, and a yes gives them 30 minutes to install it.