SnapChat - Allows you to capture an image or video and make it available to a recipient for a specific time from 1-10 seconds. After that time limit is up, the picture/video automatically "self-destructs". While the photo message disappears form the phone after a few seconds, it does not prevent the receiver from snapping a screenshot of the photo while it is live. SnapChat could also be a temptation for teens to use it for "sexting" because the risks of having the photo eventually making the rounds of the Internet are lower. ***Our child was still receiving SnapChat messages even when the app icon was not showing on Smartphone (prior to this app being un-installed).
Vine - Allows users to watch and post six second videos. While many of the videos are harmless, porn videos do pop up into the feed, exposing your children to sexually explicit material. Inappropriate (explicit in nature) can easily be searched/accessed on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teens and find their location. Then they try to connect with them via other messaging apps.
YikYak - All YikYak users are anonymous. They don't create a profile or account, but they can post comments that are accessible to the nearest 500 people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist referred to this app as the most dangerous he'd seen because it "can turn a school into a virtual chat room where everyone can post his/her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating short messages are immediately seen by all users in a specific geographic area." This app is causing problems in schools with students maliciously slandering teacher, staff and other students.
Kik - A free app-based alternative texting service that allows texts/pictures to be sent without being logged in the phone history. This app makes it easier for your child to talk to strangers without your knowledge since it bypasses the wireless providers's short message services (SMS). Children also think they can "sext" without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a "friend request".
Whisper - This app allows you to post secrets anonymously and also allows you to chat with other users in your geographic area. Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a perfect tool for ill-intentioned strangers looking to connect with young people because it allows you to exchange messages with people nearest to you (geographically).
Poof - Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will no longer show up on your smartphone screen. If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from parents, all they have to do is download this app and "poof", their screen is clear of any questionable apps.
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