HappyKids

Based in the USA, Owned by Future Today Inc

Green Zone

HappyKids is a free streaming app for kids of all ages that claims to be a safe and educational experience while teaching valuable lessons. The app contains more than 87,000 titles ad-free on mobile devices, offering a vast variety of movies, shows, music, crafts, and more.

HappyKids

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Smart Social App

(Based in USA, Owned by Josh Ochs)

Green Zone

The Smart Social App helps parents and educators learn the latest online safety tips so their students can someday shine online. The app has new app guides and social media safety updates regularly. It also contains 300+ FREE professionally created resources for parents and teachers.

Download Here

Smart Social App

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Adobe Firefly

Based in USA, Owned by Adobe

Green Zone

Adobe Firefly is a free AI art generator that sparks users creativity. Once you have your AI-generated art, you can change its appearance by applying different styles, customizations, and effects. New users are given 25 generative credits that are used to generate images. Users may purchase more credits as needed and are also given credits monthly through various Adobe subscriptions. If the credits are not used by the end of each month they will not roll over to the next month. Generative credits can be used for AI in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Express, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Stock, and Adobe Firefly web app.

Adobe Firefly

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BAND

(Based in South Korea, Owned by NAVER)

Green Zone

BAND is a group communication tool designed for users to interact with coaches or other members of a team or group. The app offers a shared calendar, photo album, shared files, and group/private messages

BAND

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Canva

Based in Australia, Owned privately

Green Zone

Canva is a user-friendly graphic design tool that makes creating projects, posters, social media posts, and videos more accessible. The app has built-in templates or allows users to create custom designs. This design tool is free to use, however, a Canva Pro account includes additional templates, fonts, and images.

Canva

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ClassDojo App

(Based in USA, Owned by ClassDojo, Inc)

Green Zone

ClassDojo is a free communication app designed for teachers, parents, and students. Parents can instant message their child’s teacher. Teachers can encourage students for skills and values, such as working hard, being kind, and teamwork. Students can showcase their knowledge by adding photos and videos to their digital portfolios.

ClassDojo App

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Craiyon

(Based in Houston, TX, Owned by Boris Dayma)

Green Zone

AI art tool available via a web browser or as an Android app. Craiyon will generate 9 images after users submit a text prompt. Craiyon is free to use but there are subscriptions available that offer more options and ad-free use.

Craiyon

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Cutout Pro

Based in China, Owned by LibAI

Green Zone

Cutout Pro is a free online art generator that can be used in ten different languages. There is an online chat feature for users to utilize while on the platform but they must login through Facebook to use it. Images can be downloaded by purchasing credits or downloaded for free if you share the image on Twitter or Facebook. You can upload an image and make edits such as remove background, remove objects, or restore old images.

Cutout Pro

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Dall-E 2

Based in USA, Owned by OpenAI

Green Zone

Dall-E 2 is a web-based program available only through a web browser. It is free to register and use and the first 15 images created a month are free, and then users can purchase more credits to use if desired. Dall-E 2 has content filters that prevent users from creating images that violate their content policy, including violent, sexual, self-harm, or political content.

Dall-E 2

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Dream by Wombo

(Based in Canada, Owned by Wombo Studios)

Green Zone

Dream by Wombo is a text-to-image AI art generator that is free to use but offers a paid subscription to access premium tools. There are a variety of built-in styles to start with or users can use a prompt to generate an image.

Dream by Wombo

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Facebook

(Based in USA, Owned by Meta)

Green Zone

Facebook users can share thoughts, photos, and videos from their desktop, tablet, and/or mobile phone. Facebook makes money by selling ad space in and next to the Feed. Facebook has very robust privacy controls, yet we remind every student that everything you post online could eventually be public. Networks like Facebook can quickly change their privacy settings without telling users, which could put their privacy at risk.

Facebook

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Gencraft

Based in USA, Owned by GenCraft Designs

Green Zone

Gencraft is free to use and users may generate up to 10 free images a day. To upload and edit their own images and generate an unlimited amount of content, users will need to upgrade to Starter or Pro. Gencraft has a social media aspect where users can publish their creations and make them publicly visible within the app. Other users can like and comment on these posts and can follow users on the platform. All messaging is public and there is not a private messaging feature.

Gencraft

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Hotpot

Based in USA, Owned by Clarence Hu

Green Zone

Users can create up to ten free (1:1) ratio images a day on Hotpot but may buy credits to create more and to access more features. You can tell Hotpot what you do not want in the generated image as well as how many images you would like created at a time (up to 500).

Hotpot

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Iamfy

Based in United Kingdom, Owned by Project J Ltd Limited

Green Zone

Iamfy, also known as Fy! Studio, is a free art generator that creates images via text-to-image or by uploading an image and using a style transfer. Users can create 3 pieces of art for free and will need to upgrade to a monthly subscription to generate unlimited images. Fy! Studio encourages users to post their AI artwork on social media using the hashtags #FyStudio #AIArt. The most popular AI artists will have their creations featured on the Fy! Studio blog and have a chance to win a print of their creation. Users can list their AI generated art in the Fy! Storefront for free to be printed and sold to art fans.

Iamfy

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Instagram

(Based in USA, Owned by Meta)

Green Zone

Instagram is not a safe place to allow your child to use on their own, however, it does have some positive branding features when your student is over 15 years old when accompanied by a healthy dialog as a family and being used for a future resume/portfolio. Instagram is a photo and video-sharing app and is one of the most popular apps for teens. More than 2 billion users worldwide are logging on to share photos, videos, and stories. The Instagram terms of use states users must be 13 or older and what students share can have an impact on their digital footprint.

