Wednesday, October 12th has come to be known as National Stop Bullying Day. A little brief history for you.

National Stop Bullying Day: How Can You Do Your Part?

Here are 4 ways you can use FamilyKeeper to keep your kids safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Child safety during Coronavirus (COVID-19)

How to keep our kids safe online while giving them the space they need to grow.

Let Your Kids Spread Their Wings, Safely!

How to balance your kids’ need for technology with your need to protect them.

Worried about cyberthreats? Get your kids a digital helmet!

The current dangers of overexposure to YouTube.

The Dangers of YouTube

Cyberbullying is a type of bullying that happens over digital devices like smartphones, computers and tablets.

Cyberbullying - What You Need To Know

The three main indicators of Screen Addiction that you should watch out for

The Dangers of Screen Addiction

When discussing cyberbullying with your children, it’s hugely important to keep the lines of communication open. The more confident youngsters feel in discussing their online activity, the more autonomy it will give them in terms of pushing back against cyberbullies.

How to Help Your Kids Prevent Cyberbullying

With in-app purchases, it is all too easy to rack up the credit card bill by paying for added extras – whether it’s accidentally or on purpose.

Kids vs. In-App Purchases: 6 Tips to Prevent a Surprise Hefty Bill!

Here are a few tips to help you with gifting digital devices this Christmas.

New Phone for Christmas? Here’s How to Keep Your Kids Safe Online

The aim of Safer Internet Day is to make the internet a safer place, for kids in particular, by raising awareness of emerging online issues and current concerns – from cyberbullying to social networking to digital identity.

Safer Internet Day: What Can We Do to Effect Change?

We’ve put together 5 Pillars of Cyberbullying Prevention for parents to easily implement in the fight against cyberbullying.

5 Tips for Parents to Help Stop Cyberbullying

These five tips aim to help parents manage the unwitting dangers of screen time in a practical and purposeful way.

5 Simple Tips to Manage Kids’ Screen Time

Here are 7 apps to familiarize yourself with in order to best understand what kids may be viewing, how we can find safer ways to monitor them, and how to open up those conversations with your child surrounding if, how and when they should use certain apps.

The Dark Side of our Favorite Apps: 7 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids and Teens

International Stand Up to Bullying Day is a semi-annual event to raise public awareness around bullying in all its forms.

Don't Be a Bystander: It's International Stand Up to Bullying Day!

We’ve delved into the heart of social media use to find the 5 most prominent dangers that we need to be aware of.

The Dark Side of Social Media: 5 Dangers to Be Wary Of

The word ‘games’ implies fun – but some of these popular online experiences, even those aimed at kids, contain worrying content. Here's what you should be looking out for.

7 Alarming Online Games to Watch Out For

This International Children’s Book Day, whether your child is holding a tablet or a physical book, it’s time to explore the world of children’s literature.

International Children’s Book Day: Switch Off Screens and Curl Up with a Good Book!

Our job is to keep you and your family cyber safe – so this year, enjoy our top tips for a stress-free Easter!

3 Tips to Keep Your Loved Ones Cyber Safe this Easter!

Over 40% of teenagers have reported experiencing loneliness as a result of social media – an astonishing figure considering that ‘social’ implies togetherness.

40% of Teenagers Experience Loneliness. Help Protect Them With These 3 Steps

Social media platforms, chatrooms, WhatsApp and text messaging, online gaming – the advent of web-based connections is affecting our ability to form face-to-face relationships with people.

Too Much Screen Time? Risks, Dangers, and What We Can Do to Help

As adults, we may have trained ourselves to function on less sleep – but try reasoning with an overtired toddler or a moody teenager and you may well be on a mission to lessen screen time, and create a more serene bedtime experience for your family!

Put Those Screens Away! 4 Ways To Make Bedtime Easier

National Missing Children’s Day serves as a reminder that we should continue our efforts to reunite missing children with their families.

Keeping Our Children Safe – The No. 1 Priority Of All Parents

We’ve rounded up 5 top apps that provide educational value this summer – so that you can get stuff done, your children can be happily occupied, and they learn a little something too!

Can Screen Time be Beneficial? 5 Apps with Educational Value

How do you set the boundaries when your child receives a phone? And how do you keep your kids safe from online harm? Never fear - we've got you covered!

Back to School, Back to Routine. Why Do I Need A Parental Control App?

Lead gaming app Roblox is an online platform where games can be both made and played by users. With so many varied games on offer, there are games on the platform that aren’t remotely child-friendly or appropriate for all ages.

Worried About Sexual Roblox Content? 5 Games to Look Out For

Which are the latest dangerous crazes that have emerged from social media?

Online Threats To Be Aware Of: 3 Dangerous TikTok Challenges

Wednesday, October 12th has come to be known as National Stop Bullying Day.

FamilyKeeper has rounded up the top apps to help you and your kids enhance Thanksgiving.

Top Apps To Enhance This Year’s Thanksgiving With Your Kids

Cyberbullying can affect a victim’s self-esteem, self-confidence, social behavior, school work, self-worth, and self-awareness, and lead to extremities such as self-harm and in the worst cases, even suicide.

Cyberbullying on Social Media: When Does It Become Violent?

There are more new apps than ever exploding onto the scene. We’ve rounded up the top 3 new apps that parents ought to know about.

Three Popular Apps in 2023 That Parents Should Know About

There are some inherent risks that parents and guardians should be aware of when it comes to their kids and Discord's safety.

Is Discord Safe For Kids? Everything You Need To Know

There are so many popular apps for kids in 2023, but there are several genres of mobile apps that parents should be concerned about. So which popular apps should you consider blocking?

