Apps Parents Should Know

Do you know what your children are doing on their phones? Do you know what apps they have downloaded? Here are some common apps that parents should be aware of.

KIK
 
KIK allows anyone to contact and direct message your child. Kids can bypass traditional text messaging features. KIK gives users unlimited access to anyone, anywhere, anytime.
SKOUT
 
SKOUT is a location-based dating app and website. Users under 17 are unable to share private photos, but kids can easily create an account using a different age.
ASK.FM
 
ASK.FM is known for cyberbullying. The app encourages users to allow anonymous people to ask them questions.
DISCORD
 
DISCORD is an app that allows users to talk to friends or strangers in real time via voice, text, or video chat while playing video games. Reviewers say they have been confronted with racial slurs, explicit content, cyberbullying, and more.
LIVE.ME
 
LIVE.ME is a live-streaming video app that uses geolocation to share videos so users can find a broadcaster’s exact location. Users can earn “coins” as a way to “pay” minors for photos.
SNAPCHAT
 
SNAPCHAT is one of the most popular apps. The app promises users can take a photo or video and have it disappear. New features allow users to view content for up to 24 hours. Snapchat also allows users to see your location.
TELEGRAM
 
TELEGRAM is an app known for secret chats, self-destructive messages, searchable usernames, and unmoderated private groups. Users aren’t asked to verify their age. Users can be found by their location.
REDDIT
 
REDDIT is a chat/discussion board app. Users can post whatever they want, and there is no identity verification. Reviewers say they have been confronted with racial slurs, explicit content, cyberbullying, and more.
MEETME
 
MEETME is 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.
TIKTOK
 
TIKTOK is a popular app with kids used for creating & sharing short videos. With very limited privacy controls, users are very vulnerable to cyberbullying and explicit content.
BUMBLE
 
BUMBLE is similar to “Tinder”; however, it requires women to make the first contact. Kids have been known to use the app to create fake accounts and falsify their age.
HOLLA
 
HOLLA is a self-proclaimed “addicting” video chat app that allows users to meet people all over the world in just seconds. Reviewers say they have been confronted with racial slurs, explicit content, and more.
WHATSAPP
 
WHATSAPP is a popular messaging app that allows users to send texts, photos, and video chats worldwide. It uses an internet connection on smartphones & computers.
CALCULATOR%
 
CALCULATOR% is only one of several secret apps used to hide photos, videos, files, and browser history.
HOT OR NOT
 
HOT OR NOT encourages users to rate your profile, check out people in their area, and chat with strangers. The goal of this app is to hook up.
GRINDR
 
GRINDR is a dating app geared toward LGBTQ+ people. The app allows users to chat, share photos, and meet up based on their smartphone's GPS location.
WHISPER
 
WHISPER is an anonymous social network that promotes sharing secrets with strangers. It also reveals a user’s location so people can meet up.