Instagram

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Jasper AI

(Based in Austin, TX, Owned by Jasper)

Green Zone

Jasper AI is an artificial intelligence writing tool that is popular with businesses and students. It uses deep learning algorithms to create written content and is popular with students for brainstorming, fine-tuning writing, and helping with writer’s block.

Jasper AI

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LinkedIn

(Based in USA, Owned by Microsoft)

Green Zone

LinkedIn is an important tool for teens who want to improve their Google results when preparing to apply to college, internships, or jobs. It is the best place to start an online brand to impress colleges and future employers when used with good intention.

LinkedIn

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Medium

(Based in USA, Owned by A Medium Corp)

Green Zone

Medium is an online publishing platform and app, that allows users to publish articles on any subject. When used wisely, Medium can have a positive impact on a student’s digital footprint.

Medium Review

Medium

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Messenger

(Based in USA, Owned by Meta)

Green Zone

Facebook Messenger allows users to chat with anyone on Facebook. We suggest parents "friend" their students on Facebook and monitor who their students are adding as friends and chatting with. Facebook Messenger is tied to a Facebook account, which is tied to a student's real identity.

Messenger

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Messenger Kids App

(Based in USA, Owned by Meta)

Green Zone

Messenger Kids, by Facebook, is a video chat and messaging app that’s built for kids. Messenger Kids accounts are set up through a parent's Facebook account. When kids receive a friend request, that request is sent to their parents to either approve or deny. Messages can’t be hidden and never disappear. Parents can easily read the chat and connection history. Parents must closely monitor their student's social media regularly.

Messenger Kids App

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Photoshop Express

(Based in USA, Owned by Adobe)

Green Zone

Photoshop Express is a photo editor available for iOS, Android, and desktop devices developed to be more user-friendly than Adobe Lightroom, but still producing high-quality photos. The app is free to use, but there is a premium version available for purchase that gives more advanced editing tools.

Photoshop Express

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Pinterest

(Based in USA, Owned by Pinterest, Inc)

Green Zone

Pinterest is a visual discovery tool that helps users find and save ideas. It's a great source of inspiration for students. They can use Pinterest to find studying tips, DIY projects, and more. Students can have fun on Pinterest, but parents should monitor their activity because they could come across some mature content on the network.

Pinterest

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Pixlr

(Based in Sweden, Owned by 123RF)

Green Zone

Pixlr is a photo editing app that uses AI (Artificial Intelligence) to edit photos and then upload them directly to social media. Pixlr offers many pre-designed templates to choose from or users can create their own designs for social media posts or other products such as posters, flyers, etc. The app is free to use, but there is a premium subscription available for purchase that offers more templates and other advanced editing features.

Pixlr

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Prezi

(Based in Hungary, Owned by Prezi Inc)

Green Zone

Prezi is a presentation software that allows users to create and share visually engaging slide presentations. Having a professional presentation in a discoverable format online can showcase a student’s passion and knowledge on a specific subject.

Prezi Website Review

Prezi

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Remind

(Based in San Francisco, CA, Owned by Remind101, Inc)

Green Zone

Remind is a communication platform that is designed for schools, teachers, or group leaders to relay information to their students and their parents through one app. Teachers can send out a unique class code that allows parents or students to join the class or group through the app. Users cannot join the groups without the code.

Remind

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Saturn

(Based in NYC, Owned by Saturn Technologies)

Green Zone

The Saturn app is a calendar-based social networking app and website designed to help high school students manage their busy schedules and message back and forth with classmates.

Saturn

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Snapseed

(Based in USA, Owned by Google)

Green Zone

Snapseed is a photo and video editing app available on iOS and Android devices. Snapseed is a free app that offers 29 built-in filters and editing features that allow users to edit and save photos and video on a professional level.

Snapseed

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TeamSnap

Based in Colorado, Owned by TeamSnap, Inc

Green Zone

TeamSnap is a sports management app designed to help coaches, parents, and players organize and communicate with their teams. Parents and players can receive and view information for multiple sports teams and access player rosters and live game score updates.

TeamSnap

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YouTube Kids

Based in USA, owned by Google

Green Zone

YouTube Kids is a video player designed for kids under 13. It offers more restricted content, 'family friendly' ads, parental controls, and a time limit feature.

YouTube Kids

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ZeeMee App

Green Zone

ZeeMee is a free app that allows students to showcase themselves for college admissions, through photos and videos. Students can connect with each other on the app, based on interests and passion. Profiles can be made private and unsearchable online so that only those with the link will be able to see them.

ZeeMee App

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Zigazoo

(Based in Miami, FL, Owned by Zigazoo)

Green Zone

Zigazoo is a “TikTok Alternative” designed for kids. All content on Zigazoo is created by and for kids with videos featuring dances, lip syncing, beauty products, toy unboxing, and more.

Zigazoo

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BeReal.

Based in France, Owned by BeReal.

Gray Zone

Social media photo-sharing app that challenges users to post one authentic photo per day without using filters or edits

BeReal.

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Marco Polo App

(Based in USA, Owned by Joya Communications, Inc.)

Gray Zone

Marco Polo is a video instant messaging app. To add users, the app requests access to the user's contact lists. The SmartSocial team believes it is a bad idea to allow students to use apps that grant access to the contacts in their phones.

Marco Polo App

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Minecraft

(Based in Sweden, Developed by Mojang Studios, Owned by Microsoft)

Gray Zone

Minecraft gameplay involves players interacting with the game world by placing and breaking various types of blocks in a 3D environment. While Minecraft may be used for educational purposes, players can encounter bullying, inappropriate content, and adult language while playing this game. Police have warned that predators can prey on and groom children in online video games, like Minecraft, if kids are playing the online multiplayer version without parental supervision.

