Beyond the Avatar: Real-World Risks on the Zepeto App
Zepeto is a fast-growing app that blends social networking with a virtual world experience, attracting around 20 million monthly users, with 15% of them coming from Europe. Players create 3D avatars to explore immersive environments, play games and interact with others; however, with minimal safety controls, anonymous chat and monetised content, Zepeto poses a number of online safety concerns that parents and teachers should be aware of.
What are the risks?
It is important to be aware of the many risks associated with this new app as it will be very popular with a lot of children.
No parental controls
Zepeto is intended for users aged 14 and up; it has no built-in parental controls or age verification. The lack of parental controls on this app is a concern to me for the safety of any children using it.
Inappropriate content
As a combination of the virtual world and a social media platform, Zepeto hosts a wide range of user-generated content. Some areas may reference mature themes, such as TV series aimed at adults, or include inappropriate material created by other users, all of which children could be confronted with without warning.
Stranger Danger
By default, users can message and interact with anyone else. This open communication allows sexual predators to pose as another child to gain trust and groom your child, potentially leading to sextortion or even in extreme circumstances, abduction.
Cyberbullying risks
As I have previously written, all social platforms pose a risk of children being targeted for bullying, harassment or exclusion by strangers and their peers alike. Unfiltered chat and avatar-based interaction can facilitate bullying and other forms of harassment to continue, likely impacting children's well-being and mental health.
Addictive gameplay
Dally log-in rewards, such as coins, and in-game incentives can encourage compulsive behaviour, with some users feeling pressure to check in constantly with a fear of missing out (FOMO). This can lead to excessive screen time and a lack of enjoying hobbies, time with friends and schoolwork.
Real money
Zepeto is a free-to-play game which gives access to a store offering virtual clothing and accessories for avatars. These items are bought with "ZEMS' - a paid-for currency, the appeal of exclusive items or branded collaborations can make it easy for children to overspend.
Advice for parents & teachers
Enable privacy settings
Go to the child's profile settings to restrict who can send messages - options include Everyone, Followers Only, or No one. You should communicate with your child and encourage them to avoid sharing any personal information on their profile, as this is visible even on private accounts.
Limit in-app time
Use parental controls on Android (Google Family Link) or iOS (Screen Time) to restrict app usage by setting hours ar daily limits. Encouraging them to take breaks can help children develop healthier habits and reduce app dependency.
Spending controls
To prevent accidental purchases, set up purchase approval systems such as Apple's Ask to Buy or Google's Purchase Approvals. Alternatively, consider removing payment methods or using pre-paid cards with set budgets.
Open & honest communications
As always, my most important advice to any parent is to have open & honest communication with your child. Talk openly with them about who they interact with online and the things they see or hear online. Encourage them to always speak up if someone makes them uncomfortable or if they come across inappropriate content. Teach them how to recognise red-flag behaviours such as somebody asking them to keep their chat secret, people giving them gifts, or requesting personal information.
As always, thank you for your support. Please share this across your social media, and if you do have any comments, questions, or concerns, then feel free to reach out to me here or on BlueSky, as I am always happy to spend some time helping to protect children online.
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