Know the Apps, Protect Your Kids
Children and teens now use more apps and online platforms than ever. While many support creativity, learning, and connection, others may expose young users to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, privacy risks, or contact with strangers.
Safer Internet Day highlights that awareness, rather than fear, is key to keeping children safe online. Understanding the apps children use and how they work is an essential first step.
Why Knowing the Apps Matters
Many popular apps offer direct messaging, live streaming, location sharing, or anonymous interaction. While these features can be positive when used responsibly, without proper settings and supervision, they may put children at risk. Parents who understand these platforms are better prepared to guide safe online behavior.
Apps Parents Should Be Aware Of Today
Social Media & Photo Sharing
TikTok
A short-form video platform popular with teens. Although parental controls and screen-time tools are available, users may still encounter explicit content, viral challenges, or unwanted interactions if privacy settings are not managed effectively.
Instagram
A photo and video sharing app with Stories, Reels, and private messaging. Risks include cyberbullying, oversharing personal information, unwanted attention, and pressure related to appearance and popularity.
Snapchat
Known for photos and messages that disappear after viewing. However, content can still be saved or shared, and the temporary nature of messages may encourage risky behavior.
BeReal
This app encourages users to post unfiltered photos at random times each day. While it promotes authenticity, it may expose location data and create social pressure to post immediately.
Threads
A text-based social platform linked to Instagram. Similar risks include public posts, unwanted interactions, and oversharing personal information.
Messaging Apps
WhatsApp
A messaging app for texts, photos, videos, and voice messages. While widely used and encrypted, it can enable communication with people outside a child’s known contacts.
Telegram
A messaging platform known for large group chats and strong privacy features. Limited moderation and anonymous interactions may expose minors to inappropriate content or unknown individuals.
Gaming & Live Streaming
Roblox
An online gaming platform where users create and play games made by others. Chat features may expose children to cyberbullying or contact with strangers, and in-game purchases can result in unexpected charges.
Discord
Originally designed for gamers, Discord now hosts many private servers. Unmoderated spaces may expose children to explicit content, bullying, or unsafe interactions.
Twitch
A live streaming platform focused on gaming. Real-time chat features may expose minors to inappropriate language or content.
Bigo Live
A live streaming app that allows users to broadcast and interact in real time. The platform’s gifting and interaction features may encourage risky behavior, especially for minors.
Anonymous & Dating Apps
Yubo
A social discovery app that allows users to connect through live video and chat. Although there are age-based communities, users may misrepresent their age, increasing safety concerns.
Bumble
A dating app for adults that uses location-based matching. Age restrictions exist, but they can be bypassed, potentially exposing minors to inappropriate interactions.
Tinder
A swipe-based dating app that connects nearby users. Its location-based design and adult-focused environment present clear risks for underage users.
LMK (Let Me Know)
An anonymous question and answer app often linked to other social platforms. Anonymity may encourage cyberbullying or inappropriate messaging.
Video Apps
YouTube
YouTube is one of the most widely used platforms among children and teens for entertainment, tutorials, and gaming content. While YouTube and YouTube Kids offer safety tools, users may still encounter videos with inappropriate language, themes, or imagery, and comment sections can expose children to cyberbullying or harmful interactions.
Likee
Likee is a short-form video app similar to TikTok that allows users to create and share edited videos. While less popular than TikTok, it includes public profiles and live features that may expose minors to inappropriate content or unwanted contact with strangers.
A Note on Less-Used or Phased-Out Apps
Some apps that raised concerns in previous years, such as Kik, Ask.fm, Omegle, MeetMe, and Hot or Not, are now far less popular among children and teens or have been phased out. While these platforms may no longer be widely used, they can still exist in limited form or reappear under new names. This underscores the importance of regularly reviewing your child’s device and staying informed as technology evolves.
How Parents Can Help Keep Kids Safe Online
Parents and caregivers play a vital role in online safety. Consider these proactive steps:
- Have ongoing conversations about online behavior and digital risks
- Know which apps your child is using and why
- Set clear rules for screen time and app downloads
- Enable parental controls and review privacy settings
- Remind children never to share personal information online
- Encourage kids to report anything that makes them uncomfortable
Important Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational and awareness purposes only. It is not intended to criticize or discourage the use of any specific app, brand, or developer. Many platforms continue to improve safety tools and protections. Parental involvement, communication, and supervision remain the most effective ways to reduce online risks.
Trusted Government Resources for Online Safety
For additional guidance and reporting tools, parents are encouraged to visit these official resources:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – https://www.consumer.ftc.gov
- FBI – Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) – https://www.ic3.gov
- U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) – https://www.justice.gov
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) – https://www.missingkids.org
- USA.gov – Online Safety for Kids – https://www.usa.gov
If you have any questions about how to keep your child safe online, please contact our office at 407-348-2222.