Phraseboard Keyboard
Add phrases to message and text with less typing.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Phraseboard Keyboard
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Phraseboard Keyboard is a free utilities app that lets users add short, frequently used phrases into their keyboard for use in texting and messaging. Though it's easy enough for younger kids to use, the focus on messaging and texting makes it more appropriate for teens. Adding these comments can make messaging faster and easier than typing each word, one letter at a time, especially if you use the same phrases often. Note that there's no language filter, so teens can create any phrases they wish. Users should be familiar with the settings within the app and be aware that enabling full access for this third-party keyboard may allow personal information typed using the keyboard to be shared with developers, which might include a specific geographic location, credit card number, address, and bank account information. Read the app's privacy policy to find out more about the information collected and shared.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What’s It About?
PHRASEBOARD KEYBOARD is an app that offers teens a fast and efficient way to text frequent phrases and information using messaging apps. For those who have challenges with spelling and organizing their thoughts, this app is a way to communicate more effectively. Phrases can be added and sorted into specific categories, such as Personal, Friends, Family, Work, Numbers/Decimals, and Letters. Each specific category includes some phrases like "I'm hungry," What's up?" and "Can I borrow some money?" However, these can be deleted and replaced with others. Users can create additional categories, including a secure category with personalized phrases that must be unlocked with a PIN.
Once content is included in the app, teens can launch a messaging app, look for the symbol of the world in the bottom row on the keyboard, and click on it to show the preloaded phrases. Additional features allow the user to leave a space after a phrase as well as return to the next line to further customize messages. Only one additional purchase is included within the app, where a dark theme is placed on the keyboard for $.99. Other languages, such as French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, simplified Chinese, and Spanish are also available. While the app states that users can send GIFs from any keyboard, this feature didn't function properly during review.
Is It Any Good?
This utility offers a solution for kids and adults to include commonly used phrases in texting, making it easier for kids to communicate. Adding the phrases to the app is fairly easy, but it can be difficult at first to locate them within the keyboard for use. In the beginning, it takes some trial and error to figure out how to launch the customized phrases within the keyboard. Parents may want to monitor the kinds of information teens upload into the app and note that, even though Phraseboard Keyboard is a nifty shortcut, people still shouldn't text and drive. Users should be aware that while there are some great benefits to this app, developers can have access to personal information when full access to the keyboard is allowed in settings.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how assistive apps like Phraseboard Keyboard can take some frustration out of writing. Are there other apps that might be helpful?
Talk about your family rules regarding texting and messaging others. Who are kids permitted to text and message with?
Discuss online safety and communication with teens. What information is OK to share online? What's best to keep private or share only with friends and family?
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Subjects: Language & Reading: writing clearly
- Skills: Communication: conveying messages effectively, multiple forms of expression, Tech Skills: using and applying technology
- Pricing structure: Free
- Release date: September 23, 2014
- Category: Utilities
- Publisher: Daniel Softer
- Version: 2.7
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 8.0 or later
- Last updated: February 12, 2019
Our Editors Recommend
-
SuperKeys Assistive Keyboard
Assistive keyboard uses only seven keys to type.
-
Dyslexia Keyboard
Assistive features make this writing tool worth every penny.
-
Tango Text, Voice & Video
Social networking and lots more; privacy settings important.
For kids who love writing and social networking
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate