Kik, also known as Kik messenger, is a very popular app used by teens and tweens. It’s an instant messaging app that allows texts/pictures to be sent without saving to the phone’s history. Kik reports having 240 million users, 40% of those areteens in the U.S. You do not need a mobile phone number to use this app which makes it attractive to younger kids.
So why is Kik so dangerous? Here are a few reasons:
- Offers no parental controls and chats can be easily deleted
- Profiles are visible to anyone making it easy for random strangers to contact you
- Very easy to send and receive inappropriate text/pictures
- Very popular among sexual predators because they can contact anyone they want and become anyone they want
- Creates a great environment for bullying, sexting, and harassment
Users are supposed to be age 13 or older; however, the site has no age verification. Both the App Store and Common Sense Media rate Kik as 17+. Bottom Line? There are many useful apps out there, some more dangerous than others.
Tips to remind your tween and teen about:
Tips to remind your tween and teen about:
- Do not talk to strangers online.
- Do not share your personal information online, especially anything that could be used to find you offline.
- Don’t post anything you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see. Social media is a great way to stay connected but it does come with a responsibility.
- If you are uncomfortable with something online or unsure about what you see, talk to an adult!
