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Keeping a check on your child’s mobile at all times is not possible. Even if you are very careful, there are new apps that appear daily and are very sneaky. Also, the majority of kids spend most of their time online, so it is difficult to monitor which apps are safe and could be allowed.
This situation becomes quite alarming when your kids have the notion that they can talk to strangers because they are sitting safely inside the comfort of their homes. But once an online predator or bully decides upon a target, making them leave their comfort zones doesn’t remain to be such a huge task. I’m an adult, but while surfing through my Cox internet, sometimes even I’m lured into believing in the authenticity of flashy ads and fake counselors advertising to fix everything for free.
Here is a list of 10 dangerous apps to look out for!
Tinder
As the logo advertises, it is the “fun way to connect to people around you”, but is it safe? Not for children. This app uses geolocation to connect you to persons with similar interests, who also live nearby. It has become the world’s most widely-used dating app for adults because here they can find one-night-stands and hook up options. Imagine a child using it! Yes, a complete disaster because it can host stalkers, predators, and even rapists too! This should be immediately uninstalled if you ever find it on your child’s device or mobile.
Kik Messenger
What makes this texting app so dangerous is the fact that there is no age verification and anyone with a phone can sign up. Although the app says it allows users who are 17+, there is no way of confirmation. Users can text people outside of their contact lists, and the display picture is visible to whoever they send a text to. Adults have reportedly used it as a hookup app too! It is very unsafe for children.
AskFM
Children are curious, and apparently, this too is unsafe now. On this app, you can ask any question from the community and get answers from other people using the app. It is a 13+ app, but most of the users are underaged. It is causing quite a stir because of reported cyber-bullying crimes leading to suicides. Because it offers anonymity to hide behind, bullies can easily take refuge here.
Voxer
This walkie-talkie app lets the users send fast messages to other users and get replies. This app is mostly used for work purposes, but it is gaining popularity among youngsters too as it offers the voice-text combination. Rated as 4+, this can be a hub for cyberbullying.
Snapchat
Snapchat allows users to send texts, videos, and pictures that get deleted after the time set by the sender. The longest a posted picture or video story can last on the app is 24 hours. But do they disappear from the internet? No, they don’t. This app is becoming the new favorite for sexting purposes, giving the idea of safety to its users. But it is very easy to take screenshots. If you google the word ‘snap porn’, you’ll be amazed by the number of linked porn websites filled with obscene content.
Whisper
This app allows its users to post images, linked text, and get comments and likes from other users. Although you can post anonymously, what makes it unsafe is the fact that it shows your location with the posted content (that isn’t very anonymous, is it?). It has reportedly been the reason behind several catfishing and rape cases.
Recently got owned by Facebook, this is one of the most popular photo and video sharing websites. You can edit your pictures, make collages, and it lets you send a private inbox message request to any user. Although not really dangerous, it can expose your child to so much of explicit pictures and videos. There is no way to filter that.
Vine
This app combines all the basics of Snapchat, YouTube, and texting. It is originated by Twitter. It is a video-sharing app that allows users to share 6 seconds-long videos with other users. The content shared contains all, from educational stuff to pornographic flicks. Not safe for children.
Poof
This app itself is not trouble, but it can sure hide trouble before it gets too big for you to handle. This app allows you to hide other apps on your phone. The icons disappear from the home screen. Your kids can use this app to hide any suspicious apps if they think it is going to make the parents react. Seeing this app downloaded on your kids’ mobile should alarm you.
Omegle
When it comes to letting you talk to total strangers, this app is not even discrete. In an anonymous video chatting feature, the app lets you meet others who share your interests. It is not as anonymous as it sounds though, as it still accesses your Facebook information.
Was this helpful? All this content about unsafe internet environment for children has made me a little prickly. Having a subscription to cox bundles at home, I keep a close eye on my 12 year old’s device. One can’t be too careful! Hope to see a child-friendly and safe internet environment one day!
