10 Social Media Apps Parents Should Know About

The Dallas Police Department would like to educate parents on various social media apps that may require extra attention as It relates to the overall safety of your children. Although apps themselves do not pose an actual threat to their safety, they can provide an opportunity to expose, persuade and potentially lead kids to make bad decisions. Therefore, the Department would like to enlighten parents on apps to look for so that they can maintain a watchful eye and reduce any concerns when their kids are making downloads.

TikTok: A new app popular with kids lets users create and share short videos. Law enforcement said the app has “very limited privacy controls” and users can be exposed to cyberbullying and explicit content.
Calculator+: Police say this is one of several apps that are used to hide photos, videos, files and browser history.
Kik: Police say kids can bypass traditional text messaging features using this app. Kik gives users unlimited access to anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Whisper: An anonymous social network that lets users share secrets with strangers. Police say it also shows users’ location so people can meet up.
Hot or Not: The app lets users rate profiles, check out people in their area and chat with strangers. Police say the goal of the app is too hook up.
MeetMe: A dating social media app that connects people based on location. Users are encouraged to meet in person.
WhatsApp: A messaging app that allows texts, video calls, photo sharing and voicemails with users worldwide.
Live.Me: A live-streaming app that uses geolocation to share videos. Users can earn “coins” to “pay” minors for photos.
Ask.FM: This app lets users ask anonymous questions and is known for cyberbullying.
Holla: This self-proclaimed “addicting” video chat app lets users meet people in seconds. Law enforcement said users have seen racial slurs and explicit content.
It’s important to teach your kids to be good social media friends so they behave. That no matter what app they are using, that they know that they can talk to you about concerns and report any bad behavior from others to you right away. Encourage your kids to make wise choices, never bully, never be bullied.