9 Dangerous Apps Every Parent Should Know About To Keep Kids Safe Online

These 9 apps could put your kids at risk—here's what every parent needs to know.

Sophia

• Published in Technology
• September 2, 2024

In today’s digital world, keeping kids safe goes beyond teaching them to look both ways before crossing the street. The dangers now lurk in the palm of their hands—on their smartphones and tablets.

With apps designed to connect people in ways that were unimaginable just a decade ago, children are increasingly exposed to risks that range from cyberbullying to predatory behavior. As parents, it’s essential to stay informed about the apps that your children may be using and understand the potential dangers they pose.

The story of a 12-year-old girl who was lured away from her home by a 21-year-old man she met through the app Whisper is a chilling reminder of just how dangerous these platforms can be. This incident, unfortunately, is not an isolated one.

Many apps that seem harmless or fun can actually expose children to a world of harm. Predators, cyberbullies, and inappropriate content are just a few of the threats that children face when using these apps.

Parents must remain vigilant, monitoring what their kids download and use. The problem is not just about being nosy; it’s about being responsible. Today’s predators no longer need to stalk playgrounds—they can gain access to your child’s life through the apps on their phone.

Here are nine apps that every parent should be aware of, apps that pose significant risks to children and can lead to serious consequences if left unchecked:

1. Whisper

Whisper allows users to post secrets anonymously and chat with others nearby. Children may feel a false sense of security sharing their secrets with strangers, but the app’s geolocation feature can expose their identity. This creates a perfect opportunity for ill-intentioned strangers to connect with young users, making it easy for predators to track and communicate with them.

2. YikYak

YikYak allows users to post anonymous comments that are visible to others within a five-mile radius. This anonymity often leads to cyberbullying, with users posting hurtful or slanderous comments about others in their community. The app has caused so much trouble in schools that some have banned smartphones entirely to curb its misuse.

3. Kik

Kik is a messaging app that doesn’t log messages in a phone’s history, making it a favorite for secretive conversations. The app bypasses traditional SMS services, making it easier for kids to chat with strangers without their parents’ knowledge. Kik has been linked to numerous cases of child exploitation, as predators can easily contact children through the platform.

4. Snapchat

Snapchat’s appeal lies in its promise that photos and videos will disappear after a set time. However, this feature can encourage risky behavior, such as “se*ting,” under the mistaken belief that the content will be permanently deleted. In reality, there are ways to save and share these images, leading to potential long-term consequences for the sender.

5. Vine

Vine allows users to post six-second videos, but not all of them are harmless. The app has been known to feature explicit content, and predators can use it to find and target young users. While Vine itself is now defunct, its legacy lives on in similar platforms that pose the same risks.

6. ChatRoulette and Omegle

These video chat apps connect users with strangers around the world. The anonymity of these platforms means children could be chatting with anyone, including predators who use fake identities. The lack of supervision makes these apps particularly dangerous for young users.

7. Tinder

Tinder is known as a dating app, but it’s also used for casual hookups. While it’s intended for adults, younger users can easily access it by faking their age. The app’s location-based matching system makes it easy for predators to find and contact minors.

8. Poof

Poof allows users to hide other apps on their phones, making it difficult for parents to monitor their child’s online activity. If you notice this app on your child’s phone, it could be a sign they’re trying to conceal something from you.

9. TikTok

TikTok is another popular app that can be risky. It allows users to share short videos, but it’s also a platform where cyberbullying and inappropriate content are common. Predators have been known to use TikTok to contact young users and exploit them.

What Can Parents Do?

Parents must remember that a child’s safety is more important than their privacy. Establishing family media rules, regularly checking phones, and having open conversations about online safety are crucial steps in protecting children from these dangers.

Teaching kids to be cautious about what they share online and with whom they communicate can make a significant difference in their safety.

Staying informed and proactive is the best defense against the ever-present dangers of the digital age. By understanding the risks associated with these apps, parents can better protect their children and guide them toward safer online habits.

Sophia