If you're a parent and you haven't heard of Yik Yak, Periscope or other new apps, you might want to get acquainted. They are coming your kids' way, if your kids aren't using them already. Yik Yak Ask.fm Whisper Snapchat The app causes videos and pictures to disappear after a set amount of time, encouraging users to share silly or even sensitive photos or comments. Watch out for: It's a myth that Snapchats go away forever. The person you send it to can take a screenshot, and any data can potentially be recovered Lets
users snap, edit and share photos and 15-second videos, either publicly
or with a private network of followers. Watch out for: Photos and
videos shared on Instragram are public unless privacy settings are
adjusted. Tumblr A cross
between Twitter and blogging, Tumbler allows users to stream a
"scrapbook" of texts, photos, videos or audio clips. Watch out for: It's
easy to come across images of pornography, violence and drug use. Kik This
texting app allows kids to message with no character limits or fees.
Watch out for: It's loaded with ads and specializes in "promoted chats"
-- conversations between brands and users. Supposedly for users 16 and older, it lets users send text messages, audio messages, videos and photos to one or more people with no message limits or fees. Watch out for: the way it encourages users to sign up friends. Vine Allows
users to create and share six-second videos of themselves or their
friends and family. Watch out for: All videos and comments are public,
unless you specifically adjust your settings. Common Sense Media
reviewers easily found videos showing nudity, drug use and other
inappropriate videos. Tinder A dating app that matches users in a specific geographical area. Watch out for: While only appropriate for adults, it has been known to facilitate hookups among teen users. Meerkat, Periscope and YouNow New live-streaming apps that allow kids to broadcast in real time. Watch out for: Because the apps stream live, there's no way to know what's going to happen next, including the sudden appearance of sexual or violent content or people who don't want to be filmed. Common Sense Media gives these apps their lowest privacy rating. |