Dangerous Apps To Block: How To Block Apps And Why

Gacha Games are a relatively new genre of online gaming, whose popularity is on the rise.

What are Gacha Games and who plays them? Everything you need to know

"Sneaky link" is a slang term that refers to a secret or discreet meeting between two people who are romantically interested in each other.

Sneaky Link: The What, Who, How, and Why of This Online Slang

## Sneaky link meaning 

What is a “sneaky link”? "Sneaky link" is a slang term that refers to a secret or discreet meeting between two people who are romantically interested in each other. It can also refer to the act of sending a message to someone, via Whatsapp, SMS, or another social media platform, to meet up secretly or in a low-key manner.

## What does sneaky link mean in practice?

So what does sneaky link mean when someone uses it online? Usually, the term “sneaky link” refers to visiting or hanging out with someone else without others knowing about it, especially if it's done secretly or discreetly. 

## Sneaky link slang - where is it used?

Sneaky link slang is often used on social media platforms or messaging apps such as Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Discord. In general, sneaky link slang refers to a message or invitation sent with the intention of meeting up in secret or without anyone else knowing. For example, someone might say they're sending a "sneaky link" to their crush to invite them over without their parents finding out.

However, it's worth noting that the term can also be used in a more lighthearted or joking manner, such as sharing a link to a funny meme or video. It's important to understand the context and tone of the conversation to determine the intended meaning of "sneaky link."

Some examples of where the term “sneaky link” might be used:

- **SMS messages or social media posts**: People might use the term "sneaky link" when making plans to meet up with someone they're dating, but don't want to publicly reveal their relationship status.
- **Friendly banter**: Friends might use the term "sneaky link" to refer to a friend who is constantly meeting up with someone they're interested in, but keeping it on the down-low.
- **Pop culture**: The term "sneaky link" has become popularized in songs, memes, and online discussions about dating and relationships.
- **Online dating forums**: Some people might use the term "sneaky link" in their online dating profiles as a way to signal that they're looking for a discreet or low-key relationship.

## Who uses sneaky links?

Young people are more likely to understand the sneaky link meaning as this term is more likely to be used among the teen demographic, particularly in the context of online dating and hookups.

Sneaky link behavior is commonly used in the context of romantic or sexual relationships where one or both parties are trying to keep their connection hidden from others, such as their friends or family. It implies a degree of secrecy or “sneakiness”, as the individuals involved may be trying to avoid getting caught or discovered.

## Sneaky link TikTok usage

On TikTok, "sneaky links" are often used in videos related to dating, relationships, and hookups. For example:

- **Challenges**: There are challenges on TikTok where users film themselves doing a "sneaky link," which involves secretly meeting up with a crush or significant other without getting caught.
- **Storytimes**: TikTok users share "storytimes" where they talk about their experiences with sneaky links, including how they met, where they went, and how they managed to keep it a secret.
- **Advice videos**: Some TikTok users offer advice on how to have a successful sneaky link, such as choosing a discreet location, wearing disguises, and being mindful of social media posts.
- **Memes**: There are also memes on TikTok that use the "sneaky link" concept for comedic effects, such as videos of people hiding in bushes or sneaking around corners.

As many of the instances of sneaky link TikTok usage could have quite adult themes, it’s important for parents to be aware if their kids are being influenced in this area.

## Is using sneaky links dangerous?
The concept of a "sneaky link" itself is not inherently dangerous, as it simply refers to meeting someone secretly or discreetly. However, the circumstances surrounding a sneaky link could potentially be dangerous depending on the specific situation.

For example, meeting someone you don't know well or have never met before in a secluded or unfamiliar location could be risky. Similarly, if a sneaky link meet-up involves deception or lies, such as cheating on a partner or going behind someone's back, it could lead to emotional harm and damage to relationships.

Some sneaky link behavior has the potential to be suspicious or risky. For example:

- **Lying to friends or family about plans**: Kids meeting up with someone secretly might lie to friends or family about where they're going and who they're meeting. But internet safeguarding recommendations include tellings friends or family members where you are going so that if something goes wrong, they have a lead - so the deception involved here could be very worrying.
- **Using code words or emojis**: Individuals might use secretive code words or emojis to communicate with the person they’re having a “sneaky link” meet up with, without arousing suspicion from others. 
- **Meeting up in secret locations**: Meet-ups in locations that are out of the way or hidden from others are classic sneaky link behavior.
- **Hiding phone or turning off notifications**: Being super secretive with a device or turning off notifications to avoid getting caught by someone is also typical sneaky link behavior.

Additionally, the ‘sneaky’ element of these meet-ups suggests something covert and insinuates that sometimes ‘sneaky link’ meet-ups can be used to cheat.

Ultimately, whether a sneaky link is dangerous or not depends on the specific situation and the actions of those involved. It can be flirty or cheeky, or imply a serious or casual hook-up. Sneaky link TikTok usage could be innocent or provocative.  Whatever the case may be, it's important to prioritize personal safety and ethical behavior in any kind of relationship or interaction. 

Keeping channels of communication open with your kids is really important when it comes to learning how to navigate the world of social media.  If your child is posting videos or messages involving the sneaky link slang term, encourage them to talk to a trusted friend or family member about the possible implications.

For more information on helping your child safely navigate the digital world, visit [www.familykeeper.com](http://www.familykeeper.com) or download the app from [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.reasonlabs.familykeeper.parentalcontrol.parents) or [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/familykeeper-parental-control/id1637350511).

Sneaky Link.png

It’s almost impossible these days to keep up with what games are popular online - never mind how to play them! Aside from anything else, it’s extraordinary to see how easily the younger generation picks up online game rules, techniques, and maneuvers while their parents are left scratching their heads at what seems like an impossible game to decipher.

