Best apps to teach teens healthy habits
Supportive, teen-friendly apps
Updated February 18, 2026
In this article
Helping teens build healthy habits isn’t about perfection or rigid routines.
It’s about giving them tools that support emotional wellbeing, balance, and self-awareness – without pressure.
The right apps can gently encourage better sleep, healthier routines, emotional check-ins, and positive habits, all while still feeling teen-appropriate and low stress.
Here are some parent-approved apps that help teens build healthy habits in a realistic, supportive way.
luna
Age rating: 11+ (13+ in the US)
luna supports healthy habits by helping teens better understand their bodies, emotions, and daily patterns – all in one place.
Through period, mood, and symptom tracking designed specifically for teens, it helps young people notice how sleep, stress, hormones, and everyday life can affect how they feel.
That awareness can make it easier to build realistic, sustainable habits, rather than feeling frustrated when motivation or energy naturally changes.
Alongside tracking, teens can explore expert-reviewed content on topics like sleep, emotional wellbeing, self-care, body confidence, and healthy routines, helping habits feel supportive rather than restrictive.
During adolescence, many teens turn to social media for health and wellbeing advice, which can sometimes promote unrealistic routines, comparison, or quick fixes.
luna offers a calmer alternative — a positive, judgement-free space where teens can learn what’s normal for their body and build habits at their own pace.
Teens can also ask anonymous questions and receive expert-reviewed answers, helping them feel reassured about topics they may feel unsure or embarrassed to ask elsewhere.
For parents, it’s reassuring to know their teen is learning from a safe, age-appropriate, expert-backed source.
Smiling Mind
Age rating: 4+
Smiling Mind is designed specifically for young people, with short mindfulness exercises that fit into everyday life.
It helps teens learn how to pause, breathe, and manage big emotions - without being overly “zen” or intense.
A great introduction to mindfulness that feels accessible rather than awkward.
Check out Smiling Mind.
Headspace
Age rating: 13+
Headspace offers teen-friendly content focused on sleep, stress, and emotional regulation.
The tone is calm and reassuring, making it especially helpful during exam periods or times of anxiety.
Many teens find it useful for winding down at night or resetting after a tough day.
Check out Headspace.
Forest
Age rating: 4+
Forest helps teens focus by encouraging them to stay off their phone while a virtual tree grows.
The longer they stay focused, the more their forest flourishes - making concentration feel rewarding rather than restrictive.
It’s a simple way to build healthier screen habits without constant reminders from parents.
Check out Forest.
Habitica
Age rating: 13+
Habitica turns everyday habits into a game.
Teens earn rewards for completing tasks like homework, tidying, or self-care, which can make routines feel more motivating.
It works especially well for teens who enjoy structure or gaming-style challenges.
Check out Habitica.
Sleep Cycle
Age rating: 9+
Sleep Cycle helps teens understand their sleep patterns and wake up more gently.
By tracking sleep quality, it encourages better bedtime habits without telling teens how much sleep they “should” get.
It’s about awareness, not pressure - which is key for healthy routines.
Check out Sleep Cycle.
Finch
Age rating: 9+
Finch encourages small daily habits linked to wellbeing, like drinking water, getting fresh air, or checking in with feelings.
However, what makes it different is that your progress impacts the wellbeing of a cute digital pet.
Progress is gentle and encouraging, not streak-obsessed or guilt-driven.
It’s especially helpful for teens who feel overwhelmed by big goals.
Check out Finch.
Streaks
Age rating: 4+
Streaks helps teens build simple habits by focusing on consistency rather than intensity.
They can choose small, realistic goals, like stretching, reading, or going to bed on time, and track progress over time.
It reinforces the idea that healthy habits are built slowly and allows teens to progress at their own pace.
Check out Streaks.
Komoot
Age rating: 4+
Komoot encourages teens to get outside by helping them plan walks, hikes, and bike rides.
It turns movement into exploration rather than exercise, which can help teens build a more positive relationship with being active.
Great for teens who enjoy nature or need a break from screens. It is also a fun app to explore with your teen, too!
Check out Komoot.
What's useful to know about habit apps?
Healthy habits aren’t built overnight, and they shouldn’t feel like a full-time job.
Apps work best when they support curiosity, balance, and self-awareness, rather than control or pressure.
Used thoughtfully, they can help teens build routines that feel realistic and empowering as they grow.
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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