It’s 2024, and children are growing up surrounded by technology. From smartphones to tablets, the digital landscape offers countless opportunities for learning, entertainment, and socializing. However, along with these benefits come potential risks, especially for young and impressionable minds. As a result, parents need to stay vigilant and employ parental controls on apps that their kids frequently use.
We’re rounded up ten apps that parents should be keeping an eye on:
1. TikTok
With its short-form videos and endless scrolling features, TikTok has become a favorite among teenagers. However, its content can range from harmless dance challenges to more mature themes. Parents should use parental controls to restrict access to inappropriate content and ensure their child's safety.
2. Snapchat
Known for its disappearing messages and filters, Snapchat can also be a platform for cyberbullying and inappropriate interactions. Parents should set privacy settings to control who can contact their child and monitor their activity regularly.
3. Instagram
While Instagram is a popular platform for sharing photos and videos, it also exposes users to cyberbullying, explicit content, and harmful challenges. Parents should utilize parental controls to limit who can follow their child and monitor their interactions.
4. YouTube
With a vast array of content, YouTube can be a treasure trove of educational videos or a minefield of inappropriate material. Parents should enable restricted mode and review their child's watch history to ensure they are not exposed to harmful content.
5. Fortnite
Fortnite is an immensely popular online game, that has the potential to be addictive and expose children to strangers and inappropriate language. Parents should set time limits on gameplay and use parental controls to disable voice chat and monitor in-game purchases.
6. WhatsApp
While WhatsApp is primarily a messaging app, it also allows users to share photos, videos, and links. Parents should supervise their child's contacts and conversations to prevent exposure to inappropriate content or online predators, whether on ther mobile device or if they are using WhatsApp Web on a desktop or laptop. Parents should also be aware of the content within WhatsApp groups, and how these groups are set up, as they can lead to users feeling excluded, as well as cyberbullying.
7. Discord
Often used for gaming communities and group chats, Discord can expose children to strangers and inappropriate conversations. Parents should monitor their child's servers and set privacy settings to restrict who can contact them.
8. Roblox
A popular gaming platform among children, Roblox allows users to create and share games with others. However, it also exposes them to user-generated content and online interactions. Parents should use parental controls to restrict chat features and monitor their child's in-game activity.
9. Whisper
Designed for anonymous confessions and sharing secrets, Whisper can expose children to mature content and potentially dangerous situations. Parents should block the app or use parental controls to restrict access to it entirely.
10. Disney+
This one may look like an oxymoron, as Disney’s target audience for the large part has historically always been children! However, Disney+ themselves have recently produced an advert urging parents to use parental controls, as not all content on their platfor is suitable for children of all ages, and this way, parents can monitor which movies or TV shows their little ones can watch.
While these apps offer various benefits, they also pose risks to children's safety and well-being. By employing parental controls and staying actively involved in their child's digital life, parents can help mitigate these risks and ensure a safer online experience for their kids. Communication is key, so parents should also have open and honest conversations with their children about responsible internet usage and the potential dangers they may encounter online. With vigilance and guidance, parents can empower their children to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
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