Minecraft Game Review

Minecraft

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Netflix App

(Based in the USA, Owned by Netflix)

Gray Zone

The Netflix app allows users, with a paid Netflix account, to watch streaming movies and TV shows on a mobile device. Family members can share one account with up to 5 individual profiles. You must be 18+ to start a Netflix membership, according to the Terms of Use. Netflix offers many parental controls to filter content on a student’s profile. Parents can only access the safety settings on Netflix.com, not on the Netflix app.

Netflix App

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Steam Mobile

(Based in USA, Owned by Valve Corp)

Gray Zone

Steam Mobile is an online distribution platform for users to buy and play video games. Users get instant access to thousands of games that are available on Steam. Most Steam games can be purchased but some are free to play. Although the games have age requirements, it’s easy for students to bypass the age restrictions. Some parents warn that it can be easy for younger students to be scammed into an unfair deal when trading.

Steam Mobile

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VSCO App

(Based in USA, Owned by VSCO)

Gray Zone

The VSCO app is a photo editing app, similar to Instagram, with various filters and photo enhancements. Users can share their photos on the VSCO app or to other apps after they edit them. Unlike Instagram, there is limited social interaction on VSCO. Users can private message friends (if they follow each other), but they can’t like or comment on each other’s posts.

VSCO App

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ooVoo App

(Based in USA, Owned by Krush Technologies)

Gray Zone

ooVoo is a video and messaging app. It was discontinued in November 2017, but became available again on Google Play. Parents should be aware that ooVoo has been reportedly used by predators to contact underage kids. The app allows users to video chat with up to 12 people at one time.

ooVoo App

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Among Us App

(Based in USA, Owned by InnerSloth LLC)

Gray Zone

The Among Us app is an online, multiplayer game that can be played with friends or strangers. It’s a social dedication game filled with teamwork, betrayal, and mild violence. Parents should know there is a public game option that lets you play and chat with complete strangers.

Among Us App

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Apex Legends

(Based in USA, Published by Electronic Arts)

Gray Zone

Apex Legends is an online, first-person, multi-player, “hero shooter” video game. It is often compared to Fortnite but has its own downsides that parents need to know about.

Apex Legends

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Apple Journal

(Based in USA, Owned by Apple)

Gray Zone

An iPhone app for users to record and store private thoughts and information securely which is automatically installed on all devices with the iOS 17.2 update.

Apple Journal

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Bitmoji App

(Based in USA, Owned by Snap Inc.)

Gray Zone

The Bitmoji app allows users to create a cartoon avatar or “emoji” that looks like themselves. Since it’s easy to create Bitmojis and share them on other apps, teens could get themselves in trouble if they create an inappropriate Bitmoji that gets shared on social media (or screenshot and shared). Some security experts warn that giving 3rd party keyboards access to your device’s data, like Bitmoji asks to do, can put your privacy at risk.

Bitmoji App

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Byte App

(Based in USA, Owned by Byte, Inc)

Gray Zone

The Byte app was purchased by Clash App, Inc in 2021 and is now known as Huddles.

Byte App

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CapCut

(Based in China, Owned by ByteDance)

Gray Zone

The CapCut app is a free, video editing app that can be used to customize videos and then share them on other social media platforms. The app offers editing features such as trimming or merging videos, slow-motion, auto captions, background removal, music clips, sound effects, and more. After the video is created, users can easily share the video to TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. CapCut is owned by the same parent company as TikTok and collects personal data.

Tell us you want to learn more about the CapCut app!

CapCut

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Chat GPT AI With GPT-3

(Developed by OpenAI, based in San Francisco, CA)

Gray Zone

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence-based chatbot that lets students ask questions, give writing prompts, and more. The technology is based on Natural Language Processing and is designed to understand and respond to human language.

Chat GPT AI With GPT-3

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Facetune

(Based in Israel, Owned by Lightricks Ltd.)

Gray Zone

The Facetune app lets users change or remove their perceived imperfections in an instant. Users can make minor or major adjustments to their appearance. Some psychologists have warned there are dangerous health consequences for teens who regularly use apps, like Facetune, to change their appearance.

Facetune

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Fortnite Battle Royale

(Based in USA, Owned by Epic Games)

Gray Zone

Fortnite Battle Royale is a free, multiplayer game that is incredibly popular with students. Fortnite is designed to keep players coming back, which can be addicting and difficult for students who haven’t yet developed a healthy relationship with screen time. Also, students might come across profanity or inappropriate language from other players through text or voice chatting.

Fortnite Battle Royale Game Review

Fortnite Battle Royale

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Gas app

(Owned by Find Your Crush, LLC)

Gray Zone

Gas app allows users to send “positive” polls to their contacts and friends at their school. Parents can talk with their teens about self-confidence and set screen time expectations as a family.

Gas app

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Google Arts & Culture App

(Based in USA, Owned by Google Inc.)

Gray Zone

Google Arts & Culture app and website makes fine-art easily accessible by offering virtual tours of museums. Users can take and submit a photo of themselves and the app will scan its database and share a painting that resembles the photo submitted.

Google Arts & Culture App

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Google Hangouts

(Based in USA, Owned by Google Inc.)

Gray Zone

Note: Google Hangouts was primarily discontinued in July 2022 and replaced with Google Chat. Google Hangouts is a messaging platform tied to your Gmail address. Users can message friends, start free video or voice calls, and start a conversation with one person or a group. Some parents have found predators targeting their kids through Google Hangouts.

