AOL Kids instant messaging

You spoke – and we heard you loud and clear! The number one thing users asked for on the new AOL Kids website was instant messaging. We’re working hard to create a service that is safe for kids, but it’s going to take some time. We want to make sure the new product let’s kids chat with their friends happily and securely. We’ll keep you updated as we make progress.

In the meantime, you can sign up for a parentally controlled Username for AIM:

1. Set up an AOL Kids account by clicking Sign In/Register in the top-right corner of aolkids.com and then click Create a Username.
2. Once your child has his or her own Username, go to Parental Controls. From there, you can download the AIM software and set up your account. After you create your account, you can choose to oversee your child’s AOL Kids Username.
3. Once you have linked your Username with your child’s, set up your AIM Allow List. This is a list of friends and family with whom you allow your child to message.
4. Next, go to Discover AOL to download the All-in-One AOL software.
5. Finally, have your child sign on with his or her AOL Kids account. He or she can now use the AIM tool with the preset Allow List.

Whew! We know that was a lot of work, but we hope it will hold you over until our new product is ready. So hang in there! We’ll have it up and running as soon as we can!