[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” 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=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Designed with kids in mind, PopJam is touted to be a safe space where kids can get creative online. The online community was launched in July 2014, heralded as a \u201cchild-friendly alternative\u201d to Instagram. After initial success in the UK, the app expanded to further countries around the world, including the USA, Ireland, and Canada.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n According to <\/span>Qustodio insights<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> in 2021 kids spent an average of 28 minutes on PopJam daily<\/b>. But is PopJam really all as safe and kid-friendly as it seems? Read on for <\/span>the complete parents\u2019 guide to PopJam<\/b>, and everything you and your kids need to know about the online community. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Qustodio:<\/b> 10+<\/span><\/p>\n Apple:<\/b><\/a> 9+<\/span><\/p>\n Android<\/b><\/a>:<\/b> Everyone<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n According to its developers, SuperAwesome LTD, <\/span>PopJam<\/span><\/a> is a \u201ccreative community\u201d, where users can create and share their own art, play games, do quizzes, and watch videos. Designed with children aged 7-12 in mind, <\/span>PopJam allows kids to be a part of communities with the same interests they have<\/b>, where they can \u201cfollow\u201d what they love, from gamers and influencers to the latest trending toys. In short,<\/span> PopJam is another social network, with followers and friend requests<\/b>,<\/span> but without many of the inherent risks<\/b> that come with most of today\u2019s popular social media platforms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Aside from fun face filters (that disguise children\u2019s faces enough to not be recognizable), stickers, GIFs and quizzes, PopJam also offers kids the opportunity to keep up with their hobbies and interests. Popular influencers and gamers, large-name brands, and publishing companies, such as Penguin Random House, post content on PopJam, allowing kids to keep up with the latest news and trends<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n Sharing and creating content is now a standard part of online life, and younger kids may love the opportunity to be part of the \u201csocial\u201d side that the internet offers. Creating and sharing their own content allows them to engage with children that have similar interests to them<\/strong>, along with receiving \u201clikes\u201d and feedback from kids around the world.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Because PopJam was created for kids, it\u2019s a relatively safe space for them on the internet. Content uploaded in the community is moderated, and there are blacklisted words which PopJam\u2019s filters automatically block. Here\u2019s a rundown of <\/span>what kids can and can\u2019t do using PopJam<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n What kids can do on PopJam<\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n What kids can\u2019t do on PopJam<\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2022\/04\/12072502\/Is_Popjam_Safe_for_Kids_inside.jpg” alt=”is the popjam app safe for kids” title_text=”Is_Popjam_Safe_for_Kids_inside” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The creators of PopJam seem to have succeeded in creating a safe environment for kids, which allows them to interact with other children in a positive, creative way. However, it\u2019s important to bear in mind that, <\/span>even though it\u2019s kid-friendly, PopJam is still a social network of sorts<\/b>. In 2019, a commercial aired by the app on UK television was criticized for encouraging children to \u201clevel up\u201d by getting \u201clikes\u201d and \u201cfollowers\u201d. The Advertising Standards Agency upheld the complaints and rem, stating:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201c…the ad’s encouragement to gain likes and followers could cause children to develop an unhealthy perception that popularity on social media was inherently valuable, which was likely to be detrimental to their mental health and self-esteem.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Certain aspects of social media, such as like-chasing, and the \u201cendless scroll\u201d (where there is an infinite amount of content available to explore) could be experienced by your child, because of the nature of the app. Influencers and individuals, just like on regular social media, post and upload their \u201cideal\u201d life and experiences, which for very young children <\/span>may not be easy to understand <\/span><\/a>or conceptualize. It\u2019s important to bear in mind that, even though the app is designed for kids, <\/span>you may need to have some conversations with your child about the nature of social media<\/b>, and <\/span>building digital resilience<\/span><\/a>, should they express a wish in using PopJam.<\/span><\/p>\n Another aspect of PopJam to consider is brand marketing: while there are no ads and your child cannot be targeted by campaigns in the app, companies can use PopJam as part of their social strategy, to better engage with kids and help. This doesn\u2019t contribute to making the app unsafe overall – it\u2019s simply an additional aspect of social media apps (designed for kids or not) that parents should bear in mind.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The good news is that PopJam is on the safer side of apps your kids can use, just like other \u201csocial\u201d style apps that are now being developed for children, like <\/span>Messenger Kids<\/span><\/a>. It\u2019s moderated and fully complies with digital privacy laws, including COPPA and GDPR.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To get to know the app and your child\u2019s interests better, ask them to give you a \u201ctour\u201d of PopJam<\/strong>, so you can see how it works, and pinpoint if there\u2019s anything that worries you. Your kid might really enjoy the chance to give you, the adult, a teaching moment, so this is a good tactic to use with new apps and games if you want to get to know your child\u2019s digital habits better!<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re concerned about the more social-media style aspects of the app itself, allowing your child to use PopJam while imposing healthy limits could be one way to give them access to the app within moderation. Use a <\/strong><\/span>parental control tool<\/a><\/strong> like Qustodio to set screen time limits for your child\u2019s daily use<\/strong>, or set limits on individual apps like PopJam, to help them develop better digital habits from the get-go. By setting individual limits on apps like PopJam, you\u2019ll also be able to set boundaries without regularly checking on their usage.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nPopJam app ratings<\/b><\/h2>\n
What is PopJam?<\/b><\/h2>\n
What do kids like about PopJam?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Is PopJam safe for kids?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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How can I make PopJam safe for my kids?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Qustodio\u2019s final advice on PopJam<\/b><\/h2>\n