Is Substack Safe for Kids?
Age rating is set by App Store, not by Unstar. This page explains it and adds what parents report in reviews. Not affiliated with Substack, Inc..
What Substack's age rating means
The App Store gives Substack an official 17+ rating, so the store considers it unsuitable for children. That usually reflects mature themes, chat with strangers, suggestive content, or gambling-style mechanics. For a child or younger teen, treat this as a clear caution.
What parents and users report about Substack
Users frequently complain about poor app navigation and clunky interface, making it difficult to find and manage content. Many report bugs like freezing, lagging, and video playback issues, along with frustration over excessive notifications and spam. There are also concerns about the platform promoting hate speech and controversial figures, as well as dissatisfaction with subscription and payment handling.
Summarized from 49 recent 1-3 star reviews. These are user reports, not verified claims.
How to keep your child safe with Substack
Settings, Screen Time, Content & Privacy Restrictions. Set an age limit for apps, require Ask to Buy for purchases, and restrict or remove Substack if it is above your child's age.
Use Google Family Link to approve installs, set a Play Store content rating limit, require purchase approval, and block or uninstall Substack on your child's device.
Substack for kids: frequently asked questions
Is Substack safe for kids?
Substack carries an official age rating of 17+ on the App Store, which means it is not designed for children. It is a real, listed app, but the store itself flags it for a mature audience. If a younger child wants it, the rating alone is a strong reason to say no or to supervise closely.
What age rating does Substack have?
The App Store rates Substack as 17+. This is the store's own content rating, set from the app's features and content, not our opinion. Use it as the starting point for whether it fits your child's age.
Can my child use Substack safely?
If you decide to allow it, use device parental controls: Screen Time and Content & Privacy Restrictions on iPhone, or Family Link and Play Store parental controls on Android. Turn on purchase approval, set age-appropriate content limits, and keep the account under your family group so you can see activity.
How do I block or remove Substack from my child's phone?
On iPhone, open Settings, Screen Time, Content & Privacy Restrictions, then restrict or delete the app and block reinstalling it. On Android, open Family Link, select your child, find Substack and block or uninstall it. You can also set a store age limit so apps above your child's age cannot be installed.