Are language learning apps safe for kids?

What does a safe app need?

Finding an app with fun games and engaging lessons is great, but there are specific safety features every language learning app should have. Here’s what to look for:

1. Data privacy: The best apps follow regulations designed to protect children’s privacy, like COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) in the U.S. This means they won’t collect or use personal data without parental consent. If an app requires details like your child’s full name, address, or email to create a profile, that’s a red flag. Stick to apps that allow use without needing your child’s personal information.

2. Parental controls: Good parental controls are crucial to avoid unwanted interactions. Some apps offer chat functions or internal communities where kids can practice the language with other users. While this may seem helpful, it’s not ideal for young children unless tightly controlled. Look for apps that allow you to disable these features or, even better, apps that don’t include social chats. Apps that let you monitor and adjust interaction settings are always safer.

3. Age-appropriate content and ad-free: Apps for kids should be free from ads that can lead to external sites or show inappropriate content. Some free apps rely on ads for revenue, but those aimed at kids should have restricted ads that won’t distract or expose them to irrelevant topics. Plus, content should focus solely on learning, with no distractions.

What are the risks of using these apps?

While apps can be fantastic learning tools, there are some risks that parents should be aware of. Here’s a breakdown of the main issues and how to avoid them:

• Exposure to inappropriate content: Some ads or external links within the app may direct kids to age-inappropriate content. Even on educational platforms, ads can be unpredictable. This risk is higher with free apps that depend on ads. If you choose a free app, make sure it has no ads or that any ads are controlled to avoid unwanted distractions.

• Unmonitored interactions with strangers: Some platforms allow users to interact with each other, which can be risky if kids are talking to strangers. Even when an app’s goal is to create language practice opportunities, unmonitored chats are not ideal for young kids. Look for apps that either don’t have this feature or offer clear privacy options to monitor and control these conversations.

• Too much screen time: Language learning should be a gradual process, balanced with other activities. An educational app can be engaging, but overuse can lead to negative effects, from sleep problems to socialization challenges. Setting clear time limits helps keep the experience healthy and balanced.

How to choose a safe and effective language learning app

Picking the right app can make a huge difference in both safety and learning quality. Here are some practical tips to help you make the best choice:

1. Try it yourself first: Before handing it over to your child, download the app and explore it yourself. This gives you a chance to check each section, look through the content, and make sure it’s appropriate for your child’s age and learning level.

2. Read other parents’ reviews: Feedback from other parents is incredibly useful. Their experiences will give you a clearer perspective on potential issues with the app and help you decide if it meets your safety expectations.

3. Set up a usage schedule: Once you’re sure the app is safe, set a specific time limit for daily use. Setting a daily routine of 15 or 20 minutes is enough for effective learning without risking exhaustion or distraction.

If you’re also thinking about online classes as an alternative, take a look at our article “Can children learn Spanish online?” where we explore how online learning can be a fantastic option when done in a safe, supervised environment.

Zoom on Diluu.com: a safe platform for online learning

At Diluu.com, we use Zoom as our platform for live classes, and we’ve set up specific measures to make sure it’s a safe, high-quality environment for kids. Security is a top priority for parents, and Zoom has features that allow full control over students’ privacy. Here’s how it works:

• Control of microphone and camera: When kids join a class on Zoom, both their microphone and camera are turned off by default. This lets parents decide when to turn on video. At Diluu.com, we recommend turning on the camera during classes because it helps the instructor interact better with the student, allowing them to observe expressions and help improve pronunciation. But, you’re in control and can turn the camera on or off anytime.

• Secure, unique links and passwords for each session: Every Diluu.com class has a unique link and password, meaning only enrolled students and the teacher can access the session. This ensures a secure, private learning space.

• Temporary, secure recordings: We record all sessions to monitor and improve our teaching quality. These recordings are securely stored in the cloud and automatically deleted after seven days. Only our teaching coordinator has access to these recordings. If you’d prefer your child not to appear in recordings, you can keep their camera off during the session.

This setup ensures every session is private and controlled, providing a safe space for kids to learn. If you have questions about Zoom or our privacy policies on Diluu.com, we’re here to address any concerns and make sure you feel fully comfortable with the process.