The Top Apps Parents Should Know Their Kids Are Using

As kids get older, they become more interested in using apps on their smartphones and tablets. In fact, a recent study showed that kids under the age of eight spend an average of two hours and nineteen minutes per day using mobile devices, and teens over seven hours per day. While some apps are perfectly safe and age-appropriate, others can be dangerous for children. As a parent, it’s important to be aware of the apps your kids are using so you can make sure they’re staying safe online. 

Social Meda Apps

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. 

TikTok.

TikTok  

This 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, there have been concerns about its safety.

Snapchat.

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.  

Instagram.

Instagram  

This photo-sharing app is extremely popular among young people, but it opens the door to potential cyberbullying.  

Youtube.

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 education and entertainment, it’s important to monitor your child’s activity on the site, as there is a lot of inappropriate and even disturbing content available.  

Hoop.

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.  

Messaging Apps

Messaging apps like WhatsApp and iMessage are popular among kids for staying in touch with friends. However, these apps can also be used for cyberbullying and other inappropriate behavior. Anonymous messaging and communication apps are the most dangerous apps for kids because predators use these apps to groom and exploit children. Some of the most popular anonymous messaging apps used by kids are Kik, Whisper, and Yik Yak. Predators can pose as other kids on these apps and trick children into revealing personal information. It is important for parents to be aware of these apps and talk to their kids about online safety. 

WhatsApp.

WhatsApp

This messaging app in extremely popular among kids and teens, but it has a number of safety concerns. In addition to the potential for cyberbullying, WhatsApp also allows user to share their location with others, which can be dangerous.  

Kik.

Kik

Kik like WhatsApp is extremely popular among kids and teens, but it has a number of safety concerns. In addition to the potential of cyberbullying, Kik also allows users to share their location with others.

House Party.

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.  

Gaming Apps

While there are many age-appropriate and safe games out there, parents need to be aware of the dangers of some gaming apps.  Some of the most popular addictive apps include gaming apps. These apps can be extremely frustrating and cause kids to spend hours trying to beat them. This can lead to isolation from friends and family, as well as 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. 

Fortnite.

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.  

Discord.

Discord

This chat app is popular among gamers, but it has also been used by predators to groom and exploits children. According to Bark’s 2021 annual report, Discord is in the top five platforms for bullying, suicidal ideation, body image, and more.  

Tips for Parents

  1. Talks to your kids about the apps they’re using and why they like them  
  2. Teach your kids about cyberbullying, online predators, and other dangers associated with the internet
  3. Set limits, monitor and block specific devices, apps, games or specific websites through the ATC VIP WiFi app

Monitor Your Child's Activity with the ATC VIP WiFi App

Through the ATC VIP WiFi app with ExperienceIQ you can unlock the freedom to monitor and manage your child's app usage, screen time, block certain apps, websites and so much more!