Best apps for a first smartphone
Helpful, creative, and confidence-boosting apps
Updated February 18, 2026
In this article
Getting your child their first smartphone can feel exciting and slightly terrifying at the same time.
Thankfully, a phone doesn’t have to mean endless scrolling.
With the right apps, a first smartphone can support creativity, learning, emotional wellbeing, and independence - while still feeling fun and teen-friendly.
Here’s a parent-approved list of apps that are engaging, age-appropriate, and genuinely useful for teens just starting out with their own phone.
luna
Age rating: 11+
luna is designed to support teens through puberty, periods, and growing up in a calm, age-appropriate way, making it a positive first app for teens getting their own phone.
It combines simple education with period, mood, and symptom tracking, helping teens understand what’s happening in their bodies and emotions over time rather than turning to social media for answers.
luna offers a safe, expert-backed space where teens can explore these topics privately, with medically reviewed articles, quizzes, and anonymous questions with expert-reviewed answers.
For parents, it can feel reassuring to know their teen has somewhere positive to turn for information and reassurance — especially at a stage when social media often becomes a main source of advice.
Spotify
Age rating: 13+
If your teen always has music playing in the background, Spotify is an easy win.
It lets them explore playlists, discover new artists, and save music they love - all in one place.
It’s also a great way for teens to express their identity and mood, whether they’re revising, relaxing, or walking to school.
Check out Spotify.
Stellarium
Age rating: 4+
For teens who are curious about the world (and the universe), Stellarium is genuinely magical.
They can point their phone at the sky and instantly learn what stars, planets, or constellations they’re looking at.
It’s calming, educational, and a great reminder that not everything on a phone has to be loud or fast.
Check out Stellarium.
Duolingo
Age rating: 3+
If your teen is learning a language at school (or just curious), Duolingo makes practice feel like a game.
Lessons are short, colourful, and designed to fit into everyday life.
It’s ideal for building confidence slowly. Those little streaks can be surprisingly motivating!
Check out Duolingo.
Imposter
Age rating: 4+
This app may quickly become your favourite when you play together with your teen.
Imposter is a game for three or more players that is all about problem-solving and social deduction.
Kind of like The Traitors but IRL.
A perfect way to use apps to connect as a family!
Check out Imposter.
Knowunity
Age rating: 10+
If school notes feel overwhelming, Knowunity can help.
It’s a student-led learning app where teens can access revision notes, summaries, and explanations created by other students.
With quizzes, AI mock exams, summaries, and flashcards, this app will make revision a little less scary for your teen.
Check out Knowunity.
Finch
Age rating: 9+
Finch is like a Tamagochi on your phone – super cute and really rewarding.
On the app, you have to look after a digital pet through actionable small daily habits, such as getting enough sleep or checking in with feelings.
If your teen struggles with motivation, mood, or self-care, Finch is a gentle place to start.
Check out Finch.
Sketchbook
Age rating: 4+
For teens who love drawing or design, Sketchbook gives them space to be creative.
They can sketch, doodle, and experiment digitally without worrying about getting things “wrong”.
It’s a great outlet for expression, and a really nice way for your teen to spend a free Sunday afternoon.
Check out Sketchbook.
BrainPOP Featured Movie
Age rating: 4+
If your teen enjoys learning best through videos, BrainPOP makes tricky topics easier to understand.
Short animated movies break down subjects like science, history, and health in a clear, teen-friendly way.
It’s educational without feeling like school, which is often the sweet spot.
Check out BrainPOP.
Popplet
Age rating: 4+
Popplet is a great tool for teens who like seeing their ideas laid out clearly.
It helps them organise thoughts, revision topics, or project plans using simple visual maps.
Whether they’re planning an essay or trying to make sense of a busy school topic, it can make things feel much more manageable.
Check out Popplet.
Blinkist
Age rating: 13+
Blinkist is great for curious teens who like ideas but don’t always want to commit to a full book.
It breaks down non-fiction books into short, easy-to-digest summaries they can read or listen to in minutes.
A lovely way to encourage learning and curiosity without it ever feeling like homework.
Check out Blinkist.
Daylio
Age rating: 4+
Daylio helps teens keep track of their moods in a simple, low-effort way. Instead of long journaling, they can log how they’re feeling with a few taps and notice patterns over time.
It’s a gentle tool for building emotional awareness without pressure to write or overthink.
Check out Daylio.
Google Arts & Culture
Age rating: 13+
Google Arts & Culture turns a phone into a window onto museums, art, history, and culture from around the world.
Teens can explore exhibitions, zoom in on famous artworks, or fall down surprisingly fascinating rabbit holes.
It’s calm, interesting, and a refreshing alternative to fast-paced social media.
Check out Google Arts & Culture.
Why is it good to have a mix of apps for a first phone?
With a thoughtful mix of creative, educational, and wellbeing apps, a phone can become a tool for learning, self-expression, and growing independence.
A first smartphone doesn’t have to mean endless scrolling or constant worry!
The goal isn’t to get everything perfect from day one – it’s to give your teen a positive starting point and adjust as they grow.
Open conversations, clear boundaries, and a few well-chosen apps can go a long way in helping your child build a healthy relationship with their phone.
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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