Justalk
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MINIMUM AGE:
JusTalk (standard app) – 13+ JusTalk Kids – 4+ (designed specifically for children with simpler features and parental setup) WHAT IS IT? JusTalk is a messaging and video-calling app that allows users to make one-to-one or group video calls (up to 50 people), send messages, share photos and videos, and interact during calls using features like doodling, stickers, and games. The app also allows users to record video or voice calls and save them for later viewing. JusTalk includes additional features such as push-to-talk voice messaging (similar to a walkie-talkie), group chats, and a “Moments” feature where users can share updates with friends. The platform promotes encrypted communication and offers different versions, including JusTalk Kids and family-focused features, but like many communication apps, children may still interact with others online, making parental awareness and supervision important. WHAT WE SAY: Treat with caution. 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate Content Although JusTalk is marketed as a family-friendly communication app, children can still be exposed to inappropriate conversations, images, or behaviour during video calls or in group chats - especially if they connect with people outside their trusted circle. 💬 Direct Messaging & Group Chats JusTalk allows users to send messages, photos, videos, and voice notes, as well as join group chats with up to 50 people. If children add unknown contacts, they may receive unwanted messages or be exposed to inappropriate language or content. 📹 Video Calls & Recording Feature The app allows users to record voice and video calls and save them. While this can be used for positive purposes, it also means calls could be recorded or shared without a child’s knowledge or consent. 🧑💻 Online Predators & Grooming Risks As with any messaging platform, there is a risk that strangers could attempt to contact children. Predators may try to build trust through friendly chats or video calls before encouraging private conversations on other apps. 🔐 Privacy Concerns JusTalk promotes encrypted communication, but users may still share personal information during chats or video calls. Photos, videos, and updates shared through the “Moments” feature can reveal details about a child’s life, location, or daily routine. 📱 Interactive Features During Calls Features like doodling, games, stickers, and shared photos can make calls more engaging for children, but they may also encourage longer screen time and make it easier for strangers to build rapport with younger users. ⚠️ Contact Requests & Unknown Users If privacy settings are not carefully managed, children may be able to receive contact requests from people they do not know, increasing the risk of unwanted communication. 🧠 Screen Time & Wellbeing Frequent messaging, group chats, and video calls can encourage excessive screen time, particularly when children feel pressure to stay connected with friends or groups online. 👪 Different Versions of the App JusTalk offers a JusTalk Kids version with additional safety features, but children may still access the standard version if it is installed on their device. Parents should check which version their child is using. ⚠️ Bottom Line for Parents JusTalk is a communication app with messaging, video calls, and social features. While it can be used safely with trusted contacts, children may still interact with others online, so parental supervision, privacy settings, and open conversations about online safety are essential. |
SAFETY TIPS:
Access more information about the Family Centre here. 📲 Understand the App - Familiarise yourself with how JusTalk works. The app allows users to make one-to-one and group video calls (up to 50 people), send messages, share photos and videos, and use features like stickers, doodles, games, and voice messages. Understanding these features can help you guide your child on how they communicate and who they interact with online. 👨👧 Parental Awareness - Take an interest in who your child is communicating with and how they are using the app. Stay aware of group chats, video calls, and the “Moments” feature where users can share updates or posts with others. 📢 Underage Accounts - JusTalk typically requires users to meet a minimum age requirement (often 13+), but age verification usually relies on the information entered by the user. This means younger children may still create accounts or access the standard version of the app instead of child-focused versions like JusTalk Kids. 👥 Managing Contacts - Encourage your child to only add and communicate with people they know and trust in real life. Messaging and video-calling apps can allow unknown users to contact them if privacy settings are not properly managed. 📸 Be Mindful During Video Calls - Video calls can reveal personal details such as bedrooms, family photos, school logos, or street views. Encourage children to be aware of what appears on camera and avoid sharing private information during calls. 🧠 Trust Their Instincts - If your child feels uncomfortable during a call, receives unwanted messages, or is pressured to share photos or personal information, they should leave the conversation, block the user, and tell a trusted adult. 🖥️ Use Devices in Shared Spaces - Encourage children to make video calls or use messaging apps in shared areas of the home rather than bedrooms. This helps support safer online habits and allows parents to remain aware of who they are interacting with. 🚨 Recognise Warning Signs - Pay attention to changes in behaviour such as secrecy about conversations, sudden anxiety after using the app, or quickly deleting messages or contacts. These can sometimes indicate a negative online experience. 💬 Keep Communication Open - Regularly talk with your child about online safety, including cyberbullying, stranger contact, grooming, and privacy risks. Open conversations help children feel more comfortable asking for help if something goes wrong online. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you see suspected child sexual abuse content online, report it to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which helps remove illegal images from the internet. If you’re worried about online sexual exploitation or abuse, you can make a report to Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) - a UK law enforcement team dedicated to protecting children and young people online. For Children & young people if they're worried or want to talk, encourage them to contact Childline Online or call 0800 1111. Check out our Factsheets for further information and useful online safety tips. 
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