Tech-Savvy Kids: Discover 10 Fun Mental Health Apps for Kids Under 12

In today’s digital age, where kids have more gadgets at their fingertips than we ever had, it’s crucial to navigate the online world safely and mindfully. Enter mental health apps—your new allies in supporting the emotional well-being of children under 12! So, if you’ve ever wondered how to turn your little ones into savvy digital citizens while also giving their mental health a much-needed boost, then you’re in the right place.

In this post, we’ll dive into 10 of the best mental health apps that are not just age-appropriate, but also engaging enough to keep your kiddos coming back for more (and you might just want to join in!). We’ll explore each app’s key features and purposes, making it easier for you to find the perfect fit for your child’s needs. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in some essential screen time guidelines from trusted organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization, and the Canadian Pediatric Society—because, let’s face it, even the most fantastic apps deserve a schedule!

So grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and let’s decode the wonderful world of mental health apps for kids. Ready? Let’s go!

10 Best Mental Health Apps for Kids

1. Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame

• Age Range: 2-5 years
• Primary Purpose: Emotional regulation and problem-solving
• Key Features:
• Interactive breathing exercises with Sesame Street characters
• Problem-solving scenarios
• Simple games teaching emotional control
• Parent resources and discussion guides

1. Mindful Powers

• Age Range: 7-12 years
• Primary Purpose: Mindfulness and focus training
• Key Features:
• Story-driven experiences
• Guided mindfulness sessions
• Focus-building exercises
• Progress tracking for parents

1. Stop, Breathe & Think Kids

• Age Range: 5-10 years
• Primary Purpose: Emotional awareness and meditation
• Key Features:
• Emotion check-ins
• Kid-friendly meditation exercises
• Sticker rewards for completion
• Activity recommendations based on emotions

1. DreamyKid

• Age Range: 3-12 years
• Primary Purpose: Meditation and relaxation
• Key Features:
• Guided meditations for different ages
• Bedtime stories
• Positive affirmations
• Anxiety relief exercises

1. Calm Kids

• Age Range: 3-12 years
• Primary Purpose: Sleep and relaxation
• Key Features:
• Sleep stories for different age groups
• Calming music
• Breathing exercises
• Family meditation sessions

1. Moshi

• Age Range: 3-10 years
• Primary Purpose: Sleep and relaxation support
• Key Features:
• Audio stories with soothing music
• Relaxation tracks
• Bedtime routines
• Character-based engagement

1. Smiling Mind

• Age Range: 7-12 years
• Primary Purpose: Mindfulness and emotional well-being
• Key Features:
• Age-specific programs
• School-based mindfulness activities
• Family activities
• Progress tracking

1. Three Good Things

• Age Range: 5-12 years
• Primary Purpose: Gratitude and positive thinking
• Key Features:
• Daily gratitude journal
• Positive reflection exercises
• Family sharing options
• Simple, kid-friendly interface

1. Worryful

• Age Range: 6-12 years
• Primary Purpose: Anxiety management
• Key Features:
• Worry tracking
• Coping strategies
• Interactive exercises
• Parent guidance tools

1. Mindfulness for Children

• Age Range: 4-12 years
• Primary Purpose: Overall mental wellness
• Key Features:
• Guided relaxation
• Focus exercises
• Emotional awareness activities
• Parent-child activities

Key Benefits These Apps Provide

1. Emotional Development

• Recognition of feelings
• Vocabulary for expressing emotions
• Understanding emotional responses
• Building empathy

1. Coping Skills

• Stress management techniques
• Anxiety reduction strategies
• Problem-solving methods
• Self-regulation tools

1. Social Skills

• Communication practice
• Understanding others’ emotions
• Conflict resolution
• Building relationships

1. Mental Wellness Habits

• Regular mindfulness practice
• Positive thinking patterns
• Healthy sleep routines
• Emotional check-ins

Important Guidelines for Parents

1. Supervision and Engagement

• Monitor app usage
• Participate in activities together
• Discuss learnings and experiences
• Set healthy time limits

1. App Selection Considerations

• Age appropriateness
• Child’s specific needs
• Privacy settings
• Educational value

1. Implementation Tips

• Start with short sessions
• Make it fun, not mandatory
• Combine with offline activities
• Celebrate progress

Screen Time Guidance from the Experts

For a PDF copy of these screen time guidelines, click here.

Best Practice for Usage

1. Create a Regular Routine

• Set specific times for app use
• Include in daily schedule
• Link to existing routines
• Keep sessions brief

1. Support Transfer of Skills

• Practice skills outside the app
• Discuss real-life applications
• Reinforce learned concepts
• Share experiences as a family

1. Monitor Effectiveness

• Observe behavioral changes
• Track progress within apps
• Get feedback from child
• Adjust usage as needed

Again, if you would like a PDF copy of these screen guidelines, click here.

To Remember

• These apps should complement, not replace, professional help when needed
• Different apps work better for different children
• Regular breaks from screen time are important
• Parental involvement enhances effectiveness

These apps can be valuable tools in supporting children’s mental health and emotional development when used appropriately and as part of a comprehensive approach to well-being.