A guide to the best apps for teens
And an overview of what they do
So, your teen or tween just got a smartphone, and you're slightly panicking they'll spend all of their time social networking.
Sound like we read your mind? Well, don’t worry!
We’ve rounded up a list of apps you can gently steer them towards that are a little less addictive and a lot more productive.
From revision tools to mental health support and creative outlets, these apps are designed to support your teen’s growth, confidence, and independence – while still keeping things fun for them!
Revision and study apps for teens
Apps that make learning more engaging and effective.
If your teen is the type who remembers things better by writing them down (again and again), Quizlet is going to be their new best friend.
It’s basically flashcards on their phone – but with a twist.
They can make their own sets or borrow ones that other students have already put together.
And because it turns revision into little games and quizzes, it feels a lot less like studying and more like a quick brain workout.
What parents need to know
- 4.8 stars on iOS and 4.6 stars on Google Play
- Reviewers say that it is the ‘must have app for all students of any age’ as it makes teens ‘love to study’
- The basic version is free, but if your teen wants fancy features like offline access or advanced study modes, there’s a paid upgrade
You might already know Bitesize from the website – the app just makes it even easier for your teen to dip into quick lessons, quizzes, and explainer videos.
Everything is tailored to UK exam boards, so it’s spot-on for revision.
The short, snappy format makes it less overwhelming than wading through a textbook.
What parents need to know
- 4.6 stars on iOS and 4.7 stars on Google Play
- According to one reviewer on Reddit, Bitesize is ‘insanely useful for sciences’
- It is used by over 1.5 million students per week
Popplet is perfect for teens who learn visually or struggle to get their ideas down in an organised way.
It’s a mind-mapping tool that lets them connect thoughts, doodle, and drop in pictures to build out big concepts.
Whether they’re planning an essay or trying to untangle a tricky science topic, seeing it all laid out visually can really help it click.
What parents need to know
- 3.5 stars on iOS, but not available on Android
- It tends to work best on a tablet where there’s more room to spread ideas out
Health and wellbeing apps for teens
Apps to support your teen’s mental health, sleep, mood, and emotional regulation.
That’s us!
Think of luna as a supportive big sister your teen can carry around in their pocket.
It’s not about emergencies or crisis support, but about everyday life – moods, periods, friendships, and all the confusing stuff that comes with growing up.
Teens get trusted advice (reviewed by NHS doctors, so you know it’s legit), plus handy tracking tools that help them understand what’s going on in their bodies and minds.
What parents need to know
- 4.8 stars on iOS
- Users say they ‘never feel alone with luna’ and that it helps them with self-love and self-care
- The basic version is free, but upgrading will unlock more articles, more quizzes, and more opportunities to ask anonymous questions
Clear Fear is all about helping teens manage anxiety.
Developed by clinicians, it uses CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) techniques but makes them easy to follow through short exercises and calming activities.
It’s like a toolbox your teen can dip into when they’re feeling overwhelmed.
What parents need to know
- 4.4 stars on iOS and 4.2 stars on Google Play
- Users have found that the app helps them treat themselves better
- It is designed for ages 11 - 19
Low energy, lack of motivation, and the “can’t be bothered” blues are pretty common in teens.
Move Mood helps with that by nudging them to take small steps towards feeling better, based on behavioural activation therapy.
It’s not about pushing them into doing loads, but breaking things down into simple, achievable actions.
What parents need to know
- 4.4 stars on iOS and 3 stars on Google Play
- It is suitable for those ages 13 and above
Apart of Me was designed to help young people deal with grief and loss.
It’s a beautifully crafted world where teens can explore, talk, and process feelings at their own pace.
It was co-created with young people and bereavement experts, so it’s sensitive but also genuinely supportive.
What parents need to know
- 4.6 stars on iOS and 4.6 stars on Google Play
- Has 150k users worldwide
- Reviewers say that although it is designed for grief, it may help teens struggling with anxiety, depression, or anger
Combined Minds is all about supporting young people with mental health issues.
It gives practical tips to parents, siblings, or friends on how to support someone struggling with their mental health.
Instead of leaving you wondering what to say, it helps build trust and encourages open conversations.
What parents need to know
- 2.7 stars on iOS and 5 stars on Google Play
- Users like the app's clear, useful instructions
Headspace is probably the best-known meditation app out there.
For teens, it’s like having a friendly coach guiding them through mindfulness, sleep, and relaxation.
