10 Dangerous Apps Kids, Teens Use
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Many parents across the United States are not totally aware of the danger the new technology brings to their kids and teenagers. There have been a lot of reports in all states with regard to crimes related to social media.
What parents don't realize is that Facebook is not the only dangerous social media websites out there. The applications they install on their mobile phones, which allow them to communicate with people they do not know, can certainly be very harmful to kids and teenagers.
According to Red Book Mag, there are 10 apps that can be installed on a smartphone that parents should have knowledge of. These are popular apps that some parents may have already seen on their kids' smartphones but decided to ignore it because they do not know how it works.
Here is the list of the 10 potentially-dangerous apps for kids and teenagers:
It is intended for users to share their photos and 15 seconds or less video clips, which can be followed and liked by other users.
Instagram is being used today by some users to bully people they know by posting a photo and caption it with inappropriate comments. Others can also write their comments about the subject which will make the photo viral without the knowledge of the person being humiliated.
Snapchat
This app has become a very popular ground for young people for sexting because the message will disappear by itself after the receiver sees the photo. However, there are some private pictures and messages that can be saved and will be used for other people to see.
Ask.FM
It is another way for people to communicate with others they don't necessarily know. However, there is no age requirement and the GPS features of this app can be used for child molesters to locate their subjects.
YikYak
This is another app that allows kids to register and expose their information including their address.
Whisper
Although this is intended to be for people age 17 and up, cyber-bullying is rampant through sharing secrets and rumors about their subject.
Kik Messenger
This app is being used to send text by users; however, kids can also communicate using Kik, which makes them vulnerable to child predators.
Blendr
There is no age limit and adults can communicate with kids.
Down
It is being used today as a playground for young people to "hook up." Nobody wants their kids to be exposed to that culture.
9Gag
Although there is no communication involved between users, the pictures posted on this app can be explicit for kids and teenagers.
Omegle
This app allows people to video chat with other users.
According to Cleveland.com, it's time for parents to look into the situation and find a way to help their kids and teenagers understand how dangerous these websites are.