Gacha Games are a relatively new genre of online gaming, whose popularity is on the rise. But what is gacha, who is playing gacha games, and what are the risks? Here’s everything you need to know:

## Gacha games - “gacha” meaning

“Gacha” comes from the Japanese word “[gachapon](https://www.google.com/search?q=gachapon+meaning&oq=gachapon+meaning&aqs=chrome.0.0i512j0i390i650l5.9889j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8)” - an onomatopoeic term connecting the sound "gacha” for the hand-cranking action of a toy-vending machine, and "pon" for the toy capsule landing in the collection tray. 

“Gacha games” are a type of mobile game that involve players spending in-game currency or real money to obtain random virtual items, characters, equipment, or units through a virtual lottery or “vending machine”, often in the form of randomized rewards known as "gacha pulls" or "loot boxes." These items may be used to enhance gameplay and further progress in the game by buying chances to get better or rarer items, or simply for collection purposes. 

## What is a gacha game?

Gacha games typically have a strong emphasis on social features, such as multiplayer modes or player rankings, and may offer regular events or updates to keep players engaged. While gacha games are popular and lucrative, they have also been criticized for their addictive nature, predatory monetization practices, and potential for encouraging gambling behavior.

## Who plays gacha games?

Gacha games are played by a wide range of people of different ages and backgrounds. Gacha games are particularly popular among gamers who enjoy collecting and customizing characters, as gacha games often involve collecting virtual items and characters through randomized draws. 

In general, gacha games are popular among gamers who enjoy mobile gaming, as they are often designed to be played on smartphones and tablets. However, gacha games can also be played on other platforms, such as PC and consoles.

## Why is gacha popular?

Gacha games have become increasingly popular in recent years and many games of this type use anime or manga-style graphics and storytelling. Players can use their collections of virtual items to battle other players, progress through the game's story, or simply collect and show off their favorite characters.

What makes gacha popular though? There are probably several reasons we can attribute to the growth in popularity of gacha games:
- **Accessibility**: Gacha games can be easily downloaded and played on mobile devices. Additionally, gacha games’ variety of characters and items that can be randomly obtained creates a sense of excitement and anticipation for players.
- **Sociability**: Another factor contributing to the popularity of gacha games is the social aspect of the games. Many gacha games form strong communities of players who can share information, strategies, and experiences with each other.
- **Engagement**: Gacha games are also very engaging, as they offer regular updates and events which can keep players motivated to continue playing. These updates and events may introduce new characters, items, and storylines, which can offer a sense of freshness and variety to the game.

## Gacha Games Mobile - Android and iOS

As mentioned above, because gacha games can be played on your mobile phone, this makes them easily accessible and can offer regular new and evolving content.

Some of the most popular gacha games for mobile play on the market include some legendary favorites - Pokémon Masters, Marvel Strike Force, and Nintendo’s Fire Emblem Heroes - as well as some newer creations such as Arknight and Azur Lane. 

## Gacha games - Gacha Life

One of the most popular gacha games is [Gacha Life](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.lunime.gachalife&hl=en&gl=US&pli=1), a mobile game app developed and published by Lunime. Players can create their own anime-style characters and customize their appearance, outfits, and accessories using a wide variety of clothing items and accessories. The game also features a studio mode where players can create their own scenes, skits, and stories using their customized characters. Users can also interact with other players. 

Gacha Life is not a gacha game in the traditional sense. While the game does feature a gacha system where players can spend in-game currency to obtain randomized items such as clothing, hairstyles, and accessories, the focus of the game is not on collecting rare or powerful characters. Rather, the gacha element is a way for players to expand their options for customizing their own characters. In this game, players can earn virtual currency and spend it on "gacha" machines to obtain rare clothing and accessories for their characters.

Gacha Life has gained popularity among young people and has also become a platform for creating and sharing user-generated content, including skits, animations, and music videos featuring Gacha Life characters.

## Are Gacha games dangerous? 

Gacha games have some potential risks and dangers, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as children, teenagers, or individuals with gambling addiction tendencies. So what could make a gacha game dangerous?

Some gacha games have faced criticism for their monetization practices and for promoting gambling-like behavior among players. These games often use randomized mechanics to distribute rewards and offer various forms of in-game purchases, which can lead to addictive behavior or excessive spending.

Players can become emotionally invested in their virtual items and experience distress or depression when they fail to acquire desired items or lose them. Furthermore, some gacha games may feature inappropriate content, such as violence or sexually suggestive imagery, which can be harmful to younger players.

However, it is important to note that not all gacha games are synonymous with being dangerous or harmful. Some gacha games may contain content that is more geared toward children, while others may be more geared toward adult gamers. Some games may offer fair and transparent reward systems, and age-appropriate content, and provide players with a fun and enjoyable experience.

Even so, as with any form of online entertainment or gaming, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and take appropriate measures to ensure safe and responsible gameplay:

- Parents and guardians should monitor their children's gaming habits, and understand how the gambling aspect of gacha games is utilized to verify if it’s appropriate.
- Speak to your child about using any kind of currency online, whether it’s crypto or other - set clear spending limits and decide depending on their age and level of responsibility what is and isn’t acceptable, both from financial and security perspectives.
- Setting clear screen time limits is also recommended as these kinds of games can prove very addictive.
- Stranger danger can also be a concern, and as such, be aware of any online gaming communities your child may wish to join through gacha games. 


35_Gacha Games.png

With so many apps available that provide entertainment or educational value, it can be challenging to sift through which apps are as innocent as they look and are actually safe apps for kids, and which apps can pose online dangers or risks for your kids, and should really be added to your dangerous apps list.

