Parents need to know that Diary Zapp is a written and visual journal app for kids. Kids can write, draw, take photos, decorate journal pages, and share their experiences with friends, family, and other Diary Zapp users (optional). The more pages kids create, the more points they earn to unlock more creative options. The writing feature on the app uses typed text or finger-drawn letters. If kids use the typed text, Diary Zapp will suggest alternate words, similar to using a thesaurus; this can help kids pump up their vocabulary. Kids can create and dress a “Zappicon” character to use as their mascot through the diary experience. Up to five kids can have individual diaries on Diary Zapp, and there’s a “Chief Adult” dashboard for parents who want more oversight over what kids create and with whom they share it, if sharing is desired. The $3.99 purchase price includes all features; there are no in-app purchases. Read the app’s privacy policy to find out about the types of information collected and shared.

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

To use Diary Zapp, create a kid account and a parent account. Name and style a “Zappicon” character for your guide. To start a new entry, tap the plus sign to create the first journal page, and tap the page icon to choose a page background. The pencil icon lets kids add drawings, written content, and photos. Change words in written content based on the app’s alternate word suggestions, and tap the Zappicon character for tips.

IS IT ANY GOOD?

Encouraging kids to write daily can be challenging, but this app makes journaling fun, creative, and easy. What sets Diary Zapp apart from other journaling apps are the added benefits of the vocabulary boosts and parent oversight, and the optional ability to share journal pages with others. The Zappicon character is a fun little hook to get kids’ attention, but it could also be a distraction for kids who are reluctant to write. Some kids may need a reminder that it’s more about expressing their own ideas and experiences in the written and visual content they produce than it is about Diary Zapp’s built-in creative characters. All in all, it’s a great choice for kids’ creativity and self-expression.

RATING AND CONTENT

Recommended for ages 8 and older

Quality: 4 out of 5

Educational value: 3 out of 5

Ease of play: 4 out of 5

Violence and scariness: 0 out of 5

Sexy stuff: 0 out of 5

Language: 0 out of 5

Drinking, drugs, and smoking: 0 out of 5

Consumerism: 0 out of 5 (Are products/advertisements embedded? Is the title part of a broader marketing initiative/empire? Is the intent to sell things to kids?)

APP DETAILS

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android

Price: $3.99 iOS; $4.99 Android

Release date: July 12, 2017

Category: Education

Size: 220.OO MB

Publisher: Diary Zapp

Minimum software requirements: iOS 8.0 or later; Android 4.0.3 and up

——

Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out our ratings and recommendations at www.commonsense.org.