Google Hangouts

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GroupMe App

(Based in USA, Owned by Microsoft)

Gray Zone

GroupMe is a messaging app where users can send group or private messages from their computer or phone using WiFi. Since activity from the GroupMe app doesn’t show up on their parents’ phone bill, some students use the app to hide their messaging activity.

GroupMe App

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Houseparty App

(Based in USA, owned by Epic Games)

Gray Zone

Houseparty is a video chat app that mimics an actual house party where users can move from “room” to “room” video chatting with others. Users can chat with up to eight people at the same time. Chats are unmoderated and students might come in contact with inappropriate content or cyberbullies.

Houseparty App

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Huddles

(Based in Los Angeles, CA, Owned by Clash App, Inc)

Gray Zone

Huddles is a free, short-form video app where creators can add music and other effects to their videos. The main goal with Huddles is for creators to make money on their videos. Many use this app as an alternative to TikTok. Huddles used to be Byte app.

Huddles

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Kahoot App

(Based in Norway, Owned by Kahoot!)

Gray Zone

Kahoot is a game-based classroom platform for quizzes, surveys, and discussions. While teachers love this to create engaging lessons, there are reports of students cheating, creating inappropriate usernames the class can see, and causing the quizzes to crash during class.

Kahoot App

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Lemon8

(Based in China, Owned by Heliophilia Pte. Ltd (ByteDance))

Gray Zone

Lemon8 is a new social media app developed by ByteDance, the owners of TikTok. Many describe the app as a cross between Instagram and Pinterest that focuses mainly on lifestyle content such as fashion, food, fitness, etc. Users can explore others’ posts, create and post their own posts, or scroll through the “For You” section that has been personalized based on the algorithm.

Lemon8

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Life360: Find Family & Friends

(Based in USA, Owned by Life360)

Gray Zone

Life360 Family Locator is a real-time location-sharing app that uses GPS location data to report the location of users. A user creates a geofence around their home and other frequently visited destinations. If your family uses the app, be aware that your children can start sharing their location with their friends.

Life360: Find Family & Friends

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Likee

(Based in China, Owned by JOYY)

Gray Zone

Likee is a free, short form video platform similar to TikTok. Users can create, share, and view videos with special effects, music, etc. Users do not need a registered account to view content on the app and website, but Likee does offer password-protected parental controls.

Likee

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Locket Widget

(Based in Venice, CA, Owned by Locket Labs, Inc)

Gray Zone

Locket Widget is an app that allows friends to send pictures directly to each other. The app adds a widget to the user’s device that will enable students to send photos to their friends without opening the app. Users can connect with up to 20 friends at once or create individual “lockets” for specific people. Locket requires a phone number to start an account and frequently requests access to users’ contacts. Users can share photos they receive (via text messages, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, or other social media accounts) without the sender’s permission.

Tell us you want to learn more about Locket Widget app!

Locket Widget

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Musical.ly App

Note: Musical.ly was shut down in August 2018. All of Musical.ly's 100 million users were transitioned to the TikTok app's servers in China.

Gray Zone

Musical.ly let users create lip-syncing videos to their favorite songs. Students could easily hear adult songs and see mature content on this app.

Musical.ly App

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Open Dream

Based in USA

Gray Zone

Open Dream is a free AI image generator that is only available for use on a web browser. New users get 20 free generation credits. It takes 2 credits to generate one image. All images created in the free version are public for other users to see and like. Images can only be made private with an upgraded plan.

Open Dream

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Periscope App

(Based in USA, Owned by Twitter) Note: Periscope has shut down since our original review and transitioned all services to Twitter.

Gray Zone

Periscope was a live video app. It allowed users to watch and broadcast real-time videos from their phones. It was easy to find your kids on Periscope if you know their Twitter usernames. Most of the content on this app is unmonitored and your students can watch live videos from all over the world.

Periscope App

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Pokémon Go App

(Based in USA, Owned by Niantic, Inc.)

Gray Zone

Pokémon Go is an augmented-reality mobile game for iOS and Android devices that bridges the gap between real life and the digital world. Law enforcement officials have been concerned about user safety while using the app.

Pokémon Go App

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Poppy Playtime

Based in USA Owned by MOB Games

Gray Zone

Poppy Playtime are horror/survival games that require players to investigate an abandoned toy factory where all of the employees vanished and some of the toys are alive and evil. The title of the game and the characters, Huggy Wuggy and Kissy Missy, lead many young children to believe the game is playful and age-appropriate, but it is full of scares and suspense. If your student is interested in playing this game, download and play it yourself to see if it’s something you want your child to play. Also available on Steam, Game versions: Poppy Playtime Chapter 1, Poppy Playtime Chapter 2.

Tell us you want to learn more about Poppy Playtime!

Poppy Playtime

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Roblox

(Based in USA, Owned by Roblox Corp.)

Gray Zone

Roblox is a user-generated online gaming platform where you can play a wide variety of games and even create your own. With millions of daily active users, Roblox offers a vibrant community and the ability to connect with friends. However, it's important to be aware of safety concerns like child predators and cyberbullying.

Roblox Game Review

Roblox

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Rules of Survival

(Based in China, Owned by NetEase Games)

Gray Zone

Rules of Survival is an online multiplayer video game. Up to 300 people play until there is only one player left. Parents should be aware that users can talk to other players in the game, some of the character’s outfits are suggestive, and there are in-app purchases.

