Every Parent Should Be Aware of These 6 Smartphone Apps

While technology can be a great resource for all ages, there are precautions to take when your children are involved!

Take note of these 6 smartphone apps that are accessible for teens, and even children, to download. Although these apps are seemingly harmless, you never know who can be lurking behind another screen.

1. MeetMe

MeetMe is an app that allows individuals in your local area to connect mutually via video chat. Anyone with the app can video chat with locals who have similar interests, and anyone can create a profile.

2. GAS

GAS is similar to MeetMe in that it allows local individuals to connect via video chat, but it's also anonymous.

3. Whisper

Whisper is an app that allows users to post and send videos and images anonymously. When used with malintent, the app can give bullies a platform to operate.

4. Hoop

Hoop is a location-based dating app, similar to Tinder, that allows users as young as 13 years old to create profiles and interact with strangers in their area.

5. Yubo

Yubo is another location-based dating app that allows users as young as 13 to create dating profiles and interact with strangers locally.

6. Holla

Holla is an app that allows strangers to connect via video chat all over the world. Users are required to be 18 to use the app, but a user can simply input an older birth year to gain access.

Even if your child is utilizing these apps with your permission, it may be worth a discussion of the potential dangers that can lie within - or a general chat about internet safety. Unfortunately, not everyone on the internet is using these platforms with the proper intentions.

A special thank you to Freehold Tonwship Police Department for sharing this useful information! Here were further recommendations from their list:

❗️ Reddit

❗️ TikTok

❗️ Snapchat

❗️ Omegle

❗️ "Fake Calculator" apps (for hiding images, videos, browser history, files and more)