HappyKids is a free streaming app for kids of all ages that claims to be a safe and educational experience while teaching valuable lessons. The app contains more than 87,000 titles ad-free on mobile devices, offering a vast variety of movies, shows, music, crafts, and more.

Many parents, however, are wondering if HappyKids is safe for their children to use. This guide will explore the pros and cons of HappyKids and recommend important safety and privacy settings for children.

Parent, Student, & Educator Video

Educators and parents: Guide your students' reflection and discussion with this student worksheet. (Log in to your Google account and select File-->Make a Copy)

What is HappyKids?

• HappyKids is a free, on demand, streaming app that entertains and educates kids in any age group (Source: HappyKids)
• It contains a huge range of fun and learning based legal videos, categorized by age groups from babies to teenagers
• The app features popular shows, animated cartoons, movies, music, nursery rhymes, stories, vlogs, craft tutorials, and much more (Source: Google Play)
• It features dedicated sections with selections of kids' movies, TV shows, and popular games including Minecraft, and LEGO content

What is HappyKids rated? 

HappyKids is available on phone, tablet, smart TV, and connected TV platforms

Apple App Store Rating: 4+

Google Play Store Rating: E (Everyone)

Owned by Future Today Inc, based in the USA

Privacy Policy

Terms & Conditions

Examples of HappyKids in the news

These (HappyKids) shows not only entertain but also impart essential skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and socialization. Parents can trust HappyKids to provide age-appropriate content for their children, as the service enforces a strict policy against violence, inappropriate language, or themes. - Known Techie

HappyKids free, ad-supported streaming service has added new parental control features…The new controls help make HappyKids one of the most brand-safe and brand-suitable AVOD services for kids, families, and advertisers. - Broadcasting+Cable

Why do students want to be on HappyKids?

• HappyKids offers over 87,000 educational videos and kid friendly streaming options
• It includes popular characters and franchises such as Talking Tom, Chuchu TV Rhymes, Ninja Kidz, Barbie Dreamtopia, Lego Ninjago, Lego Friends, Sunny Bunnies, and Paw Patrol Pup Tales
• The app is ad-free on mobile devices and has very minimal ads when used on TV

Why should parents & educators care?

• HappyKids has a large library of learning based videos and entertainment resources and has a huge collection of kid and family movies for parents and kids alike
• HappyKids is COPPA compliant, meaning “they follow the federal law that imposes specific requirements on operators of websites and online services to protect the privacy of children under 13” (Source: TechTarget)

• Users can remove “recently watched” content from the app or block specific interest categories from the catalog of content available. Since there are not any parental controls built into the app, any user can do this
• To unblock content, users are asked to solve a basic multiplication problem. Content must be unblocked one at a time and a new multiplication problem will appear each time
• Because HappyKids has a large content library and the app does not have ads, it is easy for students to lose track of time and endlessly watch shows

What can parents & educators do?

• Before allowing your children to use HappyKids, download the app and use it yourself to decide if it is appropriate for your child
• Pay attention to your child's behavior and attitude when they are away from the screen. If your child doesn’t know what to do with themselves or keeps talking about their devices, then they probably need a longer break from the screen (Source: Center for Mental Wellness)
• Watch shows with your student and make it a bonding experience. Explain to them what you’re watching and talk about it together
• Preemptively set boundaries and screen time limits. SmartSocial recommends using a timer to help one know when screen time is up

Privacy/setting recommendations for HappyKids

Remove recently watched & block interest groups and videos on a TV

• Select “Menu button”
• Click on “Remove recently watched”, “block interest group”, or “block content”
• Choose what shows you would like to remove from recently watched or the content/interest groups you would like to block

Remove recently watched on a mobile device

• Select the “More” icon
• Push “Remove recently watched”
• Select the shows you would like removed
• The shows removed will be removed from the recently watched playlist

Block interest group & video’s

• Select or long hold the “interest group” or “video” you wish to block
• Tap “Block this content”

Unblock interest groups & video’s

• Select or long hold the interest group or video
• Click on “unblock this content”
• Solve the multiplication problem and tap “done”

More resources for parents, students, & educators

Start Here: Safeguard Your Student's Future with Our Free Social Media Agreement

YouTube Kids Guide (2023): What Parents Need to Know

Apple Parental Controls (iPhones and Other Apple Devices)

Making Screen Time Fun While Reducing the Negative Impact

Avoiding Strangers, Drugs, and Dangerous Situations Online

Conclusion

In a world where screens have become an integral part of daily life, finding a trusted source of safe, educational, and entertaining content is of utmost importance. HappyKids is a safer resource, but it's essential to strike a balance in your child's screen time.  When used mindfully and with boundaries, parents and students can transform screen time into moments of learning and bonding.