Our world is full of apps. And not all of them are useful or benign. There are many apps out there that can harm our children in various ways. The potential risks are more serious than ever since many parents are unaware about how some of these seemingly genuine apps may harm their child. We have curated this list of 22 apps that are popular yet harmful to your teenager.
1. TikTok
TikTok is an app for creating and sharing short videos. There is lot of inappropriate language in videos and some content borders on vulgarity.
2. Snapchat
It’s a very popular picture and video sharing app. While the app promises users can take a photo/video and it will disappear, new features including ‘stories’ allow users to view content for up to 24 hours. Snapchat also allows users to see your location. Such apps encourage children to send explicit photos and texts.
3. Tinder
Tinder is a dating app, which can put your child at risk of catfishing, sexual harassment, stalking, and worse. It is certainly not meant for children or teens.
4. Yubo
Yubo is tinder for Teens. Children can make new friends through this app. It does not have an age verification system and could bring your children in contact with predators.
5. Blendr
This is another online dating app that allows users to message, exchange photos and videos and rate the “hotness” of other users. This poses an issue for teens who are basing their identity and self-esteem on the feedback they receive from their peers.
6. Kik
Kik allows anyone to contact and directly message your child. Kids can bypass traditional text messaging features. It is one of the unlimited access chat app which is open to everyone and can bring your child in contact with unwanted strangers.
7. Skout
Skout is a location-based dating app and website. While users under 17-years-old are unable to share private photos, kids can easily create an account using different age and bypass this.
8. Whisper
Whisper is an anonymous social network that promotes sharing secrets with strangers. It also reveals a user’s location so that people can meet up. Such anonymous apps are surely inappropriate and dangerous for young children.
9. YouNow
You Now allows users to create and watch live broadcasts. It shares personal information with anonymous viewers and put your child at risk.
10. House Party
This group video chat app could let kids get into conversations with strangers through their mutual connections. Users can also save screenshots without the participant’s consent.
11. Monkey
This is a quick-video social networking app. It allows teens to connect with other teens. It is risky as it does not verify age and could share your child’s personal information with third parties.
Coming Up Next – Part 2
In part 2 of this blog post, we will be bringing you the remaining harmful apps for kids. Meantime, if you find this post useful, leave us a comment. Thank you for reading.
PS: Qubit phones help parents block these harmful apps easily. Click here to learn more.
