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Tech Tuesday: Apps Parents Should Know About

As kids head back to school, police around the country are reminding parents about some popular apps that they should know about.

The apps aren’t dangerous on their own, but police warn online predators can also access these apps to contact your kids.

In this week’s Tech Tuesday, we break down apps parents should know about, according to law enforcement.

A graphic from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office that has been shared by police department across the country shows 15 apps that parents should know about.

MeetMe

MeetMe is a dating social media app that allows users to connect with people based on geographic proximity. Just as its name suggests, MeetMe users are encouraged to meet each other in person.

WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that allows users to send texts, photos, voicemails, make calls and video chat with users worldwide.

Bumble

Bumble is similar to popular dating app Tinder, but it requires women to make the first contact. According to police, kids have been known to use Bumble to create fake accounts and falsify their age.

Live.Me

Live.Me is a live-streaming video app that uses geolocation to share videos so users can find out a broadcasters precise location. Police say users can earn “coins” as a way to “pay” minors for photos.

Ask.FM:

Police say Ask.FM is known for cyberbullying. The app encourages users to allow anonymous people to ask them questions.

TikTok

TikTok is a popular app used for creating and sharing short videos. According to police, the app has very limited privacy controls, making users vulnerable to cyberbullying and explicit content.

Calculator%

Calculator% is one of several secret apps police say is used to hide photos, videos, files and browser history.

Kik

Kik allows anyone to contact and director message your kid. Kids can bypass traditional text messaging features. Police say Kik gives users unlimited access to anyone, anywhere, anytime.

Other apps law enforcement officers want parents to know about include Grinder, Holla, Skout, Badoo, Whisper and Hot or Not.

 

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