Is Zepeto Safe for Kids? What Parents Need to Know

Imagine if The Sims, Instagram, and Roblox had a stylish, digital baby — well, that’s basically Zepeto. 

Launched in 2018, the South Korean social media app quickly gained traction among teens and tweens for its customizable 3D avatars, virtual fashion, and interactive virtual worlds. Recently, it’s gotten even more attention with its new AI avatar tools and expanding social features.

It seems to have all the features that kids love most, but let’s dive into this app and chat about whether it’s safe for kids.

What Is Zepeto AI? And Why Do Kids Like It?

Zepeto is a free app available on iOS, Android, and desktop that lets users create and customize 3D avatars. Kids can explore virtual spaces, interact in games and worlds, decorate digital rooms, and meet others via chat, similar to Roblox. The app’s social media-style posting feature lets users share photos, AI-generated stickers, and updates, much like an Instagram feed.

What sets Zepeto apart from other social media apps is its AI-generated avatars. While Zepeto has offered avatar customization since 2018, the newer AI tools allow users to upload a photo and generate multiple stylized versions of themselves. It’s a fast, exciting way for kids to experiment with their online identity and aesthetics — and that’s a big reason they love it.

Is Zepeto AI Safe for Kids?

In short: No. Zepeto may look like a harmless creative playground, but it comes with serious concerns for younger users. Here’s why:

1. Unrestricted chatting with strangers, including private messaging
2. Sexualized or inappropriate content in user-generated rooms and avatars
3. Idealized and extreme avatars that may impact kids’ body image and self-esteem
4. Privacy concerns
5. In-app purchases that blur the line between virtual and real money

Let’s take a closer look at each.

Zepeto Online Predators and Stranger Interactions

Zepeto includes both public chat rooms and private messaging. While some Zepeto parental controls exist, they are not enabled by default. Public chats can’t be fully disabled and will appear in public spaces regardless of parental controls. Private messages, as long as they are enabled, can come from anyone who follows or interacts with your child’s avatar.

Unfortunately, a parent recently recounted the story of when her 12-year-old daughter received inappropriate messages from someone posing as a teen. Other parents have reported similar Zepeto experiences on Reddit and parental monitoring forums. Because Zepeto is avatar-based, users can interact with whomever, whenever, and not know who they’re talking to.

Zepeto Inappropriate Content

Zepeto is full of user-generated content, which means moderation is never perfect. Kids can stumble into virtual spaces where avatars are dressed in revealing outfits or where adult themes are present. The app may expose users to sexual content, self-harm references, and profanity. And because avatars are customizable, it’s easy for users to mimic adult behavior or dress in suggestive ways.

Parents should know that these environments aren’t hard to find. A quick search or friend request can land a child in a chat or room that’s far from age-appropriate.

Zepeto Body Image Issues

The female avatars in Zepeto are often thin, long-legged, and doll-like — not exactly realistic representations of women. One study on Zepeto even found that adolescent girls often alter their avatars to reflect Western beauty standards, including lighter skin tones and slimmer bodies.

Another review connected social media platforms like Zepeto with increased body dissatisfaction, risky behaviors, and low self-esteem. Even if it’s just “playing dress-up,” repeated exposure to unrealistic avatars can affect how kids see themselves in real life.

Zepeto Privacy Concerns 

Zepeto is operated by Naver Z Corporation, based in South Korea. While South Korea has its own privacy law (the Personal Information Protection Act), it’s not identical to U.S. regulations like COPPA, which are designed to protect specifically children under 13. 

While Zepeto asserts adherence to relevant legal standards, the specifics of how these measures are implemented, particularly concerning U.S. regulations like COPPA, are not detailed in their privacy policy.

Zepeto In-App Purchases

The app’s currency system revolves around “Zems” and “Coins,” which are used to buy clothes, accessories, and special features. While the app is free, many popular upgrades cost real money. Kids may not fully grasp how many dollars they’re spending when buying “just a few more Zems.”

Tips for Talking With Your Kids About Zepeto

Worried your child is using the Zepeto app? Here’s how to start the conversation and take control:

• Ask questions first. “What do you like about Zepeto?” is a better opener than “Why are you on this app?” Approaching the situation with curiosity rather than accusations will make the conversation smoother all around.
• If you decide your child is ready for the app, use Zepeto parental controls:
  • Go to the profile screen and tap the gear icon.
  • Click “Privacy and Contents”
  • From there, users can disable chats, comments on posts, and turn their account to private.
• Talk about money. Help your child understand how “Zems” and “Coins” convert to real dollars. Consider turning off in-app purchases or using parental controls.
• Watch for warning signs. If your child’s avatar is constantly changing to match a certain beauty standard or they seem anxious after being online, it may be time for a deeper talk.

What to Do Instead: Zepeto Alternatives for Kids

Zepeto AI isn’t a safe place for kids. From unfiltered chats to body image pressures, the risks outweigh the benefits. But that doesn’t mean your child has to miss out on digital creativity. Gabb offers safe, age-appropriate tech for kids that empower them to learn, connect, and explore without the dangers of open social media platforms.

Kids can truly thrive with tech, but only when it’s introduced intentionally. That’s why we recommend the Tech in Steps approach: start with the safest tools, then move forward only when your child is ready.

What do you think of Zepeto? Did we miss anything? How do you approach conversations about social media with your children? Let us know in the comments below!