How to know if a period tracker is safe

And which one is suitable for teens?

Choosing a period tracker for your teen involves more than just finding an app that tracks their cycle. 

It's important to make sure that the app is safe and appropriate for their age. 

So, here’s a guide on what to look for in a period tracker app to make sure it’s a safe and supportive tool for your teen.

Key info to look out for in a privacy policy

Every app should have a privacy policy! If it doesn’t, that’s your first red flag. If it does have one – for example here is luna’s privacy policy – then you can open it up to decide if you’re comfortable with the info it offers.

Things to look out for are…

• Clear and transparent about data collection: a good privacy policy will clearly explain what information the app collects and what the purpose is, this could be things like health data, names or ages
• Data protection measures: check for descriptions of how the app protects data, for example encryption or access controls (limited to authorised people)
• User control: whether users can manage their data, for example unsubscribing from email comms, data deletion

What to think about in terms of appropriate content

Every period tracker is different, some have amazing advice on conception, others on menopause. A teen deserves one that is totally tailored to them and doesn’t try to teach them about things they don’t need to know about just yet.

Things to look out for are…

• Age-appropriate information: ensure the app’s content is suitable for teens. Look for topics that are aligned with the school PSHE curriculum, for example menstrual health education, body positivity, managing relationships
• Avoids adult content: such as detailed discussions on conception or sexual health meant for adults – that’s not to say these shouldn’t be covered for teens, but some apps are designed to educate young people about this appropriately, and some are designed more for older demographics
• Interactive and engaging features: let’s be honest, teens are more likely to use an app that's engaging and easy to navigate so look for fun trackers, quizzes, and a teen-focused tone of voice
• Easy to navigate and simple to use: teens can get pretty overwhelmed with too many options and instructions, so keeping things simple and too the point can be much easier

​​So, what are your options?

You can support your teen with luna’s period tracker! It’s actually designed by teens (in collaboration with doctors), and so it’s a period tracker they want to use. The app also has loads of content and age appropriate advice that’s created to empower teens and help with those questions you just don't have the answers to or don't have time to research.

You can think of luna as a modern, digital approach to wellbeing – it’s cost-effective, verified by doctors and safeguarding experts, and has a direct line into the biggest concerns facing teens today – so it’s actually addressing what they need advice on appropriately, when they need it.

If you’ve been looking for an antidote to the misinformation and negativity shared on social media or forums, you can get luna for your teen via our luna premium page for the price of a coffee each month. Your teen can also search “we are luna” in App Stores to download the app, and then purchase premium within the app with your permission.