Smart Phones and Their Not So Smart Child Users.

Life is full of danger. Creepy humans lurking around every corner waiting to take advantage of innocence and youth. In today's modern age, the risks of predators has entered our homes via internet and Smart Phones and quite frankly, the innocence of kids and not so innocence of teens is something we ALL need to remain ahead of.

We all know that in order to keep your children safe, it’s best that you monitor their every move. How totally unrealistic. But what you can do is at least look through their phones. Check out their apps, texts and pictures. They may feel that you’re invading their privacy, but let’s be honest… You’re their parent, so you can do whatever you want!

Technology, especially if you’re a little behind the times, can be rather deceptive.  There are just so many features and apps and shiny buttons! Your kids may be downloading Apps that you think are innocent and just a simple way for them to keep in contact with their buddies, but unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.

Here is a list of 7 seemingly cool and harmless apps that are open windows of access to our kids:

1. Yik Yak – This App is one of the newest and one of the most dangerous. It allows users to post text-only Yaks of up to 200 characters. The messages can be viewed by the 500 Yakkers who are closest to the person who wrote the Yak, as determined by GPS tracking. Users are exposed to – and contributing -sexually explicit content, abusive language and personal attacks so severe that schools are starting to block the App on their Wi-Fi. Although the posts are anonymous, kids start revealing personal information as they get more comfortable with other users. In other words - they are being watched, tracked and approached!

2. SnapChat – This App allows users to send photos that will disappear after 10 seconds. Once the recipient opens the picture, the timer starts. Then it’s gone. From both the sender's phone and the recipient’s phone. However, the recipient can take a screen shot of the photo and have it to share with others. This App enables kids to feel more comfortable “sexting” with peers.

3. KiK Messenger – This is a private messenger app and is coveted by those under 18 for a number of reasons. The App allows kids to send private messages that their parents can’t see. There is very little you can do to verify the identity of someone on Kik, which obviously poses the risk of sexual predators chatting with your child. And again, this is an easy tool for sexting.

4. Poof –The Poof App allows users to make Apps disappear on their phone with one touch. Kids can hide every app they don’t want you to see on their phone. All they have to do is open the App and select the ones they don’t want you to see. Very scary! The good news about this App is it is no longer available, which isn't uncommon for these types of Apps. But, if it was downloaded before it was deleted from the App store, your child may still have it. Keep in mind that Apps like this are created and then terminated pretty quickly by Android and Apple stores, but there are similar ones being created constantly. Some other names include: Hidden Apps, App Lock and Hide It Pro. 

5. Omegle – This App has been around since 2008, with video chat added in 2009.  When you use Omegle you do not identify yourself through the service – chat participants are only identified as “You” and “Stranger”. You don't have to register for the App. However, you can connect Omegle to your Facebook account to find chat partners with similar interests.  When choosing this feature, an Omegle Facebook App will receive your Facebook “likes” and try to match you with a stranger with similar likes. This is not okay for children. There is a high risk of sexual predators and you don’t want your kids giving out their personal information, much less even talking to strangers.

6. Whisper – This is a meeting App that encourages users to post secrets. You post anonymously, but it displays the area you are posting from. You can search for users posting within a mile from you. A quick look at the App and you can see that online relationships are forming constantly on this App, but you never know the person behind the computer or phone. One man in Washington was convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl he met on this App just last year.

7. Down – This application, which used to be called “Bang with Friends,” is connected to Facebook. Users can categorize their Facebook friends in one of two ways: they can indicate whether or not a friend is someone they'd like to hang with or someone they are "down" to hook up with. The slogan for the App: “The anonymous, simple, fun way to find friends who are down for the night.” If that alone doesn’t scare you, I don’t know what will!

That's right...  it's a booty call.  A BOOTY CALL APP!

We know it's overwhelming to keep up with your kids and their online habits. But just remember to check their phones often, and even more importantly have real life conversations with them. Discuss the dangers of the Apps and make sure they understand the need to keep personal information private. Let them honestly know the dangers that could occur. Explain that it is not them you do not trust but the unsavory people of this world.

Most of all, keep yourself educated and a step ahead...  you can do it!
And if you need help....  there's an app for that.

Don't forget, if you ever have any real estate questions or need any direction, we are always here to help.
The Adler Home Team
201-825-1266
TheAdlerHomeTeam@Verizon.net

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originally posted: new jersey home experts.com