15 dangerous apps parents need to know about according to law enforcement - KFOX El Paso
Non-mainstream apps could be contacting children directly.
Apps like Whatsapp, TikTok, and Snapchat are popular, but parents should be made aware of others .
Parents like David Jones are aware of the potential dangers for children on these apps that go beyond sexual predators.
"Borderline porn. Just things that kids shouldn't be viewing." said Jones.
These apps could expose kids to bullying, explicit content, predators, and more.
Apps parents should know about, according to deputies:
MeetMe: A dating app that allows users to connect with people based on geographic proximity. Users encouraged to meet in person.
Grindr: A dating app geared toward the LGBTQ community based on smart phone’s GPS location.
Skout: A location-based dating app. While users under 17 are unable to share private photos, they can easily create an account using a different age.
WhatsApp: A messaging app used to send texts, photos, make calls and video chats worldwide.
TikTok: App used to create and share videos with “very limited privacy controls,” per law enforcement and users vulnerable “to bullying and explicit content.”
Badoo: A dating and social networking app based on location intended for adults only.
Bumble: A dating app that requires women to make the first content. Law enforcement says “kids have been known to use Bumble to create fake accounts and falsify their age.”
Snapchat: One of the most popular social media apps in the world, Snapchat lets users take and share photos and videos. The app also lets people see your location.
Kik: Deputies say Kik allows anyone to contact and direct message your child and kids can bypass traditional text messaging features, giving users unlimited access.
Live.Me: A live-streaming video app that uses geolocation to share videos. Deputies say users can find out a broadcaster’s location and earn coins as a way to pay minors for photos
Holla: A self-proclaimed “addicting” video chat app that allows users to meet worldwide in seconds, according to deputies. Viewers say they have been confronted with racial slurs, explicit content and more.
Whisper: Deputies say it’s an anonymous social network that promotes sharing secrets with strangers and reveals a user’s location so people can meet up.
Ask.Me: Known for cyberbullying and encourages users to allow anonymous people to ask them questions, according to deputies.
Calculator%: Deputies say is only one of several secret apps used to hide photos, videos, files, and browser history.
Hot or Not: Deputies say it encourages users to rate your children, check out people in their area and chat with strangers.
While the responsibility does lie on parents, licensed psychologist Dr. Raphi Wald said it's important to be direct with kids.
"You want to be honest with them. I think the tendency for a lot of parents may want to sugarcoat rather than tell the whole truth to a child, whatever age it is." Wald said.
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source: https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/15-dangerous-apps-you-should-know-about
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