9 apps your teen may use this summer and the dangers parents need to know about

ATLANTA — An Atlanta-based company that focuses on keeping children safe online has released a warning for parents as we head into summer.

Technology company Bark monitored 30+ social media apps and platforms and analyzed millions of messages to create a list of trending apps this summer and the dangers that lurk within them.

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Here are the 9 apps Bark says parents need to be aware of this summer:

Squad App – Popular among teenage girls, the Squad app (fittingly named after groups of friends called “squads”) is similar to Zoom except it only allows nine people in a room where people can hang out and watch videos together. Security measures aren’t super tight on Squad so some users have reported the app taking kids’ personal information and using it for marketing purposes, while others have reported having the app sending calls without someone’s permission. Some users even reported being exposed to sexual content from strangers on Squad.

Quibi – Short for “quick byte,” Quibi is a live streaming app developed for people 17 and older. This means inappropriate and disturbing content is easy to access and kids can also get an account by putting in a fake birthday.

Marco Polo – This is a video-based messaging app with a similar feel to a walkie talkie. Like with any new app, it’s important that parents talk to their kids about who they’ll be messaging at all times. Predators often create fake accounts and will try to reach out. Kids should also know not to disclose any personal information online.

Omegle – This app’s sole purpose is to connect its users with complete strangers! Not sure what else needs explaining here, but kids who enter this space can easily be subjected to online predation and possibly even grooming. While technically you’re supposed to be 13 to create an account, there are ways to circumvent this by putting in a fake birthday. High supervision is recommended for this potentially dangerous platform.

Byte – Think of this as a lower res and shorter version of TikTok. You won’t find super creative dance moves or songs here, but people can get pretty crude in a short amount of time. Inappropriate images and sexual innuendos abound (that cut right to the chase). Online predators have also been known to reach out to kids on this app so it’s a good time to have the conversation about how to stay safe online.  

Hoop – Hoop is sort like the “Tinder for Teens” with a touch of Snapchat. This app allows kids as young as 12 to form connections with total strangers by swiping through profiles with pics. With no age verification required, this can enable kids of any age to create an account by choosing their own birth year. Hoop uses a lot of marketing gimmicks (such as earning points for logging in daily) in addition to doing lots of tie-ins with Snapchat as a way to bring in more users. This one’s definitely a “high alert” app for parents!  

HouseParty – Nicknamed the “Quarantine App” due to its immense popularity (and more than 10 million downloads during Covid19 alone), Houseparty invites users to video chat and has extra bells and whistles like games they can download while live streaming. But just like they’d do if they’re ever inside their own home, it’s important that kids know to “lock” their online doors so uninvited guests don’t find their way in. It’s also recommended that users opt out of location access for added security.

MeWe – Self anointed as “The Anti-Facebook,” MeWe prides itself on letting members know that they control their own data, newsfeeds, and privacy on the platform, with no ads. While security measures are in place, it’s still important to remind kids that a digital footprint doesn’t disappear and posts are evergreen. Additionally, there is a trend toward extremist messaging on MeWe as a result of groups being kicked off of Facebook for violating its policies. This can result in severe language and messaging, something parents should keep in mind when talking about online safety with their children.

Messenger Kids - Launched by Facebook specifically for younger kids, this is a relatively safe app. Parents should still watch out for Cyberbullying, and also be aware that the video feature in Messenger Kids doesn’t allow recording, so if something of concern does happen on video, parents won’t be able to replay it.

Predators have unprecedented access to kids through online video games, FBI says ?The new playground of today is online gaming."

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