Whilst most popular Apps are fun and help keep us connected, it’s important you’re fully aware of the purpose of each App before clicking ‘Install’. Awareness of the Apps that are used by cyberbullies and online predators to find, contact and harass children, teenagers and vulnerable people is crucial to helping prevent your family, friends or colleagues from being affected.
MeetMe
A social media dating App that connects people based on location. Users are encouraged to meet in person.
WhatsApp
A messaging App that allows texts, video calls, photo sharing and voicemails with users worldwide.
Bumble
Similar to Tinder, but requires women to make the first contact. Younger users will often create fake accounts and falsify their age.
Live.Me
A live-streaming App that uses geolocation to share videos.
Ask.FM
Known for facilitating cyberbullying, this App lets users ask anonymous questions.
Grindr
A dating App primarily focused on the LGBTQ community based on user location.
TikTok
A new App letting users create and share short videos. The App has “very limited privacy controls” which increases the likelihood of users being exposed to cyberbullying and explicit content.
Snapchat
One of the most popular social media Apps worldwide, Snapchat lets users take and share photos and videos, with the ability to view user’s location.
Holla
This self-proclaimed “addicting” video chat App lets users meet people almost immediately. Users may be exposed to explicit content.
Calculator%
One of several Apps that are used to hide photos, videos, files and browser history.
Skout
A location-based dating App that aims to prevent people under 17 from sharing private photos. However, it’s easy to set up an account and falsify details such as user age.
Badoo
A dating and social media App where users can chat and share photos and videos based on location.
Kik
This App gives users unlimited access to anyone, anywhere, anytime and lets users bypass traditional text messaging features.
Whisper
An anonymous social network that lets users share secrets with strangers. Displays user location so users are able to arrange meeting up.
Hot or Not
The App lets users view other users in their location, rate their profiles and chat with strangers.
Plenty of Fish
A free dating App and website that encourages chatting with strangers. It allows profile browsing based on user location.
Monkey
A live video chat App that connects users to random strangers worldwide, offering group chat and private message options. It claims to be rated for ages 12 and up but has “mild sexual content and nudity.”