Parents and teachers often ask: What are the best free mental health apps for children and teens? With rising stress and anxiety among young people, having accessible tools matters. Apps can help kids learn mindfulness, emotional awareness, and coping strategies in a way that feels fun and natural.

Below, you’ll find 9 free mental health apps for kids and teens, with answers to common questions. Each app includes a quick “Best for” description so you can find the right fit for your child or students.

Q: Why should kids use mental health apps?

A: Mental health apps give children fun, structured ways to build resilience and emotional awareness. They provide guided exercises—like breathing techniques, gratitude practices, or calming stories—that help kids cope with stress. They’re not a replacement for therapy, but they’re an excellent supplement for parents, teachers, and caregivers.

1. Smiling Mind

Best for: Meditation and mindfulness at home or in the classroom

Q: Is there a free meditation app designed for kids?

A: Yes. Smiling Mind is a non-profit app created by psychologists. It offers guided meditations, stress-reduction programs, and classroom activities for all ages.

‍2. GoNoodle

Best for: Combining movement, exercise, and mindfulness

Q: Which app combines movement and mental health?

A: GoNoodle gets kids dancing, stretching, and practicing mindfulness. Used in 4 out of 5 U.S. elementary schools, it makes movement fun while encouraging calmness and focus.

3. Together AI

Best for: Helping young children express and track emotions

Q: How can kids learn to express emotions in a healthy way?
A: Together AI gives kids an AI “buddy” that listens, chats, and checks in on feelings. It helps children track their moods and build emotional vocabulary.

4. Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame

Best for: Younger kids learning self-control and problem-solving

Q: Is there a Sesame Street app for emotional learning?

A: Yes. Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame teaches children problem-solving and breathing strategies through beloved Sesame Street characters. It’s perfect for preschool and early elementary ages.

5. Clear Fear

Best for: Teens managing stress and anxiety

Q: Which app helps teens with anxiety?

A: Clear Fear is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and helps kids ages 11–19 manage anxiety through calming exercises. Younger children can also use it with adult guidance.

6. eQuoo

Best for: Gamified mental health learning for ages 12+

Q: Can mental health apps be interactive and game-like?

A: Yes! eQuoo is an adventure game that helps teens build emotional resilience, social skills, and self-confidence. It’s even approved by Mental Health America.

7. Moshi Kids

Best for: Bedtime relaxation and classroom calm

Q: What’s a good app for bedtime relaxation?

A: Moshi Kids offers calming bedtime stories, meditations, and music. Parents can use it at night for better sleep, while teachers can use it during the day to help kids relax.

8. Manatee & Me

Best for: Supporting kids with ADHD, depression, or anxiety

Q: Do any apps support kids with ADHD or depression?

A: Yes. Manatee & Me provides courses for kids on topics like ADHD, anxiety, and depression, while also offering parenting tips to strengthen family bonds.

9. Super Stretch Yoga

Best for: Introducing yoga and mindfulness to children

Q: How can I introduce yoga to kids in a fun way?
A: Super Stretch Yoga uses a superhero character, “Super Stretch,” to guide kids through yoga poses. It’s playful, encouraging, and teaches resilience and kindness.

Extra Q&A for Parents and Teachers

Q: Are these apps really free?

A: Yes, all of the apps listed have free versions with meaningful content. Some offer premium upgrades, but the free tools are robust enough for daily use.

Q: Can these apps replace therapy?

A: No. These apps are best used as support tools, not as substitutes for professional care. If a child is experiencing severe mental health challenges, professional help should always be the first step.

Q: Which apps are best for classroom use?

A: Smiling Mind, GoNoodle, and Moshi Kids are especially designed for teachers and group settings. They help create calm, focus, and mindfulness breaks throughout the school day.

Q: How can I encourage my child to use these apps consistently?

A: Start by adding them into daily routines:

• Use Moshi Kids at bedtime.
  
  
• Play GoNoodle before homework or after recess.
  
  
• Try Smiling Mind meditations in the morning.
  
  
• Encourage gratitude check-ins with Get Sparky.
  
  

When the apps become part of regular routines, kids are more likely to keep using them.

Final Thoughts

From yoga and gratitude to gamified adventures and calming meditations, these 9 free mental health apps for kids and teens provide safe, fun, and effective ways to support emotional wellness. Whether you’re a parent looking for bedtime tools or a teacher wanting to bring mindfulness to your classroom, these apps make it easier than ever to support young people’s mental health.

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