Christian Peterson
news@greenepublishing.com
Cell phones are both an incredible asset and an incredible danger, especially when it comes to children with little impulse control. Although helpful for keeping in-touch with family and friends, phones can also allow children to hide things from their parents, especially apps that can pose a threat to their safety. Thanks to local law enforcement agencies, Greene Publishing, Inc. has a list of apps that parents should be aware of if they spot the logo on their child's home screen.
Snapchat is a multimedia messaging app, that allows users to send disappearing photos, videos and messages. It also features Snap Maps, which shares the user's location; Stories, which allows users to post photos and locations for anyone to see; and My Eyes Only, which is a private folder hidden behind a passcode.
Instagram is a photo and video-sharing platform. It allows access to stories, reels and direct messaging. Users can make their accounts viewable to the general public, and it is easy for users to create fake accounts.
Discord is an app that allows users to speak to each other via text, voice and video communication. The servers on the app can be public or private, allowing users to talk to friends or strangers in real-time.
Roblox is an online gaming platform. It allows users to create and play games on the website. The features of the site include in-game purchases, chat functions and user-generated content.
TikTok is a popular video app that allows users to create and share short videos. Those on the platform are vulnerable to bullying and explicit content.
WhatsApp is another messaging app. It allows users to send texts, voice messages, photos, videos and make calls. It also supports group chats and has disappearing messages.
X is a social media platform similar to Instagram. It allows users to share posts, images and videos. Profiles can be made public, and direct messaging is allowed. There is a high risk of explicit content.
Monkey is an app focused on connecting users with a random stranger through video chat, similar to another site known as Omegle. Since users are often matched with strangers, it is almost impossible to control who the user interacts with.
Best Secret Folder is a storage app. It allows users to hide photos, videos and notes behind a passcode.
Calculator + is another storage app. However, it disguises itself as a calculator app. If the correct passcode is typed into the app, it allows access to a secret folder where photos, videos and other files can be stored.
Grindr is a location-based dating app primarily used by the LGBTQ+ community. It allows users to chat and meet with people near their location.
Hily is an AI-powered dating app. It matches users based on their stated interests and compatibility. It is easy to share locations and create fake profiles.
Badoo is a dating and social networking app that is based on location. Users can match, chat and meet new people based on their location. Teens can access the app by falsifying their age. Privacy concerns are high due to location-based matching and profile visibility.
Holla is a video chat app that connects users with strangers worldwide. Similar to Omegle and Monkey, it promotes itself as a fun way to meet new people. However, it poses a danger, as there is little to no control over who the user speaks to.
YikYak is an anonymous social media app. It allows users to interact with messages from people within a five-mile radius.
Skout is another location-based social network and dating app. It connects users with people, both local and worldwide. It also allows for chatting, livestreaming and sending virtual gifts.
Whisper is another anonymous social media app. Users are encouraged to post secrets, confessions and thoughts over images. Users can privately chat with anyone. Many posts are centered around adult themes, and location services allow users to see nearby posts.
AskFM is a question-and-answer style social media app. Users ask and answer questions, usually anonymously. It is well known for cyberbullying.
LiveMe is a live-streaming app. Users can broadcast videos, earn virtual gifts and interact with other users in real time. Strangers have the ability to interact with young users. Live videos might also reveal locations and personal details.
Reddit is another social media platform that provides user-generated discussions, images and videos. Discussion boards are sorted across multiple subreddits (topics). Subreddits may contain explicit, violent or mature material. Users can receive private messages and engage in discussions with anonymous individuals.
Telegram is a messaging app. It is well known for its encrypted chats, large group capabilities and self-destructing messages. It allows users to join public and private groups and channels.
KIK is another messaging app that allows users to chat anonymously without linking their phone numbers. It supports text, image and video sharing, as well as public group chats.
Meet Me is a social networking and dating app that connects users based on location. It also allows users to live stream, direct message and match friends.
Among Us is a popular multiplayer online game. The game has players complete tasks while trying to identify an imposter among them. It also includes public chat rooms with random users.