9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old doll was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little damsel meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad fellow’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a ideal instrument for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthful people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantly seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned clever phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an pic or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the photo will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those photos.
Vine – Permits users to observe and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use pics from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to woo your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the pics of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the photo. If that person has also “flagged” them in comeback, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer demonstrate up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Reminisce, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone eyeing that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes training them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Training your children how to choose suitable apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just train your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful contraption to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she trains dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids, Parenting Kids, Christian Parents
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old female was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little damsel meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad boy’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a ideal contraption for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthfull people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantaneously seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned wise phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an picture or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the pic will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those pictures.
Vine – Permits users to witness and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use photos from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to coax your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the pics of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the picture. If that person has also “flagged” them in comeback, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer showcase up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Reminisce, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone observing that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes training them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Training your children how to choose suitable apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just instruct your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful device to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she trains dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids, Parenting Kids, Christian Parents
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old damsel was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little female meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad man’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a ideal contraption for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthfull people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantaneously seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned wise phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an photo or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the picture will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those pics.
Vine – Permits users to witness and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use pics from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to coax your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the pics of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the pic. If that person has also “flagged” them in come back, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer display up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Reminisce, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone watching that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes training them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Instructing your children how to choose adequate apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just train your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful instrument to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she trains dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids, Parenting Kids, Christian Parents
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old woman was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little female meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad stud’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a ideal contraption for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthfull people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantaneously seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned brainy phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an photo or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the pic will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those pictures.
Vine – Permits users to see and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use photos from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to woo your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the pictures of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the picture. If that person has also “flagged” them in come back, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer showcase up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Reminisce, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone observing that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes training them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Instructing your children how to choose adequate apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just train your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful implement to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she trains dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids, Parenting Kids, Christian Parents
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old lady was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little lady meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad dude’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a flawless contraption for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthfull people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantaneously seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned clever phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an photo or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the photo will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those photos.
Vine – Permits users to witness and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use pics from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to woo your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the photos of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the photo. If that person has also “flagged” them in comeback, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer display up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Recall, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone eyeing that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes training them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Training your children how to choose adequate apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just train your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful implement to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she trains dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids, Parenting Kids, Christian Parents
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old female was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little doll meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad dude’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a flawless contraption for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthfull people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantly seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned clever phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an pic or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the pic will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those photos.
Vine – Permits users to witness and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use pictures from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to woo your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the photos of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the photo. If that person has also “flagged” them in comeback, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer demonstrate up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Reminisce, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone watching that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes instructing them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Instructing your children how to choose adequate apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just train your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful implement to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she trains dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids, Parenting Kids, Christian Parents
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old chick was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little female meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad man’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a ideal contraption for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthfull people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantly seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned wise phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an photo or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the photo will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those pictures.
Vine – Permits users to see and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use pictures from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to persuade your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the photos of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the photo. If that person has also “flagged” them in come back, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer display up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Reminisce, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone observing that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes training them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Training your children how to choose adequate apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just train your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful instrument to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she trains dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids, Parenting Kids, Christian Parents
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old dame was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little lady meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad fellow’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a flawless device for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthfull people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantly seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned clever phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an photo or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the pic will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those pics.
Vine – Permits users to observe and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use pics from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to woo your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the pics of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the photo. If that person has also “flagged” them in comeback, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer demonstrate up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Recall, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone eyeing that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes instructing them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Instructing your children how to choose adequate apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just instruct your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful device to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she trains dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids, Parenting Kids, Christian Parents
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old chick was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little woman meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad man’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a ideal implement for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthful people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantaneously seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned brainy phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an photo or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the pic will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those pics.
Vine – Permits users to see and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use photos from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to woo your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the pictures of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the picture. If that person has also “flagged” them in comeback, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer demonstrate up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Recall, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone observing that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes instructing them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Training your children how to choose adequate apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just train your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful contraption to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she trains dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids, Parenting Kids, Christian Parents
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old woman was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little woman meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad dude’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a flawless instrument for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthful people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantly seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned wise phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an picture or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the photo will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those pictures.
Vine – Permits users to observe and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use pictures from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to woo your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the pictures of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the pic. If that person has also “flagged” them in come back, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer demonstrate up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Recall, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone witnessing that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes instructing them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Training your children how to choose adequate apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just train your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful implement to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she trains dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids, Parenting Kids, Christian Parents
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old female was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little female meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad dude’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a ideal device for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthful people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantly seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned clever phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an photo or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the picture will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those photos.
