LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Law enforcement agencies across the country are warning parents of 14 popular apps that could put kids in danger of predators.
Police are urging parents to check their children’s phones and the apps on their devices as this is the best way to defend against possible predators.
Some tips to protect children according to police are:
- Approve every app on your kid’s phone
- Check their privacy settings
- Speak with your children about phone use, app use and social media
Here are the 14 apps police say parents need to be aware of:
SNAPCHAT: allows users to take pictures and videos that disappear with new features lik ‘stories’ that allow users to view content for 24 hours and see your location.
KIK: allows anyone to direct message instead of text messaging and gives unlimited access to anyone at anytime.
YELLOW: allows teens to flirt with one other similar to Tinder.
HOLLA: video chat app that allows users to meet through their phones across the world in seconds.
OMEGLE: allows users to chat for free and encourages anonymous chatting with strangers.
BUMBLE: similar to Tinder, a dating app that requires women to make first contact, though kids are known to create fake accounts and falsify their age.
WISHBONE: allows users to compare photos to each other and rate one another on a scale.
CALCULATOR%: secret app that allows users to hide photos, videos, files and browser history.
ASK.FM: notorious for cyber bullying, this app encourages to anonymously message others to ask questions.
WHISPER: anonymous social media app that allows users to share secrets with others and can share users’ locations so they can meet.
BURNBOOK: allows users to post anonymous rumors through text, audio and pictures.
HOT OR NOT: allows users to rate profiles and find people in their area and chat.
LIVE.ME: live streaming app that uses geolocation to share videos so users can see the broadcaster’s location.
INSTAGRAM: one of the most popular apps among children, kids are known to use this app for fake accounts and to text since the conversation is deleted when someone leaves the chat.
These are only examples of potentially dangerous apps, and parents should monitor all apps and note if they offer messaging features.
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