The media is a wonderful way to interact with one another and learn about the world we live in. It's a great thing; it can do many amazing things for people. It can also bring many bad things: it can ruin someone’s life in a matter of minutes, tear someone’s insecurities apart and shed the innocence of young kids. Every second, as babies are born across the world, parents are made—and so are boundaries and rules. As parents, you want the best for your children; you want them to be protected and sheltered from the darkness of man all over, but when it comes to social media, you don't know where to start or even what to start with. Sure, you've read some books and asked around, but are you aware of the "darkness" perceived by social media crazed teens?
The apps/sites listed below are all currently used by teens and are all dangerous for their own reasons. Just read for yourself.
1. Snapchat
One of the most widely used social media, exceeding with over 30 million users, Snapchat is one of the best apps out there, yet also one of the most dangerous. Snapchat allows users to send any photo for up to 10 seconds and can also be used for text messaging. What is the problem with our kids socializing with each other? Absolutely nothing! However, this app has high rankings of being mostly sexually-oriented. Not only can your child be sending or receiving sexually explicit things without your knowing, there are also news sections with explicit photos, videos, and language posted every single day. There have been cases of lawsuits filed against the creator for allowing these things to be shown. For example, I own a Snapchat account which I use for the exact purpose of communicating with my friends, and it’s an amazing idea. If you trust your child to do the right thing, you should allow them to use it. But here’s a concern. I accidentally click on the news feed from time to time. For example, this morning I was completely taken back by what had shown up. There is constant daily news about sex, bashing of celeberties, pornographic images that are just slightly blurred out etc. There are definitely some things on this app that I wouldn't want my young tweens viewing. How about you?
2. The "Calculator" Vault
Almost every phone comes with a calculator imbedded in it nowadays, but when there is more than one calculator on your child's phone, your red flag should be flying high. This app is no calculator. The twist is that once a password is entered, using numbers or symbols unlocks the secret "vault". In the "vault" you can hide any messages or photos that you don't want anyone else to see. Sadly, this is used typically for blackmailing and illegal purposes, such as storing pornographic images or personal information. When one gets caught, there’s no evidence because adults typically overlook a simple innocent calculator, but what they don't know is the darkness that lurks behind the password.
3. Tinder
Tinder is a fun new app that connects you with strangers. Once on the app, you simply swipe left to shoot the stranger a message or right for rejection. Many teens have the app as a joke to mess around with people and make fake people, but it’s used to catfish many people and could lead to criminal activities like abduction. As a 15-year-old, the thought of talking to a stranger on the wide web terrifies me, but intrigues others. Many see no issue with it at all and pursue a relationship with these "strangers". There’s much detail to go into what would happen if a young child pursues that, but I’ll leave it to you to think about the possible dangerous outcomes of this little app.
4. Omegle
Omegle is an online chatting website/app that connects you to anyone, of any age, in the world, and all you have to do is type a common interest. Omegle is one of the most dangerous websites in the world, for your child can show his or her face and voice to any stranger. The worst part is that you never know what your child or what the other person is doing as they chat or video each other. This site is definitely something you should stay away from because whether child or adult, the outcomes of what could happen range drastically.
5. Ask.Fm
This is an anonymous commenting website/app that allows anyone to anonymously comment on a question of any sort, whether it contains a video, message, or picture. It comes up straight onto your profile for you to answer. Though this could be used in a beneficial way, many have seen it as an advantage to bash, embarrass, and harass others.
Most of these apps can allow teens to engage in social media in a safe and positive way, but, as you can see, there are also many dangers that can jeopardize your child’s reputation—and even his or her life. These dangers can be prevented by educating your child about the extremely painful consequences if any of these apps are misused. Regularly monitoring your child’s phone to check that all is safe can allow you, as a parent, to protect your “baby” from that “darkness of man.” So keep on top of social media applications and keep the channel of positive communication open between you and your son or daughter.
