Anonymous Q&A apps: a guide for parents

An anonymous Q&A app gives your teen a personal link. They post it on their story, and friends tap it to send a question, a rating, a crush confession or a compliment — without their name. Your teen reads the messages in the app and often answers the best ones publicly on their story.

Senders don’t need an account or the app. That’s what makes it popular, and also why the app’s own safety features matter so much.

• They’re a game: “Rate me”, quizzes and would-you-rather questions are the most common uses.
• Shy friends find it easier to say nice things without their name.
• They give teens something to post and talk about.
• Honest feedback, in small doses, can feel good.

• Unkind or bullying messages — anonymity lowers the bar.
• Pressure to keep checking, especially if an app sends fake messages or sells “who sent it” reveals.
• Oversharing in public replies, or screenshots of friends’ messages.
• Contact from strangers if the link is posted publicly rather than to friends.

If your teen uses Loomii, these are the controls to look at together (all under Settings → Privacy & safety):

• Mean-word filter (on by default): hides messages with bullying words in a separate Hidden folder.
• Hidden words: add any words or names you want filtered out.
• Pause new messages: stops anyone sending until it’s turned off.
• Blocked senders: manage who has been blocked.
• Special Daily: choose how many app-written questions arrive, or turn them off.
• Delete account: removes the profile, messages and coins straight away.

Loomii doesn’t ask for a phone number, email or contacts, and its hints never reveal a sender’s name or IP address. It is rated for ages 13+, and its terms ask 13–17 year olds to have a parent’s or guardian’s permission. Coins and passes are bought through Google Play, so Play’s family purchase controls apply.

Banning an app usually moves it out of sight. A short, calm conversation works better:

1. Ask them to show you how it works — what game they post, what replies look like.
2. Agree on posting to Close friends rather than public stories.
3. Agree that hurtful messages get blocked and reported, not answered.
4. Make it OK to come to you if a message upsets them, without losing the app.
5. Remind them that hints are not proof — no accusing friends.

• Under 13: anonymous Q&A apps aren’t meant for this age. Loomii requires users to be 13 or older and removes accounts it learns belong to younger children.
• 13–15: agree on Close friends only, a light game rather than open “ask me anything”, and a check-in if a message is upsetting.
• 16–17: talk about screenshots, reputation and how to handle mean replies. Make sure they know how to pause their link.
• 18+: adults choose for themselves, but the same safety habits apply.

Not every story about anonymous apps is a scary one. Signs your teen is using it in a healthy way:

• They share funny or kind messages with you.
• They play games (ratings, quizzes) rather than collecting opinions about their appearance.
• They block and move on when something is rude.
• They take breaks without fuss and don’t check the app compulsively.

• Link sticker: the Instagram story sticker that makes a web link tappable.
• AMA: “ask me anything” — a prompt inviting any question.
• Rate me: a game where friends send a score out of 10.
• Hints: limited clues about a sender (app used, device type, rough area) — not a name.
• Coins: optional in-app currency for extra games and hints; bought through Google Play.
• Pause: a switch that stops new messages until it’s turned off.

Loomii is free to use, but it sells optional coins and short Unlimited passes through Google Play. A few things worth knowing:

• Every purchase goes through Google Play, so the Play Store’s family settings and purchase authentication apply — you can require a password or approval for every purchase.
• There is no auto-renewing subscription; passes last one week or one month and then simply end.
• Coins can also be earned for free (new accounts get 100, and inviting friends earns more), so spending money is never required.
• Refunds are handled under Google Play’s rules and Loomii’s refund policy on its website.

If your teen seems upset after checking their phone, is checking compulsively, or mentions a message about self-harm or threats: help them report the message in the app, pause the link, and if anyone is in danger, call 112. You can also contact Loomii through the Report or Help pages on the website; child-safety reports are reviewed first.

For more detail, read are anonymous message apps safe? and can you find out who sent an anonymous message?, or see the complete guide to anonymous messages apps.