Parents: Be Aware!

What is KiK, YikYak, Ask.fm or HiCalculator? If you're a parent and you don't know, you may want to read up on some of these popular new social media apps kids are using.

While you don't need to know all the ins and outs of all the apps, knowing the basics including, what they are, why they're popular, and what problems they could cause if not used responsibly, is extremely important.

This is not only a Cabot School District issue, it's everywhere. It's a problem in every school, in every city, and in every state. That's why it's important for parents to know what these apps can do and to Be Aware! 

Potential Predator Apps

KiK:  Allows potential predators to communicate anonymously with your children.

Tinder:  Dating app that allows users to “rate” profiles and locate “hookups” via GPS tracking: rating encourages bullying and GPS tracking opens door for predators.

Snapchat: Self-destructs photos sent within a few seconds unless someone takes a screen shot: notoriously used to post revenge porn, called “snap porn.”

Potential Bullying Apps

YikYak:  Allows users to anonymously send sexually explicit and abusive language.

Whisper:  Encourages users to share secrets with strangers, which can encourage bullying.

Ask.fm:  Encourages anonymous A&A: associated with multiple suicides across U.S.

Deceptive Apps

Vaulty:  Snaps a photo of anyone trying to access the “vault” with wrong password; intention is to hide information.

“Audio Manager:” Deceptive app disguises itself as “Audio Manager,” but hides other apps, messages, and media behind a locked screen.

HiCalculator:  Looks like a calculator, but allows users to hide photos, videos and messages.