Rules of Survival Game Review

Rules of Survival

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SMS Text Messaging

Gray Zone

SMS text messaging is one of the primary apps that each phone has. All accounts are connected to phone numbers or email addresses. SMS messenger is relatively safe for students, there are many ways for parents to track messages and monitor use.

SMS Text Messaging Review

SMS Text Messaging

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Snapchat

(Based in USA, Owned by Snap Inc)

Gray Zone

Snapchat users take and edit photos and videos and send them to friends or post them to their Snapchat feed. The messages (aka Snaps) "disappear" after being viewed. Students often feel OK sharing very personal moments on Snapchat, but should be taught that nothing online ever truly disappears. Snapchat streaks make this app highly addictive.

Snapchat

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Stable Diffusion

Based in the United Kingdom, Owned by Emad Mostaque

Gray Zone

This program offers a prompt search engine that contains more than 12 million prompts gathered from AI artists all over the world. The search engine allows users to browse through images and their prompts to gather ideas or to use in your project. Stable Diffusion has a built-in content filter that prevents the creation of explicit content, but it can be unreliable and sometimes still allow violence and gore.

Stable Diffusion

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StarryAI

Based in USA, Owned by Mo Kahn

Gray Zone

The program is free to use but creators only get 5 free art generations daily. Users can upgrade to a Pro account to receive more image credits and other features. With each creation, StarryAI will generate 4 different images and the user can choose to adjust the image, make it public, share it across social media, or download and save.

StarryAI

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Threads, an Instagram app

(Based in USA, Owned by Meta)

Gray Zone

Instagram's Threads is a quickly growing, online social media platform that is a direct rival to Twitter. There is an option to have a private account, but otherwise, there are minimal parental controls built into the app.

Threads, an Instagram app

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TikTok App

(Based in China, Owned by ByteDance)

Gray Zone

TikTok is a make-your-own music video app. The app was previously called Musical.ly. Users can watch and create short (up to 60-seconds) videos. TikTok released new parental controls in 2020, including a Family Pairing feature that allows parents to link their TikTok account to their student's TikTok account.

TikTok App

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Triller App

(Based in the USA, Owned by Proxima Media)

Gray Zone

The Triller app is a social media network where users make and share short videos. Anyone can view videos, but users must sign up for a free account to “like” videos, follow other users, read/make comments, and send direct messages. Since content is user-generated on Triller, it can contain profanity, suggestive dance moves, drinking, and drug use. Many are using Triller as an alternative to TikTok.

Triller App

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Venmo App

Based in New York, Owned by PayPal

Gray Zone

The Venmo app allows users to easily pay each other through their smart devices. However, this app creates a social media presence for its users that may make them the target for scams, predators, or bullies. Learn the dangers of this app and the steps students and parents should consider when using the Venmo app.

Venmo App

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Vine

(Based in USA, Owned by Twitter - Closed in 2016) Note: Vine was discontinued by Twitter in 2016 and is no longer available for download.

Gray Zone

Vine is owned by Twitter and was a six-second video-sharing app. Users often posted videos of their everyday life and blunders. Much of the content on Vine was crude humor and carefully crafted to get views.

Vine

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WhatsApp Messenger

(Based in USA, Owned by Meta, Inc.)

Gray Zone

WhatsApp is a free messaging app that allows students to use wifi to bypass their SMS/text messaging feature and directly communicate with other users on the app.WhatsApp can be accessed on a smartphone, computer, or web browser.

WhatsApp Messenger

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X (formerly Twitter)

(Based in USA, Owned by X Corp)

Gray Zone

X (Formerly Twitter) allows users to send messages up to 280 characters in length (and include photos and videos). X is a place where some students feel they can diary their feelings, not realizing their posts are tied to their identity (and can be seen by colleges and employers).

X (formerly Twitter)

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YouTube

(Based in USA, Owned by Google)

Gray Zone

YouTube is a video player, editor, and sharing app and website. The app offers many parental settings, including content filters and time restrictions, but can be highly addictive. Many videos are unmoderated, so adult content could easily be found by young students.

YouTube

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OnlyFans

(Based in London, Owned by Fenix International Limited)

Red Zone

OnlyFans is a website populated by various types of influencers but has quickly become integrated with the adult entertainment industry. The most popular, and most recommended Fans on the site recently are in the adult entertainment industry and are not appropriate for young individuals. While the site has an 18 and older age policy, some minors are finding ways to deceive the validation process to access OnlyFans content.

OnlyFans Website Review

OnlyFans

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Threema

Based in Switzerland, Owned by Threema GmbH

Red Zone

Threema is a paid secure messenger chat app that strives to keep users' data out of the hands of hackers. It gives students who don’t have a cell phone plan a way to communicate with others online. Teens can create an account without having an email address or phone number, offering them the option to remain completely anonymous

Threema

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LINE App

(Based in Japan, Owned by LINE Corporation)

Red Zone

The LINE app allows users to have hidden chats, make new friends, and build a social media network filled with cute stickers and avatars. It also gives users a free way to make calls and send texts. Strangers can easily contact kids through the LINE app and LINE Play.

LINE App

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LiveIn

(Based in USA, Owned by LiveHouse Limited)

Red Zone

LiveIn is a photo-sharing app that allows users to send photos (or drawings) directly to their friends’ phone home screens via a widget. The app also allows users to post or browse photos to a public feed for strangers to view, comment, like, or follow. From the public feed, photos can be shared across other apps without the owner’s permission. There is no way to have a private account however, users can choose whether to share their photos publicly or privately with friends. The app contains a direct messaging feature.

Tell us you want to learn more about the LiveIn app!