The short guided sessions are easy to fit in before bed or even between lessons if they’re feeling frazzled.
What parents need to know
- 4.8 stars on iOS and 4.6 stars on Google Play
- Has 100M downloads across all platforms
- There’s a free trial available, but most features are behind a subscription
MindShift is all about tackling anxiety head-on.
It offers practical exercises, calming strategies, and even space to record anxious thoughts.
Teens can try quick breathing exercises or longer-term goal setting, depending on what they need in the moment.
What parents need to know
- 4.2 stars on iOS and 4.1 stars on Google Play
- It is a totally free app with no in-app purchases
- A reviewer says that they ‘always feel that a weight has been lifted’ after they finish an entry
SuperBetter makes building resilience into a game.
Teens set small challenges for themselves, unlock achievements, and even recruit allies to help them.
It’s especially motivating for those who love gamified apps – think self-improvement with XP points.
What parents need to know
- 4.7 stars on iOS and 3.9 stars on Google Play
- Reviewers claim that it is ‘helpful with stress, anxiety, and depression’
- Has been played by over 1M people
Happify uses little science-backed games and activities to boost mood.
Instead of scrolling endlessly, teens can pick a quick challenge designed to reduce stress or build positivity. It’s simple, colourful, and uplifting.
What parents need to know
- 4.5 stars on iOS and 3.3 stars on Google Play
- Reviewers claim that it gradually transformed their mental state (for the better)!
Smiling Mind was created by psychologists and teachers to make mindfulness accessible for young people.
It has dedicated programmes for different age groups, so teens can find sessions that feel relevant rather than generic.
The short meditations are easy to fit into a busy school day, whether that’s calming nerves before an exam or winding down at night.
What parents need to know
- 4.6 stars on iOS and 4.2 stars on Google Play
- One Reddit reviewer claimed it to be their favourite free app when comparing it to other well-being apps
Calm is a household name when it comes to meditation and sleep apps, and it’s popular with teens, too.
From guided meditations to soothing music and their famous “sleep stories,” there’s something for every mood.
It can be especially useful for teens who struggle to switch off at night or need a moment of calm during stressful days.
What parents need to know
- 4.8 stars on iOS and 4.4 stars on Google Play
- Has over 180M downloads
What’s Up gives teens practical tools to manage stress, anxiety, and anger using CBT and ACT techniques.
It’s packed with features like breathing exercises, a diary for thoughts, and even little coping strategies to try in the moment.
For teens who don’t always want to talk about feelings, it can be a private, helpful outlet.
What parents need to know
- 4.4 stars on iOS and 3.9 stars on Google Play
- The grounding techniques are perfect for teens who suffer from anxiety
- Reviewers love how clear and simple it is
Chill Panda is a gentle introduction to stress management for younger teens and tweens.
It uses simple games, breathing exercises, and light yoga to help kids spot when they’re stressed and learn calming techniques.
It’s fun and playful, but still teaches useful skills for emotional regulation.
What parents need to know
- 4.5 stars on iOS and 3.1 stars on Google Play
- Reviewers call it ‘simple and effective’
SAM is a straightforward app that helps teens understand and manage anxiety through tracking, exercises, and community support.
It encourages them to spot triggers and work through worries step by step.
There’s also a “social cloud” where they can share experiences anonymously with others going through the same thing.
What parents need to know
- 4.2 stars on iOS and 3.5 stars on Google Play
- Ad-free for all users
- Developed from clinical best practice and academic research
This app uses audio tracks to promote positive thinking, relaxation, and better sleep.
It’s based on proven techniques but designed with teens in mind, so the sessions are short and accessible.
Many young people find it’s a calming part of their daily routine.
What parents need to know
- 5 stars on iOS and 3.8 stars on Google Play
- Aimed at ages 10 - 15
- Free to use, and endorsed by the NHS
eQuoo turns emotional learning into a game, guiding teens through interactive stories where they make choices and learn life skills along the way.
It’s engaging without being preachy, and teens often don’t realise how much they’re learning while they play.
The focus is on building resilience, emotional intelligence, and healthy relationships.
What parents need to know
- 4.3 stars on iOS and 4.1 stars on Google Play
- Users say it's a great app to help your teen learn more about themselves
Formerly know as WorryTree, Luma is a simple app that helps teens capture their worries and challenge them using CBT techniques.
By writing worries down and working through them step by step, it makes big problems feel more manageable.
