LINE

Parents need to know that Line is a multifaceted text, video, and voice-messaging app that also includes social media elements, such as games, group chats, and personal timelines. Privacy can be improved by using the privacy settings, which include the option to make your “Public User ID” not public, add a passcode, and filter messages from non-friends. The app is free, but in-app purchases are required for some features, such as calling contacts who aren’t Line users and using most stickers, themes, and games. Users can add other users to their contacts through invites, QR codes, or by shaking their smartphones. The line includes an option to choose “Hidden Chat,” which entirely deletes messages after a brief time, similar to Snapchat. Some Line accounts called “official” accounts (similar to verified accounts on other networks) are used to promote a brand, product, celebrity, or consumer media to other individual users.  line includes versions for many mobile-device platforms as well as desktop computers.