LiveIn

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Ogle App

(Based in USA, Owned by Nuistars Inc.) NOTE: This app is no longer available in the iOS App Store or on Google Play.

Red Zone

Ogle was an anonymous app that automatically searched the users' location for nearby schools. The app allows *anyone* to interact with school feeds, engage on any campus's content, and share or ask anything anonymously. Since there was little formal registration, bullies and predators could easily masquerade as students.

Tell us you want to learn more about the Ogle App!

Ogle App

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Reddit

(Based in USA, Owned by Reddit Inc)

Red Zone

Reddit is a social media app and website where users can post interesting news, humorous memes, questions about topics, and random information. Parents should be aware that most accounts are anonymous, there are no editors on Reddit, and explicit content is easily available.

Reddit Website Review

Reddit

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TextNow App

(Based in Canada, Owned by TextNow, Inc.)

Red Zone

The TextNow app turns any wifi connected device into a phone with its own phone number, even if the device doesn’t have a phone plan. With the TextNow app, users can send traditional text/sms messages that won’t show up on their phone bill. There are several reports of predators using this app to target victims.

TextNow App

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Wink App

(Based in USA, owned by 9 Count Inc.)

Red Zone

Wink is a social media app that connects users around the globe through text, voice, and video chat. Many students use Wink as a dating app to find new relationships. There is no required age verification when signing up and there are many opportunities to be approached by predators, view inappropriate content, or share sensitive information.

Wink App

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YOLO App

(Based in France, Owned by Popshow Inc.)

Red Zone

The Yolo app is an anonymous Q&A app that works seamlessly with Snapchat. If your student uses Snapchat, it is very likely that they could encounter the YOLO app. Anonymous apps can bring out the worst in some tweens and teens when they think others don't know why they are.

YOLO App

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Yik Yak App

(Based in USA, Owned by Yik Yak, Inc.) Note: Yik Yak was discontinued in 2017 and reinstated in 2021.

Red Zone

Yik Yak acts like a community bulletin board for your area by showing the most recent posts from other users around you. Apps that are anonymous and encourage users to be “authentic” can encourage students to take risks or write things they wouldn’t normally say in real life.

Yik Yak App

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ASKfm: Ask and Answer

(Based in Latvia, Owned by Ask.fm Europe Limited)

Red Zone

ASKfm (previously known as Ask.fm) is an app and website that encourages students to set up a public profile and allows anonymous people to ask them questions. This encourages bullying and can really hurt the student's feelings. Kids often reveal too much personal information on this site, and cyberbullying is very prevalent.

ASKfm: Ask and Answer

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After School App

(Based in USA, Owned by ONE, Inc.)

Red Zone

NOTE: After School has been formally discontinued.‍ After School was an anonymous app that created a separate chat group for every school. It has been removed multiple times from the App Store and Google Play because of threats and arrests. Messages often include bullying, pornography, and alcohol or drug references.

After School App

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Amino App

(Based in USA, Owned by Narvii, Inc)

Red Zone

The Amino app encourages young users to explore their interests and connect with people who have similar passions. However, those virtual Amino communities are uncensored and everyone using the app is anonymous. Students could be chatting, sharing photos, or exchanging videos with adult strangers who have ulterior motives.

Amino App

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AntiLand App

(Based in USA, Owned by Anti Corporation)

Red Zone

The AntiLand app (formerly AntiChat app) offers users the ability to anonymously chat with users around the world. Anonymous apps like AntiLand can be very dangerous for students to use because they encourage users to chat with strangers. Content in chat rooms can be very mature and many users ask for pictures or to send pictures.

AntiLand App

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BIGO Live App

(Based in Singapore, Owned by Bigo Technology)

Red Zone

BIGO LIVE is a live video streaming social media network that encourages users to randomly chat with strangers using their video calls feature. The emphasis on connecting with strangers on BIGO LIVE is a major red flag that this app is NOT safe for students.

BIGO Live App

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BOO App

(Based in China, Owned by Beijing Baide Aisi Technology Co)

Red Zone

The BOO app (formerly Boomoji) is a social network where users create an avatar that they use to chat with others. If your student had the app before December 2018 (or if their friends did), it is likely that their phone number and any other personal information they linked to the app was exposed.

BOO App

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BitLife App

(Based in USA, Owned by CandyWriter LLC)

Red Zone

The BitLife app guides players on a simulated life from birth to death. Players make text-based choices, which can promote safe or risky lifestyles. Players are exposed to many mature ideas including drug addiction, sex, and violence. Players can earn "ribbons" when they reach certain milestones, which could contribute to excessive screen time or gaming addiction.

BitLife App

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Bumble App

(Based in USA, Owned by Bumble Holding Limited)

Red Zone

Bumble is a mobile dating app where women must be the first to make contact. Bumble now offers three modes to find matches - Date (dating), BFF (friends), and BIZZ (business). Tweens and teens have been known to lie about their age and create fake accounts on dating apps like Bumble.

Bumble App

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BurnBook App

(Based in USA) NOTE: At the time of this review, BurnBook was no longer available in the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.

Red Zone

BurnBook was an anonymous app for posting text, photos, and audio rumor messages about others. The app compiled messages by school, so the app required access to the user's location. It encouraged students to screenshot the rumors and save them to their phones, which causes bullying issues.

BurnBook App

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Calculator Private Photo Vault Apps

Red Zone

Various Calculator Private Photo Vault apps are designed to help students hide photos and videos behind an innocent looking calculator app. This application looks like a calculator but entering a passcode opens a private area.

