In the past, Instagram and Twitter were the primary social media platforms. Today, however, countless social media apps are available for download, many inappropriate for young children and teenagers. With the rising rates of digital crimes, it’s more important than ever for parents to stay vigilant and regularly monitor their children’s social media activity and app usage to ensure their safety.
To assist you, we’ve compiled a list of popular apps that kids and teens use today and the associated risks. Always remind your children not to share personal information online, even if they think they know the person on the other side.
If you have any questions about how to keep your child safe online, please get in touch with our office at 407-348-2222.
TikTok
TikTok is incredibly popular among younger generations, allowing users to create and share short videos. Despite recent updates to enhance safety—such as restricting users under 16 from sending or receiving private messages—the app still has minimal privacy controls. This can expose children to cyberbullying and explicit content, especially if they falsify their age to bypass restrictions.
Snapchat
Snapchat is one of the most widely used social media apps, where users can send photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. However, it’s a misconception that these images genuinely vanish. Data is data, and once an image is sent, it can be saved or recovered, even if it’s supposed to disappear. Additionally, Snapchat’s Discover feature provides access to a variety of content that might not be appropriate for young users, including material related to sex and violence. The temporary nature of messages also encourages risky behavior, such as sharing inappropriate images.
Secret Photo Albums
Certain apps, like Privault, appear to be innocent tools (such as calculators) but function as secret storage for photos and videos. Other apps, like Best Secret Folder, are specifically designed to hide media, with features like password protection and alarm settings that can make it difficult for parents to monitor what their children are storing on their devices.
Yubo
Yubo is similar to apps like Chatroulette, Meet Me, and Monkey, allowing users to connect via video with people worldwide. Despite safety features that segregate users aged 13-17 from adults, the app still poses significant risks. Children can easily falsify their age to bypass these protections, exposing them to inappropriate content and potential predators. Additionally, Yubo’s location-sharing feature can put children at risk by revealing their location to strangers.
WhatsApp is a widely used messaging app that allows users to send texts, photos, videos, and voice messages to anyone, anywhere in the world. While creating an account requires a phone number, some users may use “fake” phone numbers. Parents should monitor their children’s use of WhatsApp.
Kik
Kik is an app that allows users to bypass traditional texting and communicate with anyone anytime. Despite previous statements from Kik’s CEO that the app would be removed from app stores, it remains available for download. The app’s anonymity and lack of parental controls make it a popular choice for children and teens. Still, it is also dangerous, as it opens the door to communication with strangers.
Tinder & Bumble
Tinder and Bumble are dating apps that allow users to swipe right or left on profiles, leading to potential matches and communication. While both apps have age restrictions, children can easily falsify their age to gain access. The location-based nature of these apps can also create dangerous situations by matching minors with nearby adults.
Plenty of Fish (POF)
POF is a free dating app that encourages users to chat with strangers. Although it has a minimum age requirement of 18, it’s easy for kids to falsify their age. The app allows users to browse profiles and exchange messages with anyone, regardless of age, which can expose minors to inappropriate content and potentially dangerous interactions.
Ask.fm & Similar Apps
Ask.FM allows users to ask and answer questions anonymously, a feature that has been linked to cyberbullying and the spread of sexual content. Other apps with similar features include YOLO, Tellonym, and LMK: Anonymous Polls. These platforms encourage anonymity, which can lead to harmful behaviors among users.
Roblox
Roblox is a popular online gaming platform that allows users to create and play games made by other users. While Roblox is designed for children, it poses several risks, including exposure to inappropriate content and the potential for online predators. The chat feature, which is integral to the platform, can also expose children to cyberbullying and unsolicited messages from strangers. Additionally, in-game purchases and virtual currency can lead to unexpected charges on parents’ credit cards.
Badoo
Badoo is a dating-focused social networking app that encourages users to meet new people. Its minimum age requirement is 18, but age verification needs to improve. Children can easily create fake profiles, exposing them to inappropriate content and potential dangers from adult users looking to connect with minors. The app’s location-based matching system also raises concerns about privacy and safety.
Holla
Holla is a video chat app that randomly connects users with strangers worldwide. While it may seem like harmless fun, the app has been criticized for exposing users, including children, to explicit content and inappropriate behavior. Few safeguards are in place to prevent minors from encountering adult content or predators on the platform.
Whisper
Whisper is an anonymous social media app where users can post confessions and secrets. While it might appear to be a place for harmless venting, the app’s anonymity can lead to cyberbullying, the sharing of explicit content, and the possibility of dangerous real-world encounters. The app also allows users to communicate with others nearby, raising concerns about privacy and safety.