There are so many popular apps for kids in 2023, but there are several genres of mobile apps that parents should be concerned about. Now that we have a “block apps” feature at our disposal on the FamilyKeeper parental control app, it’s important to take a look at which popular apps are unsafe apps for kids and should really be on the dangerous apps list - and also [how to block apps on iPhones](https://familykeeper.reasonlabs.com/ios_app), and [how to block apps on Android](https://familykeeper.reasonlabs.com/android_app) smartphones. 

So which popular apps should you consider blocking?

## Dangerous Apps List - Unsafe Apps for Kids

### Social Media Apps

Social media apps are basically synonymous with having a smartphone, so it’s important to understand where the problems lie. Social media apps, as adults will know, are useful and fun up to a point. However, there’s a fine line where they move from enhancing your life to becoming a narcissistic whirlwind of ‘Look at me!’ and ‘Is my life interesting enough?’, followed by the other body image, self-worth, and ‘Like / Love’ [dopamine hit](https://www.jeffersonhealth.org/your-health/living-well/the-addictiveness-of-social-media-how-teens-get-hooked) problems that can cause screen time addiction.

For impressionable young people, social media apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, can be dangerous as they can expose children and teens to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and online predators. It’s important that parents understand how these social media apps work, what they entail, and whether their children are old enough to have accounts.

### Dating Apps

There are many dating apps available these days. The most popular and well-known dating apps are, amongst others, Tinder, Bumble, and Grindr. However, these apps are specifically designed for adults, and although each may have its own safeguards - for example, Bumble allows the female to have control over when contact is initiated - each and any of these dating apps can expose children and teens to inappropriate content, online grooming, and sexual exploitation.

Due to the nature of meeting unknown contacts over dating apps, these apps are deemed unsafe apps for kids.

### Gaming Apps

Many gaming apps are addictive and time-consuming, leading to decreased productivity, social isolation, and sleep deprivation. Additionally, some gaming apps may expose children and teens to violent or graphic content. For example, Roblox is notorious for inadvertently [exposing children to sexual content](https://familykeeper.reasonlabs.com/blog/worried-about-sexual-roblox-content-5-games-to-look-out-for). Fortnite is a popular multiplayer game that involves shooting and fighting with intense graphics. And Call of Duty has released a mobile version of the popular first-person shooter game, which also involves realistic depictions of violence and is rated for ages 17+. 

It's important for parents to review the content and ratings of any gaming app before allowing their children to download and play it.  

### Anonymous Chat Apps

Anonymous apps like Whisper and Anonymous Chat allow users to post anonymously, which can lead to cyberbullying, harassment, and online grooming - and are therefore unsafe apps for kids. By definition, we can’t ever know for sure who is behind an unknown profile, so apps like these are extremely dangerous for naive young users. Recently, many apps have come under fire from governing bodies, educational institutions, and the parenting community for not doing enough to protect young users.

For example, TikTok has recently faced criticism for not doing enough to shield teens from inappropriate content. In response, TikTok has added a [new feature](https://www.reuters.com/technology/tiktok-develop-parental-control-tool-block-certain-videos-2023-03-01/), whereby teens will need to enter a passcode to continue using the app past the one-hour time limit. Additionally, parents will be able to block videos that contain specific words or hashtags. Similarly, Instagram’s new ‘[Quiet Mode](https://techcrunch.com/2023/01/19/instagrams-new-quiet-mode-helps-you-take-a-break-from-the-app/)’ will allow users to manage their screen time, take a break and switch off.

While it’s good to know that companies themselves are taking some responsibility to lessen the negative effects of app use, ultimately, it’s the parents of young users who have their child’s best interests at heart. Now that we’ve discussed which apps are unsafe apps for kids, we can examine how to block apps that don’t make the safety cut - and also see whether there is an app to block apps that can handle this safety measure.

## FamilyKeeper - The App To Block Apps

All parents should know how to block apps on iPhones and how to block apps on Android phones. It is important for parents to monitor their children's mobile app usage and take steps to ensure that they are not exposed to inappropriate content or online predators.  FamilyKeeper is a great app to block apps as it allows parents to decide which apps to block or unblock at any time. FamilyKeeper can also help parents limit screen time, and monitor their children's online activity.

### How To Block Apps On Phones

To learn how to block apps on phones using the FamilyKeeper parental control app, follow these steps:

1. Open the FamilyKeeper app on the parent device.
2. Go to the "Control" section in the app.
3. Click on the "App Blocker" option.
4. You will see a list of all the apps installed on your child's device. Select the app that you want to block.
5. Once you have selected the app, you will see the option to either "Block" the app. If you choose to block the app, your child will not be able to access it at all. 
6. After making your selection, click on the "Save" button.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 for any other apps that you want to block.

### How To Block Apps At Certain Times 

If you don’t want to block a particular app completely, but you want to be able to block apps at certain times - for example, maybe you want to turn off Instagram at night so your child isn’t disturbed or distracted by so many pinging messages, or you want to discourage endless scrolling - follow these steps:

1. Open the FamilyKeeper app on the parent device.
2. Go to the "Control" section in the app.
3. Click on the "App Blocker" option.
4. You will see a list of all the apps installed on your child's device. Select the app you want to add a time limit to. 
5. Once you have selected the app, you will see the option to "Time Limit" the app.  If you choose to time limit the app, your child will only be able to use the app for a certain amount of time each day.
6. After making your selection, click on the "Save" button.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 for any other apps to which you would like to add screen time limits.

