Busuu

Busuu

app

Everyone, 2011, Education

WISE
52%

WISE Score

4.7

App Store

Serious language learning app with 14 languages—but the social network aspect makes it adults-only territory.

Where to Find

App Store
App Store
Google Play
Google Play
Screenwise Verdict

Here's the deal: Busuu is actually a solid language learning platform. It's better than Duolingo for serious learners who want real conversation skills, not just streaks and cartoon owls. The problem? It's a social network.

You're connecting with strangers around the world to get feedback on your pronunciation and grammar. That's amazing for a 22-year-old studying abroad or a 40-year-old learning Italian for a trip to Rome. It's absolutely not okay for a 13-year-old, no matter how mature they seem.

Common Sense Media is crystal clear on this: not appropriate for kids or teens. The 'kids mode' doesn't change the fundamental issue that this is a global social platform with minimal moderation.

If your high schooler (16+) is serious about language learning and you're comfortable monitoring their use of the social features, this could work. Otherwise, stick with more controlled environments like classroom apps or Duolingo for younger learners.

Age Fit

This is really for adults and college students, or mature high schoolers (16+) with parental awareness of the social features. The unmoderated global community makes it inappropriate for younger teens and kids, despite the educational value. If you want language learning for elementary or middle schoolers, look at Duolingo (safer, more gamified) or in-person classes.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
82

Language learning is inherently constructive and confidence-building. The community feedback model encourages positive interaction across cultures. However, Common Sense Media flags that the social network aspect (user-to-user communication) isn't appropriate for kids/teens due to unmoderated interactions with strangers globally.

Imaginative
68

Offers 14 languages with real-world conversation practice and cultural exposure through native speakers. The manga course for Japanese and specialty content show some creativity. But fundamentally it's a structured drill-and-practice app—not particularly inventive in its pedagogy. It's functional, not magical.

Safe
45

Major red flag: Common Sense Media explicitly states this app is 'not appropriate for kids or teens' due to the social network component with unmoderated global user interactions. While there's a kids mode available, the core product connects learners with strangers worldwide for feedback. Subscription model is standard but not predatory. The safety concern centers entirely on the social features.

Enriching
88

This is legitimately valuable skill-building. Learning a new language develops cognitive flexibility, cultural empathy, and real-world communication skills. The focus on practical conversation over gamified streaks is refreshing. Courses designed by experts, regularly updated content, and preparation for actual human interaction make this genuinely enriching for the right age group (adults, college students, high schoolers with supervision).

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Actually teaches practical conversation skills, not just gamified vocabulary drills—you're learning to speak with real humans
  • 14 languages with courses designed by experts, regularly updated with video content featuring native speakers
  • Global community of 120M+ users provides authentic feedback and cultural exchange (though this is also the safety concern)
  • Specialty courses like Business English, Manga Japanese, and exam prep go beyond basic tourist phrases
  • Better pedagogical approach than Duolingo according to language learning communities—focuses on real-world application
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What to Watch For

  • Common Sense Media explicitly says NOT appropriate for kids or teens due to unmoderated social interactions with strangers worldwide
  • The community feedback feature means your learner is messaging with random adults globally—fine for college students, not for 12-year-olds
  • Requires subscription for full access; free version is quite limited
  • Despite having a 'kids mode,' the core product is designed for adult learners and the social features can't be fully controlled

Conversation Starters

  • "What language are you most interested in learning, and why? What would you want to be able to say?"
  • "Have you gotten feedback from native speakers yet? What surprised you about how they use the language?"
  • "What's the hardest part of learning a new language for you—grammar, pronunciation, or just remembering vocabulary?"

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