Five Mobile Apps Your Kids Are Using 

Are you aware of these apps your kid may be using? As children grow, their interest in using apps on smartphones and tablets increases. While some apps are safe and suitable for their age, others pose risks. As a parent, your awareness of the popular apps your children use is crucial. It empowers you to ensure their online safety.  

It’s no secret that kids love using apps. A recent study showed that kids under the age of 8 spend an average of 2 hours and 19 minutes per day using mobile devices, and teens spend over 7 hours per day using screens. That’s a lot of time spent on screens! 

As a parent, it’s essential to be aware of your kids’ most popular apps. Some apps are age-appropriate, while others can be dangerous and inappropriate for children. Here is a list of the top categories of apps parents should know their kids are using.  

Social Media Apps 

Kids love connecting with their friends and family on social media apps. While there are some great things about social media, there are also some dangers that parents need to be aware of. For example, cyberbullying is a real problem on social media platforms. Parents should talk to their kids about online safety and ensure they know how to report any inappropriate behavior they see on social media. Examples of these apps include:  

• Instagram: This photo-sharing app is top-rated among young people but can also be dangerous. In addition to the potential for cyberbullying, Instagram exposes users to a constant stream of ads and sponsored content. 
• TikTok: This popular video-sharing app allows users to create and share short videos of themselves, Lip-syncing, dancing, or performing other creative acts. While TikTok can be a lot of fun for kids, there have been concerns about its safety, as the app has been known to host inappropriate and even pornographic content. 
• Snapchat: This messaging app is extremely popular with kids and teens. It allows users to send disappearing photos and videos. However, Snapchat also has a number of safety concerns, including “Snap Map,” which can show your child’s location to anyone on their contact list. 

Messaging Apps 

Messaging apps are popular among kids for staying in touch with friends. However, these apps can also be used for cyberbullying and other inappropriate behavior. Parents should talk to their kids about the responsible use of messaging apps and ensure they know how to report any problems. Examples include: 

• WhatsApp: This messaging app is top-rated among kids and teens but has several safety concerns. In addition to the potential for cyberbullying, WhatsApp also allows users to share their location with others, which can be dangerous. 
• Houseparty: This video-chatting app is popular among kids and teens, but it has been known to allow strangers to chat, which can lead to inappropriate content being shared. 
• Discord: This chat app is popular among gamers, but predators have also used it to groom and exploit children.  
• Kik: This messaging app is top-rated among kids and teens but has several safety concerns. In addition to the potential for cyberbullying, Kik also allows users to share their location with others, which can be dangerous. 
• Hoop: This social media app is popular among kids and teens, but it has been known to allow strangers into chats, which can lead to inappropriate content being shared. 

Gaming Apps 

Gaming apps are top-rated among kids of all ages. While many age-appropriate and safe games exist, parents need to be aware of the dangers of some gaming apps. For example, some games may contain violence, sexual content, or in-app purchases that can add up quickly. Parents should carefully review the games their kids are playing and make sure they are appropriate for their age. Examples include: 

• Fortnite: This online multiplayer game has taken the world by storm, with kids and adults spending hours playing. While Fortnite can be a fun and harmless game, there have been concerns about its violence and addictive nature. 

Camera Apps 

Camera apps are popular among kids for sharing photos and videos with friends. However, these apps can also be used to share inappropriate images and videos. Parents should talk to their kids about the responsible use of camera apps and ensure they know how to report any problems. 

Shopping Apps 

Shopping apps like Amazon and eBay are popular among kids for buying items online. However, these apps can also be used to make in-app purchases that can add up quickly. Parents should carefully review the apps their kids are using and make sure they are appropriate for their age. 
 

Tips for Parents: 

• Talk to your kids about the apps they’re using and why they like them. 
• Set limits on how much time your kids can spend on their devices, apps, games, or specific websites. If you have the Blackfoot Connect mobile app, you can easily set schedules, block content and pause the internet. Learn more here: blackfoot.com/resources 
• Monitor your child’s device activity, including app usage and web browsing history. 
• Be aware of the apps your kids are using and research their safety concerns. Using enhanced parental control, block specific apps or limit time on them. 
• Teach your kids about cyberbullying, online predators, and other dangers associated with the internet.