[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
You can be whoever you want online – yourself, an edited version of who you are, or someone else entirely. Through immersive social and gaming experiences, kids and teens now have ways to explore their sense of self in a digital environment before they even get to know who they really are <\/span>offline<\/span><\/i>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Zepeto is exactly one of these experiences. It\u2019s <\/span>a social-driven, interactive and highly customizable platform which is hugely popular<\/b>, especially among younger people. Zepeto allows users to create 3D avatars in the style they choose to explore virtual worlds, play games, and meet new people online. If that has alarm bells ringing – <\/span>you\u2019d be right to be cautious<\/b>. Let\u2019s take a look at how Zepeto works, what kids can do on the platform, and the risks parents need to be aware of. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Zepeto is <\/span>a global \u201cmetaverse\u201d space that allows users to curate their own avatar, then explore and interact with it<\/b>, through engaging animations, cute features, and individual games themed around everything from Squid Game to The Little Mermaid.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Developed by Naver Z in South Korea, it was launched in 2018, and quickly became a hit across Asia – with popularity gradually catching up around the world. It draws on elements from social media, popular gaming platforms, and virtual reality. Zepeto lets kids:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Children should be 13 and over to use the app, according to the terms of use, but that doesn\u2019t stop younger people from using it – as there\u2019s no way for users to verify their age, children can simply enter a fake date of birth to start playing and posting.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]While Zepeto may sound like a creative playground, with all the elements children enjoy, there are multiple concerns and red flags that parents should be aware of:<\/span><\/p>\n Children can interact through open text chat and voice chat inside virtual worlds. Zepeto has public chat rooms, live feeds, and comment sections, where anyone can leave messages and connect – meaning there\u2019s no way to tell who your child is interacting with.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n By default, users can DM each other and set up private, one-on-one conversations, or group chats. You can change this setting to restrict who can message your child, but as this is configured at the account level, <\/span>your child could go back into the settings and adjust<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A known issue with platforms like Zepeto, <\/span>Roblox<\/span><\/a>, and open-chat games, is the <\/span>\u201cplatform shift\u201d<\/b>. This happens when other users try to convince young people to leave the app and chat on more \u201csecure\u201d platforms, such as <\/span>WhatsApp<\/span><\/a>, where their messages would not be flagged or monitored for inappropriate content, and remain more private.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While livestreams, videos, and images in the feed use your child\u2019s avatar rather than real photos, they can send images in one-on-one chats. On your child\u2019s profile in Zepeto, there\u2019s also <\/span>the option to display their general location, teamed with a short bio<\/b>. If your child posts any identifiable information in their bio (such as age, school name, town, or city), it will be visible to anyone else using the app. Zepeto uses AI filters to block phone numbers and addresses from being shared, but there are ways to get around these filters, such as writing numbers as words, or breaking up addresses with spaces.<\/span><\/p>\n Most of the content that kids can access on Zepeto is generated by other users, and while there is moderation, <\/span>content can easily slip through the cracks – especially as the app offers live streaming features<\/b>. Children can easily come across inappropriate language in comments, bullying, or inappropriate themes in open chat rooms. Other users have reported seeing avatars dressed in \u201crevealing\u201d or suggestive clothing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Users can also create <\/span>virtual spaces that may be inappropriate<\/span><\/a> in nature for younger teens, such as spaces for online dating, or themed worlds based on content not apt for their age group – for example, a Squid Game-themed experience might not be dangerous in itself, but it could prompt younger children to be curious about the source material, which is intended for more mature viewers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While you don\u2019t need to spend money on Zepeto, and the app is free-to-play, children can \u201cenhance\u201d their experience through the virtual store, offering clothing, accessories, and other add-ons to customize their avatar. Some of these <\/span>items can be limited edition or exclusive<\/b>, so just like in the real world, teens want to be seen as on-trend. These items are purchased with ZEMs, Zepeto\u2019s in-app currency, which is paid for with real money.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Daily rewards for logging in, including coins to spend on in-game experiences, can encourage users to come back to the app more frequently, creating a \u201cfear of missing out\u201d sensation. These types of <\/span>rewards can take teens\u2019 attention away from other activities<\/b> while encouraging them to spend more time on screens, taking away from real-world opportunities. <\/span>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2026\/07\/14064241\/2026-07-Blog-Is-Zepeto-safe-for-kids-App-safety-guide-for-parents_Inside-Image.png” alt=”Teen girl lying on brown couch and scrolling her phone, browsing social media” title_text=”2026-07-%91Blog%93-Is-Zepeto-safe-for-kids–App-safety-guide-for-parents_Inside-Image” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Zepeto offers some opportunities for creativity, and the immersive environment makes it engaging and interesting for teens. However, due to the nature of the platform, the fact <\/span>there are no inbuilt parental controls<\/b>, and the <\/span>high potential for stranger contact<\/b>, we\u2019d recommend pushing the \u201c13+\u201d label Zepeto has established for teens (which is more to do with data privacy than real risk) to 16.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If your child is already using Zepeto, or they\u2019ve heard friends talking about using it and are curious, <\/span>open up the conversation with them and make sure they\u2019re aware of the risks<\/b>. Establish some ground rules and work together with your teen to encourage safe, responsible use – not just of Zepeto, but of online platforms and social media in general:<\/span><\/p>\n 1. Understand the app. <\/b><\/p>\n Get to know the features, how your child or other children are using it, and explore what settings there are to help shield privacy and report other users or behavior which goes against the platform\u2019s guidelines. You don\u2019t have to do this homework by yourself! Asking your child to show you around or installing new apps together can be a way to work through the features and settings in real-time, allowing you to react in the moment.<\/span><\/p>\n 2. Control privacy settings.<\/b><\/p>\n Adjust your teen’s privacy options to restrict who can contact them, and block access to DMs to ensure strangers cannot contact your child one-on-one. Make sure your child hasn\u2019t written their real age, handles for any other platforms, or any personal information in their public bio.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 3. Limit screen time. <\/b><\/p>\n Social or streak-based apps can be difficult for children to switch off from. Set boundaries and limits on the time your child can use apps like Zepeto, and clearly set out spaces or times in the day where your child cannot have access to their devices – such as behind closed doors or before bedtime. A <\/span>family digital agreement<\/span><\/a> is a great way to establish these ground rules about family tech use. Qustodio can help <\/span>set daily screen time limits<\/span><\/a>, and establish rules for individual platforms like Zepeto, by setting time limits for using the app or by blocking it entirely.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 4. Keep tabs on in-app purchases.<\/b><\/p>\nWhat can kids and teens do on Zepeto?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Zepeto: the risks parents need to know about<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Stranger interaction<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Private messaging<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Sharing personal information<\/strong><\/h3>\n
User-generated content and live streaming<\/strong><\/h3>\n
In-app purchases<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Streaks and rewards<\/strong><\/h3>\n
5 ways to make Zepeto safer for teens<\/strong><\/h2>\n