Calculator Private Photo Vault Apps

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Call of Duty

(Based in USA, Owned by Activision Publishing)

Red Zone

Call of Duty a multiplayer battle game on the go. The app has warnings for mature content, violence, and profanity. We also want parents to know this game can be addicting for users and offers many in-app purchases as players advance through the matches.

Call of Duty

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Discord App

(Based in USA, Owned by Discord)

Red Zone

Discord is a free voice, video, and text chat app where users live stream games and internet videos. Like many chat apps, Discord doesn’t put out dangerous content, but some people who use it might. If your student is connecting with random people on Discord, there’s a good chance they might come across something inappropriate.

Discord App

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Emerald Chat

(Based in London, Owned by Emerald, Co.)

Red Zone

Emerald is a live chat website that specifically markets itself as being all about talking to strangers. The topics of live text chats and videos can very quickly become inappropriate for students.

Emerald Chat Website Review

Emerald Chat

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Fachat App

(Based in China, Owned by Jingwen Guan)

Red Zone

Fachat allows users to pay to video chat with strangers around the world. Users can remain anonymous or add their age, location, and photo to their profile. The app is free, but coins must be purchased for video chats. Chatting with strangers online could be dangerous and children could be exposed to some very mature conversations and inappropriate sexual behaviors on Fachat.

Fachat App

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Finstagram/Spam Instagram Account

(Based in USA, Owned by Meta)

Red Zone

Finstagram (Finsta) is a fake (or second) Instagram account (sometimes referred to as a "spam account" by students). Students get a second Instagram account along with their real Instagrams, to post pictures or videos without their parents knowing about the second account.

Finstagram/Spam Instagram Account

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HOLA App

(Based in USA, Owned by Skylb Inc)

Red Zone

The HOLA app is a random video chat app. Users must sign up with a Google or Facebook account. They are not asked to verify their age. New users must give the app permission to access the phone’s camera and microphone. Users push a “start call” button to immediately be connected with a live, random stranger. Users report widespread profanity, nudity, and lewd behavior on the app.

HOLA App

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HOLLA App

(Based in China, Owned by HOLLA Group)

Red Zone

The HOLLA app is a live, random video chat app. Users must register with a phone number or Facebook account. The app requires access to a user’s phone camera and microphone. There is a “Nearby” chat mode that uses the phone’s GPS to connect with nearby strangers. A monthly fee is required to search for users by their gender or profile. Many users report seeing nudity and lewd behavior on this app.

HOLLA App

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Hooked App

(Based in USA, Owned by Telepathic, Inc)

Red Zone

The Hooked app enables users to read stories in chat form, like a series of text messages or as a series of video clips. Since the majority of the stories feature sex, violence, and drug use, this app is inappropriate for students. Also, this app can have a serious impact on your child’s digital footprint, especially if they sign up with their Facebook account.

Hooked App

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Hoop App

(Based in France, Owned by Dazz SAS)

Red Zone

The Hoop app is built on the Snapchat platform (but is not owned by Snapchat). Hoop users swipe through profiles to find new people to connect with on Snapchat.

Hoop App

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IMVU App

(Based in USA, Owned by IMVU, Inc)

Red Zone

IMVU is an app where users create custom avatars and use them to chat with strangers in random chats or 3D chat rooms. This app can be used by predators to try and get victims to share their phone numbers, send photos, and video chat off of the app. Content on IMVU is inappropriate for teens and avatars can be used to simulate explicit activities.

IMVU App

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Jott Messenger App

(Based in USA, Owned by Juxta Labs) NOTE: At the time of this review, Jott Messenger was no longer available in the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.

Red Zone

Jott Messenger is an app that allows students to send messages without a data plan or a WiFi connection. Jott messenger creates a closed network with other devices (usually using a direct bluetooth signal) and can reach other users up to 100-feet. Like Snapchat, Jott includes a “self-destructing” feature that lets the user decide when a message, photo, or video will "disappear."

Jott Messenger App

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Kik App

(Based in USA, Owned by MediaLab)

Red Zone

Kik is a chat app that allows anyone to contact your child and directly message them with text, photos, or video messages. There are many news reports of predators using the app because it is easy to create a user account with any email address.

Kik App

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Lasso App

(Based in USA, Owned by Facebook Inc.) NOTE: Facebook announced it is shutting down the Lasso app, effective July 10, 2020.

Red Zone

Lasso app users could create and edit videos and set them to music. The privacy controls on this app are extremely limited. Complete strangers can watch every video your kid is creating on the Lasso App.

Lasso App

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Lipsi App

Red Zone

Lipsi is a feedback app where students can accept anonymous feedback from others. Anonymous apps, like Lipsi, can be dangerous for students and don’t help them build a positive digital footprint. Cyberbullying is a big threat on this app.

Lipsi App

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Live.ly App

(Based in China, Owned by Musical.ly) NOTE: Live.ly was discontinued in 2018 and is no longer available in the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.

Red Zone

Live.ly was a video streaming app from the creators of Musical.ly where users broadcasted live video (or video chatted with friends). Before it closed in 2018, there were reports of students using Live.ly to play truth or dare, and it was not uncommon to see students younger than 13 on the app. Some parents even called the Live.ly app a "pedophile hunting ground."

Live.ly App

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Live.me App

(Based in China, Owned by KS Mobile)

Red Zone

Live.me (also called LiveMe) is a live streaming video app that allows users to watch or broadcast live-stream videos. The app uses geolocation to share videos, so users know broadcasters exact location. Users earn coins on Live.me and some predators are using coins as a way to pay minors for pictures. Be aware that anyone can watch your student's videos and access their information on the app.

Live.me App

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Look App

NOTE: At the time of this review, Look was no longer available in the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.

