If your child or teenager has a phone, tablet, or laptop, it is important to know which applications your child is using, as well as how they’re using them. Some apps that appear to be benign have messaging features, that pedophiles know how to use to their advantage. Troopers warn parents of these 14 social media applications:.
Hot or Not: Users can post their pictures and get “rated” anonymously by other users on how “hot” they are.
Instagram: Users can post videos/photos to their online album. Adolescents will often run multiple Instagram accounts.
Snapchat: Users can send pictures/videos that can be edited and sent to other users in Snapchat. The sender determines the amount of time that the receiver can view the pictures and videos and then the message “disappears.”
Calculator+: Users can store photos and videos in a secret vault hidden behind the calculator face.
Sarahah: Users can link their profile to other social media platforms to send and receive “anonymous” messages.
Kik/Messenger: Alternate messaging apps in addition to the traditional text message app.
Houseparty: Users can video chat with individuals or in group chats.
Whisper: Users are encouraged to share secrets anonymously with other users.
Grindr/Tinder/Bumble: Grindr, Tinder, and Bumble are location-based dating apps. Although the minimum age to use these apps is 18, police are finding more underage children downloading and using them as “hookup” apps.
Minecraft/Roblox/Fortnite: Minecraft, Roblox, and Fortnight gaming apps are popular among elementary and middle school-aged students. Each app has the ability for the users to message each other within the app.
