If your child has a cellphone, you should be aware of these apps which are not suitable for kids.
It’s a world filled with technology and lets face it, most of it is wonderful. Children are getting cellphones at a much younger age. (I remember buying my own first phone at 18. You could play an intense game of Snake!)
Nowadays, there are MANY different applications that can be downloaded on your phone. K5News released an article stating which apps parents should look out for on their kids’ cellphones. The following apps could be potentially dangerous in the hand of a child.
Many do not have age restrictions, allow your child’s live location to be shared and are a host to adult content.
WhatsApp: An app primarily used for messaging. Teens can send unlimited messages, have video chats and even share their live location with other users, and possibly people they do not know.
Skout: This app allows you to meet and chat with new people. The app does put teens and adults in separate groups, but ages are not verified.
TikTok: Videos are created and submitted by users. Many videos contain inappropriate language, music and adult content.
Badoo: A dating app that is for adults, yet teens still find a way to join.
Bumble: Much like Badoo, this is a dating app for adults, but teens can still find a way to join.
Grindr: A dating app geared towards the LGBTQ community. Photos and GPS location are used to meet up with others on the app.
MeetMe: This is an app where teens can be in contact with users much older than them. It has an emphasis on dating.
Kik: This is an app specifically for kids, but anyone can join and anyone can direct message another user.
LiveMe: Streaming content is all the rage. The problem with this streaming app is you don’t know who is watching and your child’s location is revealed.
Holla: The app lets strangers around the world connect through video messages.
Whisper: Kids can remain anonymous, but share their feelings. It is a social confessional. The app also shares locations for meet ups.
ASKfm: Other users can ask anonymous questions, which in turn can open the door for online bullying.
Hot or Not: Users determine other users attractiveness. There is no age verification and messages can be sent.
Calculator%: This is an app that looks like a calculator, but it allows kids to hide their photos, videos and their browser history. While this specific app was removed by Apple in 2018 due to a police investigation, many other apps have taken it’s place.
