Current Trends/Apps that Could be Dangerous
Media / Entertainment
Netflix, Crave etc.
set limits
Reddit, Quora
BIGO live
VSCO
Roblox
Private Subscriptions
Onlyfans, Fansly, Chatterbait
Dating / Social
Bumble/Tinder/Yubo/Hinge/Feeld
Misc
Airdrop
(Mac, iPhone etc. – 30 ft- no blocking/reporting)
Private photo and or calculator/
camera to hide content/music too
ask fm
Parlor
Blendr
Anonymous Sites -
Whisper, Omegle, Youbo
Common Social Media Suggestions:
Instagram/Finsta
Comment controls - All Caught Up Cannot curate - Vanish mode
Snapchat
Mute Story - Silence notifications
TikTok
Restricted mode -Weekly Challenges (Smart Social app)
Cannot curate - Note: Kids can access online without the app.
YouTube
(kidsyoutube)
Messaging/
Video chat Apps
Telegram
What’s App
Signal
Google Hangout
Houseparty
Voxer
Holla
WeChat
Confide
IMVU
kik
BeReal
Playstation Party
GroupMe
Protect Your Kids
From Dangerous Apps
Apps post birthdays, schools etc. allows people to track you.
People can learn what your likes and dislikes are.
Minimum age for apps raised to 16 and age verification required ( Dr. Jean Twenge’s and Jonathan Haidt’s recommendation.)
Social Media
Concerns include disordered eating, privacy issues, low-self esteem (filters), exploitation, mental health concerns, isolation, attention-span.
Hyperpersonal effect- seems more important if said online.
Social comparison theory and Ziegarnik Effect: Looking for conclusion to social interaction (read, likes, FOMO).
The "Goldilocks effect" in the context of technology suggests that there's an optimal level of digital engagement that is neither too much nor too little, but "just right," for well-being.
An article about Fitness trackers
Parent Guides for Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok can be found online.
Regularly check ins with child/youth/partner about social media use.
Tech Talk Tuesdays blog has wonderful information for how to talk about tech benefits and challenges. Learn more
One Sec app (creates a pause to think before going on app)
Stay Free (limits and blocks different websites)
Unhook Youtube (removes recommended videos)
Loan phone like a library card (kids cannot purchase own phone from providers until age 18)
Pinwheel Phone is a basic phone you can now purchase. Pinwheel.com
Start apps on your device first, how did they do?
You can decide they are not ready for an app or game and can try again another time.
How Instagram is Failing to Protect Minors
from fairplay for kids