It’s private, easy to use, and designed to be a quick, calming tool.
What parents need to know
- 4.9 stars on iOS and 3.8 stars on Google Play
- Has a free and a premium version
Productivity and organisation apps
Help your teen stay on top of homework, revision, and daily life
Evernote is like a digital notebook that can handle just about everything – from homework notes to revision plans and even personal to-do lists.
Teens can type, upload pictures, save links, or even record voice notes, which makes it super flexible for different learning styles.
It’s especially handy for older teens juggling lots of subjects and deadlines at once.
What parents need to know
- 4.4 stars on iOS and 3.1 stars on Google Play
- One Reddit user calls Evernote their ‘repository for pretty much all documents and records in my life’
Forest is a clever little app that helps teens stay focused by gamifying it.
While they’re working, they “plant” a virtual tree that keeps growing – but only if they resist the urge to check their phone.
Over time, they can grow a whole digital forest, and even earn credits towards planting real trees.
This app is a pretty fun way to stay motivated during revision!
What parents need to know
- 4.8 stars on iOS and 4.5 stars on Google Play
- Perfect for competitive teens who don’t want their tree to “die”
Notion is a flexible workspace app that’s become really popular with students.
Teens can use it to plan revision timetables, organise school projects, or even keep a personal journal.
It looks clean, is easy to customise, and can grow with them as their workload gets bigger.
What parents need to know
- 4.8 stars on iOS and 4.7 stars on Google Play
- Described as “game-changing” by users
Creative and fun apps for teens
Encourage creativity and screen time with purpose.
Procreate is a dream app for teens who love drawing and digital art.
It offers professional-grade tools like layers, brushes, and effects, but the interface is simple enough for beginners to pick up quickly.
Teens can doodle for fun, work on school art projects, or even start building a portfolio.
What parents need to know
- 4.4 stars on iOS
- No subscription: you pay £12.99 once and have the app
Lingopie is a language-learning app with a twist – instead of grammar drills, teens watch real TV shows and movies in their target language.
Subtitles are interactive, so they can click on any word to see its meaning and add it to their own flashcards.
It feels more like binge-watching Netflix than studying, which makes it much easier to stick with.
What parents need to know
- 4.3 stars on iOS and 3.9 stars on Google Play
- Offers a range of languages, including Spanish, German, Japanese, Korean, and Turkish
Sketchbook is another excellent option for budding illustrators.
It’s free, powerful, and works on both iOS and Android.
Teens can sketch, paint, or experiment with digital art tools that feel natural and intuitive – it’s basically a portable sketchpad with endless pages.
What parents need to know
- 4.8 stars on iOS and 3.9 stars on Google Play
- Has free downloads to customise the type of art your teen is creating
Community and social apps for teens
Apps that help teens feel connected and informed in a safe way.
Blue Fever is like a private, digital “diary-meets-community” space where teens can share how they’re feeling.
Instead of scrolling through endless social feeds, they can post short updates, moods, or “feels” and connect with others who get it.
It’s designed to feel safe, supportive, and uplifting and a place where teens don’t have to pretend everything’s fine.
What parents need to know
- 3.7 stars on iOS
- Users say they “don’t feel alone anymore” after using the app
Ground News helps teens see how different outlets report the same story, making it easier to spot bias and understand perspectives.
It’s a great way to encourage critical thinking and media literacy – useful skills for navigating the noisy world of online news.
Instead of scrolling endlessly, they get a clearer, balanced picture of what’s going on.
What parents need to know
- 3.8 stars on iOS and 4.6 stars on Google Play
- Free to start, with premium features available via subscription
Hopefully this helps you!
Apps aren’t just distractions. In fact, they can be empowering, supportive, and fun tools for learning and self-care.
With this in mind, we like to describe the bucket of apps we’ve shared – including luna – as “ethical tech” or “tech for good”.
When chosen well, apps can help your teen feel more in control of their world – whether that’s school, stress, or creativity.
So try to be open to trying apps whether together or apart, and checking in with how your teen uses them.
And if you're not sure where to start, luna is a great all-rounder for emotional wellbeing, periods, friendships, and more.
How we created this article:
luna's team of experts comprises GPs, Dermatologists, Safeguarding Leads and Junior Doctors as well as Medical Students with specialised interests in paediatric care, mental health and gynaecology. All articles are created by experts, and reviewed by a member of luna's senior review team.
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