At FamilyKeeper, our commitment to keeping kids cyber safe is our highest priority. However, we encourage parents to use their good judgment when it comes to blocking or limiting apps on their child’s phones. It goes without saying that inappropriate apps should be blocked for younger users. 

Teens are a different story. Once your child reaches an age where they feel they are responsible to use certain apps, and also want some of their own privacy, we encourage you to talk to your child about how, why, and when they use particular apps. And if an app really does seem dangerous and your child shouldn’t be using it, it’s worthwhile taking the time to explain the risks to your child.

For more information on different features of the FamilyKeeper app, including blocking unknown contacts, geolocation tools, and alerts when inappropriate language is detected, visit us at [https://familykeeper.reasonlabs.com/](https://familykeeper.reasonlabs.com/) or download the app from [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.reasonlabs.familykeeper.parentalcontrol.parents) or the [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/familykeeper-parental-control/id1637350511). 


34_How to block apps-1.png

Discord is a popular messaging and voice chat platform that is widely used by gamers and other online communities. While it can be a useful tool for communication and connecting with others, is Discord safe for kids? There are some inherent risks that parents and guardians should be aware of when it comes to their kids and Discord safety.

## Is Discord for kids? 

Discord is a versatile messaging app that allows users to communicate with each other in a variety of ways, making it a popular choice for online communities and gaming groups. But is Discord for kids? Discord was primarily designed for gamers but has since expanded to other communities as well. It allows users to create and join ‘servers’ where they can chat with other members via text, voice, and video. Discord servers are essentially online communities centered around specific topics or interests and can be made public or private.

## Is Discord for teens?

There are some Discord servers that are designed specifically for kids with age-appropriate content and moderation, including educational, gaming, and social servers. Additionally, there are Discord servers for teens, which typically provide a space for teens to socialize, share interests, and connect with others in their age group. 

Teens Discord servers may focus on specific teen-related topics or hobbies, while others may be more general and open to discussing a wide range of topics. Additionally, many teen Discord servers have rules and guidelines in place to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all members.

However, parents and guardians should be aware that Discord servers are not inherently safe for kids and teens and they should understand the Discord dangers. While the platform offers many tools to keep users safe, including moderation and content-filtering features, there is still the risk of encountering inappropriate content or interacting with strangers who may not have good intentions. 

According to the [NSPCC](https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/online-safety-blog/should-i-let-my-child-use-discord/), young users have contacted Childline to support cyberbullying and online harassment that they have experienced using this app, making its use a worry for parents. With this knowledge in hand, parents and guardians can draw their own conclusions on the answer to the question: “Is Discord safe for kids?”

Discord’s minimum age recommendation on their site is 13+, but on the App store, its age rating is 17+ and on the Google Play Store it has a “Teen” rating. However, under-17s can still register and use the platform. 

## How does Discord work?

When you sign up for Discord, you need to instigate a username, and you can then create a server that you can invite your friends to. You can join existing servers by using an invite link or by searching for servers based on your interests.

Within a server, a user can chat with other members using text-based channels, or join voice channels to talk with them using a microphone. Users can also share images, videos, and other files within the server.

Discord also includes several features to make communication easier, such as the ability to tag specific users or groups of users, react to messages with emojis, and send direct messages to other users. Additionally, Discord allows users to integrate third-party apps and bots, which can be used to perform a variety of tasks such as playing music or moderating chat.

## Discord safety and Discord security codes

How safe is Discord from a cybersecurity perspective? Discord offers a two-factor authentication (2FA) security code as an additional layer of security that helps to protect your account from unauthorized access. Anyone who uses Discord can choose to enable the security code feature and use 2FA to better secure their account. It is especially recommended for users who have sensitive information on their accounts and may want to take extra precautions to prevent hacking or unauthorized access. 

Discord bot security is another component users should be aware of. Security bot Discord technologies function as applications designed to protect and secure a Discord server. These bots are equipped with features such as anti-spam, anti-raid, anti-phishing, anti-malware, and anti-bot protection, which help to prevent malicious attacks and ensure the safety of the server and its members. They also provide tools for managing server permissions, monitoring user activity, and enforcing rules and regulations. Discord security bots are essential for maintaining a secure and safe community on the platform.

### Discord dangers

Despite the cybersecurity features that are in place, we still need to know more about the dangers of Discord, Discord trust and safety issues, and what risks should users be aware of.

### Inappropriate content

One risk of using Discord for kids is the potential for exposure to inappropriate content. While Discord has policies in place to prevent the sharing of explicit or harmful content, it is still possible for users to encounter such material. For example, some users may create channels or servers dedicated to sharing inappropriate images or videos. Additionally, users can share links to external websites that may contain inappropriate content.

### Cyberbullying

Like any online platform, Discord is not immune to cyberbullying. Bullying behavior can occur, such as spreading rumors or gossip, sending threatening messages, or excluding others from channels or servers. This can have a serious impact on the mental health and well-being of young users.

### Online predators

Another risk is the potential for exposure to online predators. While Discord has policies in place to prevent users from sharing personal information, it is still possible for young users to be targeted by online predators. Predators may pose as other kids or adults in order to gain the trust of their targets and ultimately exploit them in some way.

## Discord trust and safety measures

What can parents and guardians do to help protect their kids while they are using Discord? 

Here are a few tips:

1. **Monitor your child's activity on Discord**: While it's important to give kids some privacy, it's also important to know what they are doing on the platform. You can ask them to show you what they are doing or join the server yourself to see what's happening.

2. **Set screen time limits**: It's important to set limits on how much time kids spend on Discord (and other screen-based activities) in order to ensure they are not spending too much time online.