Vine – Permits users to witness and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use pictures from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to persuade your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the photos of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the photo. If that person has also “flagged” them in comeback, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer showcase up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Reminisce, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone watching that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes training them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Training your children how to choose suitable apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just instruct your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful contraption to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she instructs dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids, Parenting Kids, Christian Parents
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old dame was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little damsel meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad stud’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a flawless instrument for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthfull people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantly seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned brainy phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an picture or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the picture will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those photos.
Vine – Permits users to observe and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use pics from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to persuade your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the photos of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the pic. If that person has also “flagged” them in come back, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer showcase up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Reminisce, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone watching that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes training them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Instructing your children how to choose adequate apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just instruct your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful implement to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she instructs dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids, Parenting Kids, Christian Parents
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old dame was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little woman meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad boy’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a flawless contraption for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthfull people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantaneously seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned clever phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an pic or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the picture will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those pics.
Vine – Permits users to see and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use pictures from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to persuade your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the pictures of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the picture. If that person has also “flagged” them in come back, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer demonstrate up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Recall, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone eyeing that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes training them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Instructing your children how to choose suitable apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just train your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful instrument to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she trains dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids, Parenting Kids, Christian Parents
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old damsel was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little woman meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad man’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a ideal contraption for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthfull people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantaneously seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned clever phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an picture or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the pic will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those pictures.
Vine – Permits users to observe and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use photos from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to woo your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the pictures of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the picture. If that person has also “flagged” them in come back, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer demonstrate up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Recall, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone witnessing that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes training them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Training your children how to choose adequate apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just train your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful contraption to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she instructs dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids, Parenting Kids, Christian Parents
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old doll was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little female meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad stud’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a flawless instrument for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthfull people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantly seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned clever phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an photo or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the pic will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those pics.
Vine – Permits users to see and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use pics from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to persuade your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the photos of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the picture. If that person has also “flagged” them in comeback, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer demonstrate up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Recall, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone eyeing that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes instructing them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Instructing your children how to choose suitable apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just instruct your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful implement to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she trains dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids, Parenting Kids, Christian Parents
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old woman was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little damsel meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad man’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a ideal implement for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthfull people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantaneously seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned clever phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an photo or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the picture will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those photos.
Vine – Permits users to witness and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use photos from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to persuade your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the pics of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the picture. If that person has also “flagged” them in come back, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer display up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Recall, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone eyeing that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes instructing them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Instructing your children how to choose suitable apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just train your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful implement to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she instructs dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids, Parenting Kids, Christian Parents
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old doll was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little doll meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad man’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a ideal instrument for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthful people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantly seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned brainy phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an pic or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the pic will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those photos.
Vine – Permits users to witness and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use pics from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to woo your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the photos of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the picture. If that person has also “flagged” them in comeback, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer showcase up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Recall, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone witnessing that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes training them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Instructing your children how to choose suitable apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just instruct your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful instrument to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she instructs dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids, Parenting Kids, Christian Parents
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old damsel was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little chick meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad man’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a flawless instrument for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthfull people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantly seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned brainy phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an photo or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the picture will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those photos.
Vine – Permits users to see and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use photos from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to woo your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the pictures of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the pic. If that person has also “flagged” them in comeback, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer demonstrate up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Reminisce, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone watching that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes training them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Training your children how to choose suitable apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just train your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful device to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she instructs dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids, Parenting Kids, Christian Parents
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old lady was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little doll meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad dude’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a ideal instrument for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthful people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantaneously seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned brainy phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an photo or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the pic will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those photos.
Vine – Permits users to see and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use photos from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to coax your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the pics of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the pic. If that person has also “flagged” them in comeback, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer demonstrate up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Reminisce, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone observing that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes training them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Instructing your children how to choose adequate apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just train your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful implement to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she trains dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids, Parenting Kids, Christian Parents
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old damsel was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little chick meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad stud’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a ideal contraption for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthfull people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantly seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned brainy phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an photo or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the photo will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those pictures.
