10 Social Media Apps parents should know about
It’s no secret children of all ages are on some form of social media on their digital devices. Unfortunately, some apps may not be suitable for children of all ages and often fly under parents’ radar. Although social media apps may not pose an actual threat to a child’s safety, they can provide an opportunity to expose, persuade and potentially lead to bad decision making. Below are apps from the Dallas Police Department that may require extra attention as It relates to the overall safety of your children.
- TikTok: This popular app with kids lets users create and share short videos. Law enforcement says the app has “very limited privacy controls” and users can be exposed to cyberbullying and explicit content.
- Calculator+: Police say this is one of several apps that are used to hide photos, videos, files and browser history.
- Whisper: An anonymous social network that lets users share secrets with strangers. Police say it also shows users’ location so people can meet up.
- Hot or Not: The app lets users rate profiles, check out people in their area and chat with strangers. Police say the goal of the app is to hook up.
- MeetMe: A dating social media app that connects people based on location. Users are encouraged to meet in person.
- WhatsApp: A messaging app that allows texts, video calls, photo sharing and voicemails with users worldwide.
- Live.Me: A live-streaming app that uses geolocation to share videos. Users can earn “coins” to “pay” minors for photos.
- Monkey: This app allows users to be randomly matched with strangers for a 10-second live video chat. Since the app is connected to Snapchat, users continue conversation through that platform.
- Ask.FM: This app lets users ask anonymous questions and is known for cyberbullying.
- Holla: This self-proclaimed “addicting” video chat app lets users meet people in seconds. Law enforcement said users have seen racial slurs and explicit content.
It’s important to teach your kids to be good social media stewards and to teach them to report any bad behavior from others to you right away. Encourage your kids to make wise choices, never bully and never be bullied.
Written by, Dallas Police Department PIO and Anastasia Reed