3. **Use the “Report” feature**: Discord has a "Report" feature that allows users to report channels or servers that violate the platform's terms of service. Encourage your child to use this feature if they encounter something that makes them feel uncomfortable, such as inappropriate content or behavior.

4. **Oversharing personal information**: Remind your child not to share personal information, such as their full name, address, phone number, or other identifying information on Discord (or any other online platform).

5. **Communication is key**: It's important to have ongoing conversations with your child about online safety. Encourage them to come to you if they encounter something that makes them feel uncomfortable or if they are being bullied or harassed online.

By taking these steps, you can help protect your child while they are using Discord, or any other popular social media apps.

Additionally, utilizing a parental control app like FamilyKeeper, with in-built screen time limiting features and offensive keyword notifications, can help you monitor your child’s online activity. 

If you are interested in learning more about the dangers of particular apps, and the benefits of using a parental control app, you can read more [here](https://familykeeper.reasonlabs.com/why).

For more information on different features of the FamilyKeeper app, including blocking unknown contacts, geolocation tools, and alerts when inappropriate language is detected, visit us at [https://familykeeper.reasonlabs.com/](https://familykeeper.reasonlabs.com/) or download the app from [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.reasonlabs.familykeeper.parentalcontrol.parents) or the [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/familykeeper-parental-control/id1637350511). 



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New year, new resolutions, new technology, new apps, new dangers … at the rate technology is constantly evolving and changing, there is always something new on the scene. And while that ‘something new’ may be the most amazing piece of technology ever, as we are all aware, there are often side effects as well.

There are more new apps than ever exploding onto the scene. We’ve rounded up the top 3 new apps that parents ought to know about:

## ChatGPT
ChatGPT from [OpenAI](https://openai.com/) is currently taking the world by storm with its innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) to write and inform about anything and everything.

So what exactly is ChatGPT? In short, ChatGPT is a next-generation chatbot that uses AI in order to understand natural human language and generate impressively human-like written content. Created by OpenAI, an AI research and deployment company, the letters ‘GPT’ here refer to ‘Generative Pre-Trained Transformer’ i.e. a sophisticated model that uses deep machine learning to produce human-like text.

What’s most fascinating about this new chatbot is that it can generate new sentences and large volumes of material relevant to the user, rather than simply repeating pre-recorded responses, as seen with previous chatbots.  

With more than a [million users](https://www.demandsage.com/chatgpt-statistics/), ChatGPT is being used for anything and everything, from generating informal content like Secret Santa riddles and Best Man wedding speeches to creating more formal articles and academic essays, and writing computer code. Poems, plays, stories and essays - this text generator can seemingly produce entire written works after being fed a simple text prompt. 

Recent concerns surrounding this product have included: 
- Will students use it for homework? 
- Will it pass muster for academic essays? 
- Is it ‘cheating’? 
- Can people recognize that these texts are AI-generated? 

New York public schools have [reportedly](https://techcrunch.com/2023/01/05/as-nyc-public-schools-block-chatgpt-openai-says-its-working-on-mitigations-to-help-spot-chatgpt-generated-text/) already restricted access to ChatGPT amid fears that it will be used to cheat at schoolwork - leading OpenAI to open the discussion of whether they will add a watermark to their content to alert educators if the app has been used, and also how best they can direct the app to be of educational value.

Be sure to impress upon your child that they shouldn’t use this app as a ‘quick fix’ when it comes to homework and projects. It doesn’t help students develop problem-solving or critical-thinking skills.

## BeReal
Created in 2020, [BeReal](https://bere.al/en) is a French social media app that has been steadily gaining popularity in the U.S. In August of 2022, it [surpassed](https://petapixel.com/bereal-guide/) 20 million downloads - cementing it as a top new app by Apple. 

BeReal is a simple photo-sharing app, designed to be used among friends, whereby photos are shared at a different set time every day. Since users do not know in advance when the picture will be taken and shared, there can't be any planning or enhancing for the best impression. It’s designed to remove the fake gloss that tints Instagram and other social media apps, offering more authenticity and less photoshopping. Unlike other social media platforms, BeReal actively prevents branding and audience building, keeping the user experience as ‘rea’ as possible.

Although safety concerns have been addressed to a degree - for example, the default setting is private unless the user changes it to public, and as with Snapchat, photos are deleted after 24 hours. The ongoing issue is that if someone chooses to screenshot an image, they will still retain it even after the app has been deleted. Sharing photos online is an ongoing concern, there’s always the risk of strangers or possible predators. Additionally, you don’t know what other content your child could be exposed to.

Another thing to be aware of with the new app: Location. The default is that the user’s location is shown - a child or teen needs to turn it off to protect their privacy manually. It’s these little details concerning their privacy that young users may not know about. 

## Mastodon

Have you heard of Mastodon yet? [In 2022](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jan/01/revenue-tesla-elon-musks-twitter-staff-investors), millions of users began flocking to the new social media platform. So what is Mastodon? 

This decentralized social media network currently has 1.4 million monthly active users, according to its website. Mastodon is built on open-source software and resides on the Fediverse, which stands for "federated universe," an online universe of applications and websites connected by thousands of independent servers. Currently, there are about 5,700 Mastodon servers on the Fediverse. Much of the appeal of this social media network stems from the fact that it doesn't belong to any one person or organization.

So, unlike connecting to one platform or organization, in the case of Twitter for example, when you connect to Mastodon, you first connect to one of these servers, run by either a group or individual person. Each group may have its own rules for joining and how content is moderated - in a similar fashion to a Facebook Group admin or moderator. Once you are on a server, you can see posts and messages from anyone across the entirety of Mastodon's servers.

So what are the Mastodon risks and concerns?

