A lot of apps look like they're perfect for kids, but actually hide a lot of terrible stuff. Therefore, you should carefully study the applications your child uses and limit access to those that can be potentially dangerous. Below you can find the top 3 worst apps and instructions on how to restrict access to them. These are not just social networks, but games, dating apps and services that can harm the child.
Top-3 dangerous Apps
Roblox
It may seem like an innocent Minecraft clone, but Roblox is a pretty obnoxious place for kids. Sure, building something with blocks can be fun, but interacting with some players can be unpleasant and undesirable.
Of course, not every player on Roblox bullies others, but parents should know that this is not excluded. Even though Roblox has had some security features in place since 2017 with parental controls to disable in-game chat, age-appropriate settings, and improved moderation, it's not enough to keep a child out of inappropriate content.
Obviously, there is only one way to solve this - by blocking the game using a special application for control.
Snapchat
You no doubt know about Snapchat as a handy encrypted app that allows people to send messages (including photos) with an expiration date. In effect, the message is destroyed shortly after it is received. But at the same time, Snapchat is also rife with sexting, that is, messages with sexual connotations. This has become a growing problem among teens. Sending explicit images is illegal, but Snapchat poses a particular risk not only to your child's sexual health, but to their freedom as well.
If you don't want your child to receive or share content that is sexual in nature, consider controlling this or limiting access to the application altogether.
Tumblr
Tumblr is a social blogging platform with a consistent following. It looks harmless on the surface, but in fact, adult content is common on the platform and there is a risk of identity theft. Plus, it's intimidating that whatever your child posts is instantly available to the world for viewing. It should be recognized that the use of Tumblr can help develop interests and hobbies. However, other (more responsible) sites also fulfill this function.
It is recommended to monitor Tumblr usage. Suggesting to look elsewhere for blogging software or explore a hobby is a good idea.
How to block all dangerous websites and applications for a child?
Apple gadgets (iPhone, iPad) have a built-in feature in the settings called Screen Time. With this tool, you can get reports on the use of the gadget, set limits on the use of programs and explicit content. You can also install additional special applications that allow you to much better control the use of the gadget. Such applications, as a rule, send a notification to the parents' phone about the programs that are running.
How to find out where the child and control usage apps?
If you're worried about your child's whereabouts and also want to keep track of apps activity, using Kidsfinder, a so-called tracker program, you can access your child's position information. After installing the app, you can create geo-fences and receive alerts every time a child leaves the zone or arrives at their destination.
Kidsfinder also has the ability to set up a free history of movements and the ability to detect the location of a child when GPS is turned off. If the battery runs out on the child's phone, the program will send you a message.
