In today’s digital age, teenagers are increasingly connected through smartphone and tablet apps.
While technology offers numerous benefits, it also presents new challenges for parents trying to keep their children safe online. This article aims to inform parents about ten popular apps that teens are using, some of which may pose potential risks.
1. Calculator% (Calculator Plus)
At first glance, Calculator% appears to be a harmless calculator app. However, it’s actually a secret vault app designed to hide photos, videos, and other files behind a fully functional calculator interface.
What parents need to know:
- The app allows teens to hide content from prying eyes
- It can be easily disguised as a regular calculator app
- Teens might use it to store inappropriate or sensitive content
Safety tip: Be aware of duplicate apps on your teen’s device, especially if they seem unnecessary (like multiple calculator apps).
2. Omegle
Omegle is a free online chat website that allows users to socialize with strangers without registering. Besides, the platform also randomly pairs users in one-on-one chat sessions.
What parents need to know:
- Users can chat via text, video, or audio
- There’s no age verification, making it easy for adults to connect with minors
- The platform is known for explicit content and predatory behavior
Safety tip: Discuss the dangers of talking to strangers online and encourage open communication about online interactions.
3. Yellow (now known as Yubo)
Yellow, rebranded as Yubo, is often described as “Tinder for teens.” It’s also a social networking app that allows users to swipe right or left to make new friends.
What parents need to know:
- The app is popular among teens for making new friends and potential romantic connections
- Users can live stream, chat, and share photos
- There have been concerns about the app being used for sexting and potentially meeting strangers
Safety tip: Ensure your teen understands the importance of privacy settings and the risks of sharing personal information online.
4. Whisper
Whisper is an anonymous social networking app where users post and share photos and video messages anonymously.
What parents need to know:
- The app’s anonymity can encourage oversharing of personal information
- It allows cyberbullying and sexual content
- The app uses geolocation, which could potentially reveal a user’s location
Safety tip: Discuss the permanence of online posts and the potential consequences of sharing sensitive information, even anonymously.
5. Ask.fm
Ask.fm is a social networking site where users can ask and answer questions, with the option to do so anonymously.
What parents need to know:
- The platform has severe cyberbullying cases
- Anonymous questions can lead to harsh or inappropriate comments
- There’s less content moderation
Safety tip: Encourage your teen to think critically about the questions they ask and answer, and to report any abusive behavior.
6. Hot or Not
Hot or Not is a rating app where users upload selfies that other users rate on a scale of 1 to 10.
What parents need to know:
- The app can negatively impact self-esteem and body image
- It may encourage objectification and superficial judgments
- There’s potential for inappropriate comments and interactions
Safety tip: Discuss healthy self-image and the importance of not basing self-worth on others’ opinions, especially strangers online.
7. Burn Book
Inspired by the movie “Mean Girls,” Burn Book is an app that allows users to post anonymous comments about people at their school or in their area.
What parents need to know:
- The app’s purpose is essentially gossip and potentially hurtful comments
- It can facilitate cyberbullying and spread rumors
- Anonymous posting can bring out the worst in some users
Safety tip: Talk to your teen about empathy, kindness, and the real-world consequences of online actions.
8. Wishbone
Wishbone is a comparison app that allows users to vote on or create polls, often comparing two people or things.
What parents need to know:
- While seemingly harmless, the app can be used for negative comparisons
- It may reinforce stereotypes or judgmental behavior
- There have been concerns about inappropriate content and data privacy
Safety tip: Discuss responsible use of social media and the importance of not participating in or encouraging negative comparisons.
9. Kik
Kik is a messaging app that allows users to send texts, pictures, videos, and more to friends or strangers.
What parents need to know:
- The app has been criticized for its weak parental controls
- It’s possible for strangers to contact your teen
- There have been cases of predators using the app to target minors
Safety tip: If your teen uses Kik, ensure they only communicate with people they know in real life and understand how to block and report users.
10. Instagram
While Instagram is a popular social media platform, it’s worth mentioning due to its popularity among teens and some of its hidden features.
What parents need to know:
- Instagram has a disappearing message feature in direct messages
- The Explore page can sometimes surface inappropriate content
- There’s potential for cyberbullying, body image issues, and exposure to inappropriate content
Safety tip: Familiarize yourself with Instagram’s privacy settings and features. Encourage your teen to have a private account and to be mindful of what they post and consume.
Conclusion
As technology evolves, so do the apps and platforms that attract teenagers. While many of these apps can be used safely and responsibly, it’s also crucial for parents to stay aware of the potential risks.
Open communication, education about online safety, and active involvement in your teen’s digital life are key to helping them navigate the online world safely.
Remember, banning apps outright may not be the most effective approach, as teens might find ways around restrictions or simply move to different platforms. Instead, focus on building trust, fostering open dialogue, and teaching critical thinking skills to help your teen make wise choices online.
Equally important, you can help your teen enjoy the benefits of technology while minimizing potential risks if you keep learning and engaging with them.
Regular conversations about online experiences, setting clear guidelines, and leading by example in your own digital habits can go a long way in keeping your teen safe in the digital age.