Hot or Not
Hot or Not is a rating app where users can judge others’ attractiveness based on their profile pictures. While the app claims to be for users aged 18 and over, it’s easy for minors to create accounts and participate. This can lead to exposure to inappropriate content, body image issues, and communication with strangers who may have bad intentions.
Omegle
Omegle is a platform that allows users to chat with strangers via text or video. The app has been widely criticized for exposing users, including minors, to explicit content and potential predators. While Omegle claims to be moderated, many users report encountering inappropriate material and behaviors. The platform’s anonymity also makes tracking and reporting harmful interactions difficult.
Skout
Skout is a social networking app that allows users to chat and meet new people based on location. Although it has separate communities for teens and adults, the potential for age misrepresentation is a significant risk. The app’s focus on meeting strangers raises concerns about privacy, safety, and exposure to inappropriate content.
Facebook remains one of the most widely used social media platforms globally. While it offers numerous privacy settings, the platform’s vast user base and features like public posts and groups can expose children to inappropriate content and potential predators. Additionally, Facebook’s Messenger app allows users to communicate privately, which can pose risks if children connect with strangers. Parents should ensure their child’s privacy settings are secure and monitor their interactions closely.
YouTube
YouTube is one of the most popular platforms for sharing and viewing videos. While there is a vast amount of child-friendly content available, the platform also hosts videos that may not be suitable for younger audiences, including those containing violence, explicit language, and other inappropriate material. Additionally, the comment sections can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying and exposure to harmful interactions.
Instagram is a widely used social media platform that allows users to share photos, videos, and stories. While it offers privacy controls, many young users may not fully understand how to use them, potentially exposing them to unwanted attention, cyberbullying, and inappropriate content. The platform’s emphasis on appearance and popularity can also contribute to body image issues and mental health concerns among teens.
Bigo Live
Bigo Live is a live-streaming app that allows users to broadcast and watch live videos. While the app is famous for its interactive features, it poses significant risks, especially for minors. Live streaming can expose children to inappropriate content and online predators. The app’s virtual gifting system can also encourage risky behavior in exchange for rewards, making it a potential hotbed for exploitation.
Telegram
Telegram is a messaging app known for its encrypted chats and large group capabilities. While these features appeal to privacy-conscious users, they also make the app attractive to those who wish to engage in illegal or harmful activities. The app’s anonymity and lack of moderation can expose children to explicit content, cyberbullying, and interaction with potentially dangerous individuals.
Additional Apps of Concern
In addition to the well-known platforms, there are several other apps that parents should monitor closely due to their potential risks. Discord, originally a gaming chat platform, has expanded its reach, but its private servers can expose children to inappropriate content. OnlyFans, while not designed for minors, can be accessed by those who falsify their age, potentially exposing them to explicit material. Houseparty allows group video chats, but strangers can join the conversation if privacy settings aren’t managed. Voxer combines voice messaging with text and photos, which can lead to unmonitored exchanges with strangers. Twitch, primarily a gaming live-streaming platform, has live chat features that may expose children to unmoderated and inappropriate content.
Other apps like MeetMe and Wink facilitate meeting new people based on location, which could connect children with strangers. WeChat and Viber are messaging apps with robust features, but they allow contact with unknown individuals, posing risks similar to WhatsApp. Tumblr and Reddit are platforms where users post content that might not suit minors despite moderation efforts. Hoop and Likee are apps that encourage interaction with strangers, similar to Kik and TikTok, which could expose children to risks. Kwai and Wattpad are other platforms where content might only sometimes be appropriate for younger audiences. Signal and Telegram X are messaging apps known for strong encryption, which can be misused for illicit communications.
As these platforms evolve, it’s crucial to stay informed about their potential dangers and proactively guide your children in safe online practices.
Conclusion: Proactive Measures to Protect Your Children Online
In today’s digital age, the online world can be just as dangerous as the real world, and parents must take proactive steps to safeguard their children. Start by having open and honest conversations with your kids about the potential dangers of social media and online interactions. Establish clear rules regarding app usage and screen time, and regularly review the apps your children are downloading and using. Utilize parental controls and privacy settings on devices and apps to limit exposure to inappropriate content and prevent interactions with strangers. Encourage your children to come to you if they ever feel uncomfortable or threatened online, and remind them never to share personal information with anyone, no matter how familiar they seem.
To further enhance your child’s safety, consider exploring resources provided by governmental agencies dedicated to online safety. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers guidance on protecting children’s privacy and managing their online activity. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) provides resources on safeguarding children from online predators.