Dangerous Apps for Teens

Recently, I have let my blog go by the wayside. I have a lot going right now in my life, so to me this was the option that I thought about letting go. This past Sunday, I had two separate parents of students in my youth group ask why I had stopped. This encouraged me that someone was actually reading my blog, and they asked for a few particular topics. If you would like me to address a topic on the blog, then please contact me either through email, Twitter, or Facebook. So, today's topic is from one of those parents.

What are the some of the most dangerous apps for teens?

Before, I go into a list of them, and all the parents begin taking phones and locking them down, I would like to share my opinion on smart phones and teens. Teens need to know how to handle temptation, so totally removing all access only creates a bubble. It is better to hold them accountable. Nonetheless, I also believe that some students do not need phones either. So, you be the parent a decide what is best for your son or daughter.

1. KIK

KIK makes my top list, because it is known for it's lewdness. KIK is a photo sharing app like snapchat, but specifically known for sexting among students. Additionally, the photo is posted based upon that students location. KIK is used heavily by sexual predators. In all honesty, there are much safer ways to communicate with friends.

2. Snapchat

Snapchat works just like KIK, but it is not known to be as lewd. Nonetheless, it still poses a danger, because all pictures are only temporary. This means that a student can take a picture, send it to another, and shortly after, it disappears. However, this is a marketing ploy for Snapchat. Once a photo is on the web, either through Snapchat or whatever, it can be found. So, the pictures never really disappear. Also, students can save the picture just before it disappears. This app is heavily used for sexting and "hooking up" by many students. Because of these reasons, this app is also used by sexual predators.

3. Tindr

Tindr is the worst! It is a dating app, designed to be "discrete." However, it is know for being a site for students to find casual sex. Some media publishers are noting that students are using Tindr to actually find love, more than sex. They say this with a hint of surprise. This app would not be allowed on my child's phone.

4. Vine

Vine is not a dangerous app by itself. The purpose of the app is creating 6 second videos. You can share the short video like Instagram or Facebook. Vine however is known for edgy videos, leaving students with a desire of "1-up" videos. Students always want to have the "best" videos. It's not a bad app, but should be monitored as all media exposure should be.

5. Tumblr

Tumblr is a photo sharing app. It has been heavily used and influenced by the pornography industry. I would simply avoid this app. There are much better means to share photos.

Again, I would really encourage parents to control....yes I said it...the media consumed by your children. Some parents enjoy a "hands off" approach, assuming that ignorance is bliss. I would really encourage parents to consider a proactive role in their children's life.

Here are some other links that I thought might be helpful:

http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2015/01/31/5-dangerous-apps-dont-know-your-kids-are-using/
http://woodtv.com/2015/01/30/download-dangers-protecting-our-kids/
http://www.checkupnewsroom.com/7-dangerous-apps-that-parents-need-to-know-about
http://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/kids/9-most-dangerous-apps-for-kids.html