Mastodon has a clear [Privacy Policy](https://mastodon.social/privacy-policy) explaining that they collect user data including email addresses, IP addresses, and browser metadata, as this helps with moderation and functionality. The actual privacy risks lie in the operator of the server, who can view a lot more sensitive information, like direct messages users exchange on Mastodon. These messages aren’t end-to-end encrypted, which means that the server owner can read everything in plaintext. 

On its website [Terms of Service](https://mstdn.io/terms), Mastodon suggests that users do not share any sensitive information on the platform. However, young social media users have increasingly shown themselves to be relatively unaware of their digital footprint and their disclosing of sensitive information online. So before your kid uses this app, reiterate to them the importance of online privacy. 

Whatever new apps your kids are experimenting with, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with them and get savvy surrounding any risks and pitfalls. Using a parental control app, such as [FamilyKeeper](http://familykeeper.reasonlabs.com), is also recommended, as you will receive alerts if your child’s safety is being compromised, such as if an unknown contact is attempting to message them, or offensive language is being used on an app.

For more information, visit: [https://familykeeper.reasonlabs.com/](https://familykeeper.reasonlabs.com/)

3 Apps parents should know about in 2023 (1).jpg

## Cyberbullying On Social Media

At this stage in the development of social media platforms and worldwide internet usage, you’ve probably heard of cyberbullying. To put it simply, ‘[cyberbullying](https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/what-is-it)’ is the use of technology to bully someone online - either through harassment, embarrassment, rude and offensive comments, or ‘trolling’, with the aim of shaming or scaring those targeted.

In the past, bullying may have taken place in the schoolyard or the workplace, and it used to be much easier to spot. What’s so scary nowadays is that social media platforms can be used - sometimes anonymously, sometimes in a more blatant manner - to bully a victim 24/7. There’s just no escape from it - a bully can attack at any time of day or night. Cyberbullying on social media has taken over as the new form of physical bullying.

Cyberbullying can affect a victim’s self-esteem, self-confidence, social behavior, school work, self-worth, and self-awareness, and lead to extremities such as self-harm and in the worst cases, even suicide.

## Social Media Cyberbullying Statistics

According to a recent Pew Research Center study that focused on social media cyberbullying statistics, almost half of US teenagers aged 13-17 say they are online “almost constantly”. The study also shows that the most popular social media platforms among this age group are YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.

Over [50% of kids in the United States](https://www.npr.org/2019/10/31/774838891/its-a-smartphone-life-more-than-half-of-u-s-children-now-have-one) have a mobile phone device by the time they are 11.  95% of teens in the U.S. are online, and the [vast majority](https://cyberbullying.org/Cyberbullying-Identification-Prevention-Response.pdf) choose their mobile device as their preferred method of accessing the Internet - which in turn suggests that the use of these devices is the most common way to be cyber bullied.  

As of 2021, over 45.5% percent of middle- and high-school-aged kids in the US reported experiencing cyberbullying - a shockingly high rate.  And among social media platforms, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat are the ones with the [highest rate](https://enough.org/stats_cyberbullying) of cyberbullying cases.

## Effects of Cyberbullying on Social Media

Now that we’ve established what cyberbullying on social media is, it does beg the question, what effects is this having on our society? Worryingly, there’s a new buzzword in town: ‘cyber violence.’ 

Due to the way that humans can now interact with each other, it’s not just physical violence that poses a threat. The nature of abuse has transfigured into cyber violence. ‘Cyber violence’ is the upper echelon of cyberbullying. Cyber violence can affect anyone but unfortunately, the nature of gender-based violence means that at the moment, women and girls are the most likely victims.  

Women and girls are now having to deal with ‘digital assaults’ that result in permanent damage - they can often be either too embarrassed or ashamed to deal with their experience and so in many cases, there is no recourse.  There’s also a very real worry that these digital fists will be the forerunners to physical violence.

The most notable forms of cyber violence against females are currently:
- Non-consensual image sharing
- Non-consensual video sharing 
- Online intimidation and threats via email or social media platforms
- Online sexual harassment, or ‘sextortion’
- Stalking, including the use of tracking apps and devices 
- Impersonation
- Economic harm via digital means

These activities can all lead to sexual exploitation and abuse. Additionally, the online damage is usually irreparable - if a non-consensual, offensive image is posted on the internet, it’s almost impossible to remove it. The notions of ‘sharing’ and ‘screenshotting’ mean that once an image is posted on the world wide web, it’s always there. 

‘Revenge porn’ is another form of cyber violence, whereby images are used and shared on the internet without the person’s consent, to damage their reputation or humiliate or coerce them. And though revenge porn is carried out by someone the victim knows, other acts of cyber violence involve hackers stealing and distributing images without the victim knowing or consenting - and then ‘victim shaming’ them should they find out.  In a sick kind of ‘finders keepers’ fashion, there is a philosophy that anything appropriated on the internet is fair play - but this shouldn’t be allowed to be the case. 

Research by the World Health Organization has estimated that one in ten women has already experienced a form of cyber violence since the age of 15. If we are to assume that Internet access is now a human right - especially as livelihoods depend on its usage - then we need to make sure that cyberspace is a safe place to be. 

The European Council Commissioner for Human Rights [reported](https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/no-space-for-violence-against-women-and-girls-in-the-digital-world) in March 2022 that:

>“The lack of comprehensive and accurate data collection in this area results in information being fragmented and incomplete, but the little we do know suffices to conclude that the magnitude of digital violence against women and girls and ensuring impunity remains colossal, having an impact on society as a whole.”

