Digital Safety
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Helpful Parent Guides:
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Apps Parents Should Know About
The internet is essential for connection, education, and entertainment, but it also has its risks. Thank you to the Woodstock Police Department for compiling this important information. For more information about internet safety, check out: Connect Safely.
Many popular apps and platforms can expose children and teens to risks such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators. Below is a breakdown of some apps to be aware of. Click the file to view an image of each app with description and then read below to learn what to watch out for.
Many popular apps and platforms can expose children and teens to risks such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators. Below is a breakdown of some apps to be aware of. Click the file to view an image of each app with description and then read below to learn what to watch out for.
| Be Aware of These Apps.jpg |
- Snapchat – Photos and videos disappear after being viewed, but they can still be saved or screenshotted.
- Skout – A location-based dating app where teens can misrepresent their age.
- X (formerly Twitter) – A public networking platform with risks of cyberbullying and harassment.
- Omegle – Allows anonymous video and text chats with strangers, often linked to inappropriate content.
- Instagram – Public profiles and private messaging make it easy for teens to create hidden accounts.
- Grindr – A dating app for LGBTQ+ individuals that uses GPS for location-based connections.
- WhatsApp – A messaging app with worldwide reach, used for text, voice, and video communication.
- Badoo – A dating and social networking app known for adults but sometimes used by teens.
- Roblox – A gaming platform with in-app purchases and potential for inappropriate interactions.
- Kik – Allows messaging without phone numbers, making it easy for strangers to contact users.
- Hily – A GPS-based dating app that encourages real-life meetups.
- Discord – A chat app where users may encounter explicit content and cyberbullying.
- MeetMe – A social media app that connects users based on location.
- Whisper – An anonymous app that shares users' locations for potential meetups.
- Monkey – A live video chat app that connects users with strangers worldwide.
- Among Us – A multiplayer game with chat features that allow interaction with strangers.
- ASKfm – Encourages anonymous Q&A, often associated with cyberbullying.
- Holla – A video chat app that connects users randomly worldwide.
- Best Secret Folder – Designed to hide photos and videos with password protection.
- LiveMe – A live-streaming app that shares location and allows users to send virtual currency.
- Yik Yak – An anonymous location-based platform known for bullying.
- Calculator% – One of many secret apps used to hide files and browser history.
- Reddit – A discussion forum where users can post content without identity verification.
- Skout – A location-based dating app where teens can misrepresent their age.
- X (formerly Twitter) – A public networking platform with risks of cyberbullying and harassment.
- Omegle – Allows anonymous video and text chats with strangers, often linked to inappropriate content.
- Instagram – Public profiles and private messaging make it easy for teens to create hidden accounts.
- Grindr – A dating app for LGBTQ+ individuals that uses GPS for location-based connections.
- WhatsApp – A messaging app with worldwide reach, used for text, voice, and video communication.
- Badoo – A dating and social networking app known for adults but sometimes used by teens.
- Roblox – A gaming platform with in-app purchases and potential for inappropriate interactions.
- Kik – Allows messaging without phone numbers, making it easy for strangers to contact users.
- Hily – A GPS-based dating app that encourages real-life meetups.
- Discord – A chat app where users may encounter explicit content and cyberbullying.
- MeetMe – A social media app that connects users based on location.
- Whisper – An anonymous app that shares users' locations for potential meetups.
- Monkey – A live video chat app that connects users with strangers worldwide.
- Among Us – A multiplayer game with chat features that allow interaction with strangers.
- ASKfm – Encourages anonymous Q&A, often associated with cyberbullying.
- Holla – A video chat app that connects users randomly worldwide.
- Best Secret Folder – Designed to hide photos and videos with password protection.
- LiveMe – A live-streaming app that shares location and allows users to send virtual currency.
- Yik Yak – An anonymous location-based platform known for bullying.
- Calculator% – One of many secret apps used to hide files and browser history.
- Reddit – A discussion forum where users can post content without identity verification.
Infographics from National Online Safety
Read about these popular teen/tween apps.
| Instagram.pdf |
| Roblox.pdf |
| Snapchat.pdf |
| Tiktok.pdf |
Safeguarding Devices
As technology evolves, so do the tactics kids use to navigate around parental controls. In this eye-opening article, discover the surprising strategies your children might be employing to access the content you want to keep them away from. From innovative apps to sneaky tricks, we delve into the digital landscape of 2024 and equip parents with the insights they need to stay one step ahead. Don’t let your kids outsmart you—read on to learn how to protect their online experience effectively:
How Kids Bypass Parental Controls in 2024: A Parent's Guide
Curious how to block or restrict certain apps, features, content, downloads, or purchases on your phone? Setting limitations on content ratings & web searches enables you to filter out age-inappropriate content and vastly reduce the likelihood of your children being exposed to unsuitable material and information. Check out these infographics from National Online Safety for iPhone & Android instructions:
How Kids Bypass Parental Controls in 2024: A Parent's Guide
Curious how to block or restrict certain apps, features, content, downloads, or purchases on your phone? Setting limitations on content ratings & web searches enables you to filter out age-inappropriate content and vastly reduce the likelihood of your children being exposed to unsuitable material and information. Check out these infographics from National Online Safety for iPhone & Android instructions:
| Parental Controls for Android Content.pdf |
| Parental Controls for iPhone Content.pdf |
| Parental Controls iPhone apps.pdf |
| Parental Controls Android Apps.pdf |
Digital Citizenship Guide from Media Smarts
This resource helps you navigate important conversations as your children start using digital devices.
Key topics covered:
1. Respecting People’s Feelings: Discuss cyberbullying, healthy relationships, and being a positive influence online.
2. Respecting Privacy: Learn how to protect your child’s privacy and keep them safe on social media.
3. Respecting Property: Understand plagiarism, illegal downloading, and how to access content legally.
The guide also includes conversation starters and tips for setting household internet rules.
Note - Although this resource originates from Canada, it was chosen for its extensive collection of topics in one guide.
Key topics covered:
1. Respecting People’s Feelings: Discuss cyberbullying, healthy relationships, and being a positive influence online.
2. Respecting Privacy: Learn how to protect your child’s privacy and keep them safe on social media.
3. Respecting Property: Understand plagiarism, illegal downloading, and how to access content legally.
The guide also includes conversation starters and tips for setting household internet rules.
Note - Although this resource originates from Canada, it was chosen for its extensive collection of topics in one guide.
| Digital Citizenship Guide.pdf |
Technology Contracts
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Does your family utilize technology contracts? Creating a tech contract establishes clear rules and expectations for screen time and online behavior, fostering open communication. It encourages accountability, helps children develop essential skills like self-regulation and time management, and provides a framework for understanding consequences. Plus, it promotes healthier tech habits, reduces conflicts, and allows for customized rules tailored to your family’s needs. Overall, a tech contract guides responsible tech use and builds trust and independence! Read more about contracts from the Center for Online Safety: Introducing Family Tech Agreements (Technology Contracts) to your Kids.
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