What it is
Amino hosts communities for games, books, and hobbies. The public posts can look wholesome. Each community also has private chats and member lists that mix ages.
A child who is lonely in a fandom is an easy person for an adult in that community to single out.
What to look out for
- Private chats outside the public posts.
- An online friend who wants their age, photos, or a move to Discord.
- Communities you have not looked at.
- Gifts or paid upgrades.
Ways to stay safe
These steps are for Amino. The house rules still apply on every app.
- Look at the community list together.
- Turn off direct messages from people they do not know, or remove the app if those controls are weak.
- Keep their real name, school, and face off the profile.
- Agree that a fandom friend is still a stranger until you have a reason to trust them.
In the news
Published reports you can read yourself. A headline is the proof, not a set of instructions, and this page does not repeat graphic detail.
- Criminals are using private messaging to groom children The NSPCC’s 2025 figures are about Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram. Amino is another interest community where a stranger can move a child into private chat. The report does not name Amino.
- Discord servers used in child exploitation cases NBC’s investigation is about Discord. Amino is another interest community where a stranger can move a child into private chat.
A way to start the conversation
You can say: "Liking the same show is not the same as knowing someone. If they want a private chat, a photo, or your age, you tell me before you answer."
Video
Parent briefing
A short video for this guide can be added by an editor. Until then, the written briefing above is the one to use.