7 Risky Apps Every Parent Should Know About
1. Yik Yak.
What the app does:
From the Yik Yak web site: “Yik Yak acts like a local [chat room] for your area by showing the most recent posts from other users around you. It allows anyone to connect and share information with others without having to know them.”
Why it could be risky:
The anonymity of Yik Yak means you and your teen never know who you’re talking to on the other side of the screen. This makes cyber-bullying easier, increases chances of predators communicating with your child, and allows for a community where anything goes, including language, sexual innuendo, and hate-driven content.
2. Gaggle
What the app does:
From the Gaggle App in the iTunes Store: “Gaggle is an anonymous local bulletin board to post messages to the people around you. It is a fast reliable way to share your thoughts, gossip and talk about things around you.”
Why it could be risky:
Similar to Yik Yak, Gaggle is completely anonymous and therefore fosters a community without accountability which can lead to sexual or hateful content and extreme language.
You can read the lest of the story at LDSliving.com. See anything missing from the list? In the comment section contribute your insights on talking to kids about the apps they have on their devices.