Vine – Permits users to observe and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use photos from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to woo your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the pics of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the pic. If that person has also “flagged” them in comeback, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer display up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Recall, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone observing that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes instructing them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Instructing your children how to choose suitable apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just instruct your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful device to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she instructs dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids, Parenting Kids, Christian Parents
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old lady was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little lady meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad stud’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a ideal device for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthful people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantaneously seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned wise phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an picture or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the pic will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those pictures.
Vine – Permits users to see and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use pictures from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to coax your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the pics of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the pic. If that person has also “flagged” them in comeback, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer display up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Recall, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone watching that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes training them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Training your children how to choose adequate apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just instruct your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful implement to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she instructs dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids, Parenting Kids, Christian Parents
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old lady was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little woman meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad man’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a ideal instrument for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthful people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantaneously seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned wise phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an picture or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the pic will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those pics.
Vine – Permits users to see and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use pics from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to persuade your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the photos of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the picture. If that person has also “flagged” them in comeback, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer display up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Recall, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone eyeing that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes instructing them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Training your children how to choose suitable apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just instruct your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful implement to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she trains dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids, Parenting Kids, Christian Parents
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old woman was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little dame meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad fellow’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a flawless device for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthful people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantaneously seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned wise phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an pic or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the photo will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those pictures.
Vine – Permits users to see and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use pics from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to woo your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the pics of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the photo. If that person has also “flagged” them in comeback, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer demonstrate up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Recall, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone observing that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes instructing them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Instructing your children how to choose adequate apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just instruct your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful implement to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she trains dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids, Parenting Kids, Christian Parents
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
In 2013, a twelve-year-old female was lured away from her home by a twenty one year-old-man. Once they met, he took her to a motel and took advantage of her. How did this little female meet this terrible stranger?
Through an app called Whisper on her handheld device (yep, the one her parents bought her). And Whisper is only one of many dangerous apps, apps that every parent should be aware of.
“The bad stud’s not just at the bus stop anymore. He has entrance right into your kid’s bedroom and hand-held cellphone device.” Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall. And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are extra concerns.
Fresh apps are permanently being created, so it’s significant to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for. So here is a current list of some of the most dangerous apps:
Whisper – This app permits you to post secrets anonymously and also permits you to talk with other users in your geographic area.
Why It’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a flawless device for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with youthfull people because it permits you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (so anonymity can be lightly lost).
YikYak – All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest five hundred people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual talk room where everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating brief messages are instantly seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
Why It’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have now banned brainy phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik – A free app-based alternative texting service that permits texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
Why It’s Dangerous – Makes it lighter for your child to talk to strangers without your skill since it bypasses the wireless providers’ brief message services (SMS). Children also think they can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Permits you to capture an pic or movie and make it available to a recipient for a specific time. After that time limit is up, the picture/movie automatically vanishes forever…or so Snapchat claims. (Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send ) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because the picture will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet vanishes. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those photos.
Vine – Permits users to witness and post six 2nd movies.
Why It’s Dangerous –While many of the movies are harmless, porn movies do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also lightly search for/access porn movies on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teenagers and find their location. Then they attempt to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps permit you to movie talk with strangers.
Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users talking with strangers, they could be talking with a fake stranger. “Talk sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that warns users when the people they are talking to are potentially using fake webcam software, however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-year-old man could set up a fake webcam and use pics from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teenage celebrity to woo your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the pics of other users. When they think someone is attractive they can “flag” the pic. If that person has also “flagged” them in comeback, the app permits you to contact them.
Why It’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Unspoiled, and Blendr, are primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer display up on your smartphone screen.
Why It’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So, if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
Recall, your child’s safety is more significant than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a fresh app or game. Having a common charging area so you can lightly check phones could also be a good system for your family.
Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teenage, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good chance for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously? How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that vanish? Would you be okay with anyone witnessing that pic?
Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are fighting with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe to accept their help/friendship?
Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about yourself? Is this an app that brings God glory?
Christian parents are called to instruct their children in biblical wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and today that includes training them to apply biblical wisdom to media. Training your children how to choose suitable apps and use them responsibly is vitally significant in our media-saturated world.
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just train your child how to cross the street one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate? What should you post?
A wonderful device to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available for free! You can use their movies for jumping-off points for discussion and incorporate biblical principles into your conversation. As Christians, we’re not simply training children to keep them out of trouble, but so they can grow in wisdom as well.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him” (Proverbs 23:24).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Presently, she trains dance to over one hundred students and is working on her 2nd book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.