It can be difficult to know if your child is using dangerous apps and what the consequences might be. “In 2013, a twelve-year-old girl was lured away from her home by a 21 year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little girl meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.”
Dangerous Apps Are The Gateway For Child Predators
Apps are the gateway for child predators to get into your child’s life and every day new apps come out on phones. Apps where users can remain anonymous such as YikYak, Kik, Snapchat, Vine, Tinder, Whisper, Lipsi, all present dangers to kids parents need to be aware of. For the safety of kids, parents should monitor all of the apps and sites their kids use and know the passwords.
Predators Go Where Kids Are
Predators are going to go where kids are. One of the most dangerous apps for teens is Kik. Kik made headlines when it was revealed that a 13-year-old girl in Virginia connected with an 18-year-old man on Kik. In CBS new report about the kidnapping and murder, it was stated “Law enforcement officials say the application is dangerous in part because parents cannot reliably prevent anonymous strangers from contacting their children if they use it.”
Dangerous Apps and Consequences
Snapchat, Askfm, Whisper, Blendr, Lipsi, YikYak, Vine, Tinder, and WhatsApp carry with them dangers of….
>cyberbullying and abuse to others
>inadequate privacy settings
>ability to be used anonymously,
>exchanges on platforms other than phones so messages and exchanges are not saved on their phones
>no age restriction
>GPS location capabilities
Parents Are Responsible For Their Child’s Technology
Parents need to keep in mind that they are responsible for their child’s technology. It is their right to take it away, look at it, know all passwords, and cancel plans any time, especially when they feel their child’s safety is at risk. That’s the law!
It is important to stay in the know and up to date with changing terms and conditions of apps and also how to be aware of what your child is exposed to. Sign up for the DCA Tips of The Week to stay informed on current trends.
