Understanding the App Landscape

It's no secret that kids love using apps. A recent study showed that kids under the age of 8 spend 2 hours and 19 minutes per day using mobile devices and teens over 7 hours per day. That's a lot of time spent on screens!

As a parent, it's essential to be aware of your kids' most popular apps. Some apps are age-appropriate, while others can be dangerous and inappropriate for children. Here is a list of the top 5 app categories parents should know their kids are using:

Social Media Apps

Kids love staying connected with their friends and family on social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. While there are some great things about social media, there are also some dangers that parents need to be aware of. For example, cyberbullying is a real problem on social media platforms. Parents should talk to their kids about online safety and make sure they know how to report any inappropriate behavior they see on social media.

Messaging Apps

Messaging apps like WhatsApp and iMessage are popular among kids for staying in touch with friends. However, messaging apps can also use these apps for cyberbullying and other inappropriate behavior. Parents should talk to their kids about responsible use of messaging apps and make sure they know how to report any problems.

Gaming Apps

Gaming apps are extremely popular among kids of all ages. While there are many age-appropriate and safe games out there, parents need to be aware of the dangers of some gaming apps. For example, some games may contain violence, sexual content, or in-app purchases that can add up quickly. Parents should carefully review the games their kids are playing and make sure they are appropriate for their age.

Camera Apps

Camera apps like Snapchat and Instagram are popular among kids for sharing photos and videos with friends. However, camera apps can also use these apps to share inappropriate pictures and videos. Parents should talk to their kids about responsible use of camera apps and make sure they know how to report any problems.

Shopping Apps

Shopping apps like Amazon and eBay are popular among kids for buying items online. However, shopping apps can also use these apps to make in-app purchases that can add up quickly. Parents should carefully review the apps their kids are using and make sure they are appropriate for their age.

The most dangerous apps for kids

The most dangerous apps for kids allow for anonymous messaging and communication. Predators can use these apps to groom and exploit children. Some of the most popular anonymous messaging apps kids use are Kik, Whisper, and Yik Yak. Predators can pose as other kids on these apps and trick children into revealing personal information or sending them inappropriate pictures. Parents need to be aware of these apps and talk to their kids about online safety.

Another app that can be dangerous for kids is Snapchat. While the app does have some safeguards in place, like only allowing snaps to be viewed for a limited amount of time, there are ways for predators to circumvent these measures. For example, predators can take screenshots of snaps before they disappear or use a separate camera to record the video. They can then use these images or videos to blackmail or bully kids.

Some apps, while not necessarily dangerous, can be inappropriate for children. These include apps that allow users to share nude photos or engage in sexual conversations. Some of the most popular apps in this category are Tinder, Grindr, and Blendr. While these apps may have age restrictions in place, it is still possible for kids to access them if they lie about their age. Parents should be aware of these apps and talk to their kids about using them safely and responsibly.

Finally, several apps can be addictive and cause kids to neglect their studies and social lives. Some of the most popular addictive apps include Candy Crush, Clash of Clans, and Flappy Bird. These apps can be extremely frustrating and cause kids to spend hours trying to beat them. These addictive games can lead to isolation from friends and family and poor grades at school. Parents should talk to their kids about time management and setting limits on how much time they spend on these apps.

The Top Apps Parents Should Know Their Kids Are Using

As kids get more and more tech-savvy, parents need 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 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 many 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 spending 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 viral 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 globally, with billions of users. While YouTube can be an excellent resource for educational and entertaining content, it's essential 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, several other popular apps can be dangerous for kids. These include:

1. WhatsApp: This messaging app is extremely popular among kids and teens, but it has some 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, leading to inappropriate content being shared.
3. Discord: This chat app is popular among gamers, but predators have also used it to groom and exploit children. According to Bark's 2021 annual report, Discord is 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 several 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 their apps 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 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 CTC can give you the freedom to control app usage and screen times, focus for your kid's attention, and get back more quality family time.