Best diary apps for teens
Journaling apps that help teens reflect
Updated February 18, 2026
In this article
Being a teen comes with big feelings, fast-changing friendships, and new experiences every day.
Sometimes it helps to have a safe, private space to reflect – a place to record thoughts, track moods, or just let creativity flow.
We might have had an old notebook where we scrawled down our thoughts and feelings during our teenage years.
But in the modern world, teens are using apps for everything. So it makes sense to have a diary app to help them explore emotions and track moods.
Here are our top picks for the best diary apps for teens.
luna
Age rating: 11+ (13+ in the US)
For teens who want a diary app that combines reflection with emotional understanding, luna is a strong option.
It allows teens to log their emotions, note what may have influenced their mood, and gradually spot patterns in how they feel over time.
This can help journaling feel less like “writing everything down” — which can be hard to commit to — and more like understanding themselves day by day.
Alongside mood and reflection tools, luna provides expert-reviewed guidance on topics like puberty, friendships, and emotional wellbeing.
Teens can also ask anonymous questions and receive expert-reviewed answers, which can help reduce worry around things they may feel embarrassed or unsure about discussing elsewhere.
For teens new to journaling, luna often feels less intimidating than a blank diary — more like a supportive space to check in, reflect, and make sense of growing up.
Day One
Age rating: 4+
Day One is an elegant journaling app that combines text, photos, and even video entries.
Teens can reflect on their day, track moods, and create a personal digital diary that feels both private and creative.
It’s perfect for those who like to document life in a multimedia way, making self-expression more engaging than a plain notebook.
Check out Day One.
Penzu
Age rating: 9+
Penzu is a secure, private diary app that teens can use on different platforms (everything syncs together).
Teens can type freely, attach photos, and lock their entries with a password for peace of mind.
This app encourages consistent reflection while giving a sense of ownership over their thoughts, and it is super easy for your teen to search and look through their old posts.
Check out Penzu.
Gratitude: Self-Care Journal
Age rating: 4+
This app focuses on gratitude and self-care, guiding teens to notice positive moments and track their moods.
By writing down things they’re thankful for or proud of each day, teens can build self-awareness and confidence.
It’s a gentle way to make journaling part of daily life while supporting emotional wellbeing.
Check out Gratitude.
Mirror
Age rating: 4+
Mirror turns journaling into a reflective self-check, encouraging teens to explore thoughts, emotions, and personal goals.
Your teen can make notes, record videos and audio, and explore journal prompts to help them get to know their feelings.
It can be a useful tool for building self-awareness and noticing patterns over time.
With daily prompts, Mirror helps teens create a mindful journaling habit without pressure.
Check out Mirror.
My Diary
Age rating: 4+
My Diary is a simple, private diary app that encourages teens to write about their day, thoughts, or dreams.
Its straightforward design makes it approachable for teens who are just starting to journal.
The app also provides them with different types of diary templates, from gratitude journals to self-care diaries.
Check out My Diary.
Daylio
Age rating: 4+
Daylio uses micro-journaling and mood tracking to help teens reflect on their feelings quickly.
Instead of long entries, they select moods and activities, optionally adding notes for context.
This approach makes journaling approachable even on overwhelming days.
Check out Daylio.
DayDew
Age rating: 4+
DayDew combines daily reflection with gratitude prompts, helping teens develop a positive mindset.
It encourages small, achievable entries and regular journaling habits.
Over time, it’s a simple way to track emotional growth and notice patterns in moods and behaviours.
The app also has a to-do list function, which is helpful for busy teens!
Check out DayDew.
Reflectly
Age rating: 4+
Reflectly uses AI-driven prompts to guide teens through self-reflection.
It asks questions about daily experiences and emotions, helping teens process feelings in a structured yet personal way. Its interactive format makes journaling feel more like a conversation than a task.
This app is great for teens who may struggle to journal without prompts, and for those who often feel overwhelmed by anxiety or stress.
Check out Reflectly.
Miuu Note
Age rating: 9+
If your teen loves anything cute and creative, this app may be their new favourite!
Miuu Note is a journaling app that allows teens to write, add multimedia entries, and track their moods.
It’s ideal for those who enjoy expressing themselves visually as well as with words.
As your teen uses the app, they are able to unlock and collect stickers, which is a fun way to keep them engaged when life gets hectic.
Check out Miuu Note.
How can diary apps benefit teens?
Diary apps aren’t just about writing; they’re tools for emotional awareness, creativity, and mindfulness.
They give teens a safe space to reflect, process their day, and practise gratitude or self-expression.
With the right app, journaling can become a daily habit that supports confidence, calm, and personal growth during the teenage years.
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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