06/21/2023
Many of these apps put kids at risk of being targeted and groomed by predators through chat and messaging features, whether video, audio or text. Although most apps require users to be at least 13 years of age, children can easily lie about their age in order to join these sites, risking exposure to content and activities suitable only for more a more mature audience.
Parents must be vigilant about what kids do on all their Internet-enabled devices. Don’t take their word for it when they insist they’ll “be okay” and that know what dangers and red flags to look for. Kids and youth are not able to deal with a manipulative predator’s grooming techniques.
As the parent, you set the rules. Furthermore, don’t fall for the trap of your child insisting “every kid in my school is on this app” and assume all will be well. Instead, follow these initial steps before allowing your child access to a device that can put him or her in contact with a predator.
Hot or Not: This app encourages users to rate your profile, check out people in the area and chat with strangers. The goal of this app is to hook up.
– Whisper: This is an anonymous social network that promotes sharing secrets with strangers. It also reveals a user’s location so people can meet up.
– Meetme: It’s a dating social media app that allows users to connect with people based on geographic proximity. As the app’s name suggests, users are encouraged to meet each other in person.
Other more well-known apps used during their operation include:
– Snapchat: It’s one of the most popular apps of recent years. While the app promises users can send a photo or video and it will disappear, recent features including “stories” allow users to view content for up to 24 hours. Snapchat also allows users to see your location
-Tiktok: A new mobile device app popular with kids that’s used for creating and sharing short videos. With very limited privacy controls, users are vulnerable to cyber bullying and explicit content.