In the UK, good news comes in the form of the [Online Safety Bill](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/online-safety-bill-supporting-documents/online-safety-bill-factsheet), which reached the UK parliament this December in an effort to make the digital world a safe and empowering space for users. Acts such as upskirting, downblousing, and uploading non-consensual photographs will be criminalized for the first time. Platforms likely to be accessed by children will have a legal duty to protect young people using their services.
Likewise, even websites directed at adults will have to ‘address named categories of legal but harmful material accessed by adults, likely to include issues such as abuse, harassment, or exposure to content encouraging self-harm or eating disorders.’ Websites will have to start taking accountability for what they are posting, or what users are posting on their sites. By pushing these businesses to take responsibility for their users’ antics, governments hope to lessen the effects of cyberbullying on social media.

The Online Safety Bill will also impose a duty of care on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to prevent users from being exposed to illegal content. Any platforms which fail to protect users will need to answer to the regulator and could face fines of up to 10% of their revenues, or even be blocked.

In the words of the Human Rights Commissioner, there should be ‘no space for violence against women and girls in the digital world.’ As parents especially, our job is to create a safe environment for our children to be in, and a better world for their future. The battle to criminalize more of these activities and keep people safe online is paramount - this should be legislation that every country in the world is pushing for and adopting.

## Cyberbullying Examples on Social Media

The push for further legislation protecting online users from cyberbullying has been exacerbated by recent examples of cyberbullying on social media that have produced tragic results. In 2019, [Channing Smith](https://edition.cnn.com/2019/09/30/us/channing-smith-suicide-cyberbullying-tennessee-trnd/index.html), a 16-year-old from Manchester, Tennessee, took his own life on September 23 after two classmates publicized screenshots of explicit text conversations he had with another young man, outing him as bisexual. 

[McKenna Brown’s](https://www.abcactionnews.com/community/you-are-not-alone/pinellas-mother-says-cyberbullying-played-a-part-in-daughters-death) mother reported the changes that her daughter underwent in terms of self-confidence and mental well-being, ultimately leading to her suicide in August 2022, after a compromising non-consensual photo of her was shared online. And the case of [Amanda Todd](https://bc.ctvnews.ca/cyberbullying-case-b-c-teen-the-victim-of-persistent-campaign-of-sextortion-trial-hears-1.5934921), who committed suicide in 2012 after being the victim of online sextortion, continued up until this year, as her abuser only faced trial in June 2022. 

## Cyberbullying and Cyber Violence: What Do Parents Need To Know

If you are worried your child is experiencing cyberbullying: 

- Communicate: Use open-ended questions to get your child talking and ask how they’re feeling. Listen without judgment, let your child know that you support them, and make sure they know you will help stop the bullying.
- Block the Bully: Help your child block the bully on social media sites and messaging apps.
- Report It: If your teen is being cyberbullied, [report](https://cyberbullying.org/report) it to the website or app where it’s happening.
- Seek Professional Help: If you or your child is feeling overwhelmed, you can look to professional help and support.

The use of parental control apps, such as [FamilyKeeper](https://familykeeper.reasonlabs.com/), can also help parents monitor what their child may be experiencing online. Parents can set up offensive keyword alerts and image monitoring. Additionally, parents can block unknown contacts from messaging their child’s device. For more information on FamilyKeeper parental control app, visit: [https://familykeeper.reasonlabs.com/](https://familykeeper.reasonlabs.com/)

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Whether you love Turkey and cranberries, family get-togethers, or online shopping sprees, this weekend promises to be an exciting one. With companies gearing up for online and in-store sales, and people of all generations getting ready to celebrate, Thanksgiving weekend is one of the most anticipated of the year.

Amidst all the hype, at FamilyKeeper our main concern is that your family enjoys this time period, without any fears or worries. More time at home often means more screen time - and more screen time comes with a host of other problems. We all know that there is a lot of unsolicited content available online, and spending excessive amounts of time on a screen isn’t particularly healthy.

However, you can definitely direct the excess screen time towards being educational, beneficial, and productive. FamilyKeeper has rounded up the top apps to help you and your kids enhance Thanksgiving.

## Issa’s Edible Adventures

This cute app follows the adventures of Issa as she discovers the ingredients from around the world, to make exciting new meals. Free from in-app purchases and in-app advertisements, and suitable for ages 6 and above, this app contains cooking games, as well as inspiration for yummy new dishes for you to try this Thanksgiving.

## Zoom or FaceTime

It’s not always possible to be together on holidays. Make use of video-calling apps, such as Zoom or FaceTime, to speak to loved ones who are far away. Being able to video chat people from afar, when you can’t be with them in person, is one of the best uses of modern technology that has been made available to the masses. So whether your kids want to speak to their grandparents, cousins or friends abroad, using a video-calling app is a great way to enable this.

## Canva

Are you inviting people for Thanksgiving dinner? Have you got great photos from the weekend? Canva is a simple-to-use graphic design program that kids and adults can enjoy using, in order to create professional-looking invitations, enhance photos, and experiment with designs. 

## Just Dance Now 

These days, you don’t have to be a couch potato just because a screen is on - get involved with a dance app such as Just Dance Now and enjoy some great cardio after all that heavy turkey and stuffing!  The whole family can get involved as well, which is always fun.

So this Thanksgiving, you can let your kids enjoy some screen time in a safe environment. But be sure to make time for other activities as well. Play a game of football in the park, meet up with friends, pick a family board game - yes a family movie in the evening is also great to snuggle up to, just make sure there isn’t screen time overload! 

And if you are worried about your family's screen time schedule, there’s always the FamilyKeeper parental control app, powered by [ReasonLabs](https://reasonlabs.com), to help you effectively plan your family’s screen time for the day, block dangerous apps and sites, and get alerts that your kids are always somewhere safe!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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