10 Must-Have Apps for Preteens That Will Keep Them Glued to Their Screens!

As a parent, it can be challenging to monitor and control the content your preteen is exposed to on their digital devices. But with the right apps, you can help your child have a fun, educational, and safe digital experience. Here are ten must-have apps for preteens that will keep them glued to their screens―in a good way!

1. TikTok

TikTok is a social media app that has become extremely popular among preteens and teenagers alike. It allows users to create and share short videos set to music or sounds. While some content on TikTok may not be suitable for all ages, it is a fun way for preteens to express their creativity and interact with their peers.

2. YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids is a version of the popular video-sharing app that is designed specifically for children. It offers age-appropriate content curated by human reviewers and provides parental controls to limit screen time and restrict access to certain videos.

3. Duolingo

Duolingo is a language-learning app that makes learning a new language fun and interactive. It uses games, quizzes, and other activities to help users master vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills in a variety of languages.

4. Minecraft

Minecraft is a sandbox-style video game that allows players to build and explore virtual worlds using blocks. It is a fun and creative way for preteens to develop problem-solving skills, spatial reasoning, and artistic abilities.

5. Snapchat

Snapchat is a messaging app that allows users to send photos and videos that disappear after a set amount of time. It is a popular way for preteens to communicate with their friends and share updates from their lives.

6. Headspace

Headspace is a meditation app that teaches users mindfulness and relaxation techniques. It can be a helpful tool for preteens who are struggling with stress or anxiety.

7. Roblox

Roblox is a multiplayer gaming platform that allows users to create their own games and play games created by others. It is a social and creative outlet for preteens that can foster teamwork and problem-solving skills.

8. Zoom

Zoom is a video conferencing app that has become essential for remote learning, virtual playdates, and other online activities. It allows preteens to stay connected with their friends and family during social distancing.

9. Khan Academy

Khan Academy is an educational app that provides free lessons and courses on a wide range of subjects, from math and science to humanities and test preparation. It can be a valuable tool for preteens who are struggling in certain subjects or want to explore new ones.

10. TikTok-edu

TikTok-edu is a subcategory of the TikTok app that focuses on educational content. It includes videos on topics such as history, science, literature, and art, presented in an engaging and accessible way for preteens.

While these apps can provide a fun and educational experience for preteens, it is important for parents to monitor their children’s use and set appropriate screen time limits. By working together, parents and preteens can create a safe and enjoyable digital environment.

We scoured app stores for apps and games that are fun, cool, and educational (in most cases) for kids aged 9-12. Check out these seven apps for tweens that you can feel good about downloading.

Minecraft

Minecraft has maintained its position at the top of game lists for years, and with good reason. Minecraft is the perfect combination of creating and playing. It is the LEGO of the digital world. And similar to LEGO, it is one of those games that parents can enjoy as much as their kids enjoy, especially when playing together.

  • Combines creativity and adventure.

  • Includes cooperative play.

  • Unlimited potential.

  • Requires a great deal of patience.

  • No tutorials included.

  • Steep learning curve.

Minecraft is available on the PC and on most gaming consoles and mobile devices. Plus, there’s a story mode version that plays more like a traditional game. But, it’s the classic version that gets the highest marks here.

  • Best for Ages: 9+Price: $6.99 with in-app purchase offers

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DragonBox Algebra 12+

DragonBox Algebra 12+ is an awesome app to help your preteen dive deeper into Algebra. Once they understand the basics of Algebra in DragonBox Algebra 5+, they can move on to the 12+ version. DragonBox Algebra 12+ is more advanced than the 5+ version and exceedingly cool.

  • Combines learning algebra with gameplay.

  • Covers advanced algebra concepts.

  • A child can create their own profile.

  • Provides multiple languages.

  • Higher levels can be too difficult.

  • Not enough instruction for some children.

  • The game can get tedious after a while.

DragonBox Algebra takes the basics of algebra and gamifies it in a way that secretly teaches your kids the concepts behind algebra while they are having fun.

  • Best for Ages: 12+Price: $7.99

Lifeline

Choose Your Own Adventure books were all the rage in the 1980s and 1990s. The Lifeline series pulled this genre into the digital age with fun and engaging storylines.

  • A creative take on the Choose Your Own Adventure books.

  • Engrossing storyline.

  • It can be tedious waiting for dialogue.

  • Some choices feel contrived.

The Lifeline app modernized the adventure book genre. Notifications come in throughout the day, giving you choices to make for your character’s survival. You can respond immediately or at your convenience.

Lifeline can interact with Apple Watch, although that is not a requirement. We love that you can play the story over and over, and create different stories with different endings.

Heads Up!

Heads Up! is the digital version of charades. In this fun game by Ellen DeGeneres, one player holds their smartphone over their forehead. At the same time, words and phrases are displayed for the other people in the room to act out. As the player makes their guess, they tilt the phone up or down to indicate right or wrong answers and move to the next card.

  • Easy to play.

  • Teaches kids problem-solving and critical thinking.

  • A great game for family parties.

  • Doesn’t track scores.

  • Very simple without extra features.

  • Best for Ages: 12+Price: $.99 for iOS, free for Android. In-app purchase offers for both platforms.

Neko Atsume

We won’t kid you with the idea that there is anything educational about Neko Atsume, which translates to Cat Collection in Japanese. Neko Atsume centers around placing food in a virtual yard, attracting kittens, and then caring for them with food and toys. It’s a concept that tweens flip for, and why not? Anime, Manga, and other Japanese art forms are popular, so Japanese kittens are going to be a hit with the kiddos.

  • Adorable, hand-drawn cats.

  • Requires a little attention at a time.

  • Teaches kids how to care for animals.

  • Limited cats to choose from.

  • Not especially educational.

  • Best for Ages: 9-12Price: Free with in-app purchase offers

Hopscotch

Pre-K and elementary school kids love to play games. And, as they get into their tween years, many become curious about creating their own games. While Minecraft focuses on a LEGO-like curiosity for creating a virtual world, Hopscotch is about combining graphics, interaction, and directions in a code-like manner to teach the basics of game design.

  • It makes learning to program fun.

  • Share creations with the community.

  • A great visual learning tool.

  • Needs more examples or tutorials.

  • In-app purchases.

The Hopscotch tutorials do a great job of introducing these methods. Plus, the clear design of the app keeps the player’s focus on the challenge of creating a fun game rather than the challenge of coding a game.

  • Best for Ages: 10+Price: Free with in-app purchase offers

Civilization Revolution 2

Civilization Revolution 2 is basically RISK on steroids. The Civilization series of turn-based strategy games have been around for decades. Over time, they have maintained their place as the best of the best. Players begin their civilization in ancient times and progress through the centuries until modern times and beyond.

  • Fast-paced and fun.

  • It’s easy to learn.

  • Helpful tutorial.

  • More expensive than similar apps.

  • Not very challenging.

  • A large use of device resources.

The best part about this game is how much it teaches children about history while showing them how to invent their own unique history. The game focuses on prominent leaders of different civilizations and unique aspects of that civilization, such as well-known buildings, art, and wonders of the world.

  • Best for Ages: 12+Price: $4.99

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