While some apps are perfectly safe and age-appropriate, others can be dangerous or inappropriate for children. As a parent, it's important to be aware of the most popular apps your kids are using, so you can make sure they're staying safe online.
The Top Apps Parents
Should Know Their Kids Are Using
As kids get more and
more tech-savvy, it's important for parents to stay on top of the latest apps
and games their children are using. While some apps are perfectly safe and
age-appropriate, others can be dangerous and expose kids to inappropriate
content. Here are five of the most popular apps parents should know about:
1. TikTok: This popular video-sharing app allows users to
create and share short videos of themselves Lip-syncing, dancing, or performing
other creative acts. While TikTok can be a lot of fun for kids, there have been
concerns about its safety, as the app has been known to host inappropriate and
even pornographic content.
2. Snapchat: This messaging app is extremely popular with
kids and teens, as it allows users to send disappearing photos and videos.
However, Snapchat also has a number of safety concerns, including "Snap
Map" which can show your child's location to anyone on their contact list.
3. Fortnite: This online multiplayer game has taken the
world by storm, with kids and adults alike spending hours upon hours playing.
While Fortnite can be a fun and harmless game, there have been concerns about
its violence and addictive nature.
4. Instagram: This photo-sharing app is extremely popular
among young people, but it can also be dangerous. In addition to the potential
for cyberbullying, Instagram also exposes users to a constant stream of ads and
sponsored content.
5. YouTube: This video-sharing platform is one of the
most popular websites in the world, with billions of users. While YouTube can
be a great resource for educational and entertaining content, it's important to
monitor your child's activity on the site, as there is a lot of inappropriate
and even disturbing content available.
Other Dangerous Apps
Parents Might Not Even Know Kids Are Using
In addition to the
above five apps, there are a number of other popular apps that can be dangerous
for kids. These include:
1. WhatsApp: This messaging app is extremely popular
among kids and teens, but it has a number of safety concerns. In addition to
the potential for cyberbullying, WhatsApp also allows users to share their
location with others, which can be dangerous.
2. Houseparty: This video-chatting app is popular among
kids and teens, but it has been known to allow strangers into chats, which can
lead to inappropriate content being shared.
3. Discord: This chat app is popular among gamers, but it
has also been used by predators to groom and exploit children. According to
Bark’s 2021 annual report found Discord consistently in the top five platforms
for bullying, suicidal ideation, body image, and more.
4. Kik: This messaging app is extremely popular among
kids and teens, but it has a number of safety concerns. In addition to the
potential for cyberbullying, Kik also allows users to share their location with
others, which can be dangerous.
5. Hoop: This social media app is popular among kids and
teens, but it has been known to allow strangers into chats, which can lead to
inappropriate content being shared.
Tips for Parents
1. Talk to your kids about the apps they're using and why
they like them.
2. Set limits on how much time your kids can spend on
their devices, apps, games or specific websites
3. Monitor your child's activity on their devices,
including their app usage and web browsing history.
4. Be aware of the apps your kids are using and research
their safety concerns. Block specific apps or limit time on them using Enhanced
Parental control.
5. Teach your kids about cyberbullying, online predators,
and other dangers associated with the internet.
Learn how ExperienceIQ content controls from Mid Century Fiber can give you freedom to control app usage and screen times, focus for your kids attention, and get back more quality family time.
We hope you found this 4-part series educational from Calix and Mid Century Fiber. As always if you have any questions on streaming, smart home, or just technology in general feel free to reach out to us at One Source by calling 309-778-8611 or by emailing us at OneSource@midcentury.com.
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