What it is
Zepeto lets children build a 3D avatar and walk around shared spaces. The look is playful. The spaces include strangers, text chat, and people who ask for photos of the real child behind the avatar.
Coins and clothing are easy to spend on. A friendly avatar is not a friend.
What to look out for
- Hours in public worlds with people they cannot name.
- Requests for a real photo, a phone number, or another app.
- Spending you did not approve.
- An avatar chat that has turned personal or sexual.
Ways to stay safe
These steps are for Zepeto. The house rules still apply on every app.
- Play the first sessions where you can see the screen.
- Turn off chat with strangers if the controls allow it, and remove payment methods.
- Keep their real name, school, and face off the profile.
- If someone will not stay in the public world, leave. Do not follow them to another app.
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.
- Roblox defends expanded safety checks but parents are concerned This BBC report is about Roblox age checks, and an expert saying the platform still poses real risks. Zepeto is another avatar world with public rooms and chat. The report does not name Zepeto.
A way to start the conversation
You can say: "A cute avatar can still be an adult. If they ask who you really are, or want a photo of your face, you leave the world and tell me."
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.