Dangerous Apps Your Child May Be Using
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What Is Kik Messenger? | Common Sense Media
Kik - A free app-based alternative texting service that allows texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history.
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it easier for your child to talk to strangers without your knowledge since it bypasses the wireless providers’ short message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out.
Check out BeWebSmart.com's advice on Kik.
Musical.ly - your video social network - App Review
Musical.ly – Allows you to lip sync and create your own music videos with popular songs in the background. Sign up is a phone number, Facebook, Instagram or an email. There is no age verification. It allows easy access to your profile as well. It has some filters that allow for video effects, such as changing video speed. You can have a private account, but when you first create an account, it is public unless you change it. When this setting is turned on, you must approve anyone who wants to follow you and see your videos.
Why It’s Dangerous – Many of the songs have explicit lyrics and kids can choose to use their own or use the online library. There is explicit content--including nudity, sexualization, nudity and inappropriate content, even though this goes against the apps' terms of use. Privacy is not really private. Even with a private account, there is information in your child's Bio that is public, including their name and username. Also, anyone can easily find your kid's Instagram accounts, Snapchat usernames, Kik usernames and other personal information in their profiles. It also contains location settings, so you are able to see users near you. Regardless of account type (private or not) it is easy to access these videos on YouTube and Instagram features links to them; you can also watch any other musicals and follow others with public accounts. Many songs have explicit lyrics and kids can choose to use their own or use the online library.
What Is Snapchat? | Common Sense Media
Snapchat – Allows you to capture an image or video and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/video automatically disappears forever…or so Snapchat claims.
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the image will self-destruct automatically.
Check out connectsafely.org's "A Parent's Guide to Snapchat"