Red Zone

Look is a free messaging app that combines live video with text messaging. In the past, the Look app was known to request the user to upload all of their contacts to the app's servers. The app would then send text messages to many of the contacts saying the user invited them to join the app. Also, some users have reported that it’s easy for strangers to message you on the app.

Look App

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MeWe App

(Based in USA, Owned by Sgrouples Inc)

Red Zone

MeWe is a social network marketed to users who want more privacy. Users connect with friends, family, and groups with common interests. MeWe says the company does not track user data to sell to third parties or to use to target users with advertising content. MeWe policies have left the door open for hate speech, pornography, and illegal activities.

MeWe App

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MeetMe App

(Based in USA, Owned by The Meet Group)

Red Zone

MeetMe is a dating app that connects strangers based on similar interests and locations. Users can private message each other and participate in live streams. They are also encouraged to exchange gifts and money through the app. Police have issued warnings about MeetMe after cases involving predators caught using the app. As a default, names and locations are public on profiles.

MeetMe App

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Mojiit App

(Based in USA, Owned by Mojiit)

Red Zone

The Mojiit app is a social network where users create and share animated avatars using augmented reality. Using their phone’s camera, users take videos of themselves which turn into an avatar. Mojiit uses geolocation and encourages users to go to certain locations nearby. Geolocation features can be dangerous for teens and tweens because strangers nearby can find the student’s exact location.

Mojiit App

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Monkey App

(Based in USA, Owned by Monkey, Inc)

Red Zone

The Monkey app randomly pairs users with strangers for live video chats. Users see the age and gender of the other user before connecting with them for a 15-second chat. Random video chatting apps make it easy for predators to target students.

Monkey App

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MyLOL App

(Based in Canada, Owned by Smart Lamas Inc.)

Red Zone

MyLOL is a teen dating app designed for students 13-19 years old. Built-in features of MyLOL encourage users to send private messages to random strangers. While people over 20 years old are not permitted to create an account, MyLOL makes it easy to enter another birth date, if you’re not a teen.

MyLOL App

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NGL: Anonymous q&A App

(Based in Beverly Hills, CA, Owned by NGL Labs LLC)

Red Zone

NGL (Not Gonna Lie) is a third-party messaging app that lets users submit and view questions anonymously through Instagram. Every NGL user has their own personalized link for submissions, and you can only access messages via the app, not Instagram. Instagram is only used to send out the link to followers and collect comments. Anytime an app promotes “anonymity” it is a red flag for SmartSocial as it can be easy for students to encounter online bullying, access to inappropriate content, and predators. Also, reviewers state that many messages received are fake and from bots.

Tell us you want to learn more about the NGL (not gonna lie) app!

NGL: Anonymous q&A App

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Omegle App - Closed in 2023

(Based in the United States, Owned by Omegle.com, LLC)

Red Zone

The social media app Omegle shut down in November 2023 after being online for 14 years due to a lawsuit accusing the site of facilitating child abuse. Omegle’s tagline was “Talk to strangers!” and its homepage showed tens of thousands of strangers logged on at any given moment.

Omegle App - Closed in 2023

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Overwatch Game

(Based in USA, Owned by Blizzard Entertainment) ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Red Zone

Overwatch is a multiplayer first-person shooter game available on Windows, XBox One, and PS4. The game only works if players are matched onto teams with other real people which means that your child will be exposed to strangers in every match.

Overwatch Game Review

Overwatch Game

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Phhhoto App

(Based in USA, Owned by Hold Still Inc.) NOTE: At the time of this review, Phhhoto was no longer available in the iOS App Store or on Google Play. The creators of Phhhoto have created a similar new app, called HYPNO Cam, that's now available only in the iOS App Store.

Red Zone

Phhhoto was a camera app that allowed users to shoot moving pictures that continually loop to make short movies. There was no option to make an account private and users could only block specific users from seeing their Phhhoto posts. Students without smartphones or email addresses can get access to the app.

Phhhoto App

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Profoundly App

(Based in Delhi, India)

Red Zone

The Profoundly app is an anonymous feedback and messaging app that works with Facebook so that users can post questions to their Stories and receive anonymous feedback. In our experience, when students feel like they can remain anonymous, they tend to behave negatively.

Profoundly App

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Randonautica App

(Based in USA, Owned by Randonaut, LLC)

Red Zone

The Randonautica app is a real-life adventure game. The app is free to download and there are no age requirements. Users can “manifest” the type of experience they want to encounter by typing in an intention or what they hope to find. The app then generates a set of random GPS coordinates for the user to travel to. The quantum random number generators often lead users to private property and other potentially dangerous locations.

Randonautica App

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Sarahah App

(Based in Saudi Arabia, Owned by Sarahah) NOTE: This app was removed from the iOS App Store and Google Play in 2018.

Red Zone

Sarahah was an app and website that allowed users to send and receive anonymous messages. Teens and tweens sometimes think they can hide behind anonymous screen names and bully others without repercussions. There was no way to report inappropriate content or threats. Many students attached their Sarahah links to their Snapchat and Instagram stories and accounts. Note: No longer available in the app stores, but apps often do re-launch over time.

Tell us you want to learn more about XYZ app!

Sarahah App

Revisar

SayAt.Me App

(Based in Estonia, Owned by SayAt.Me OÜ)

Red Zone

SayAt.Me is an anonymous website and app that allows users to gather feedback from others. Anonymous apps are breeding grounds for cyberbullying behavior. Some students feel like they can hide behind anonymity on social media to hurt others. SayAt.Me encourages users to compare their self-image to other people’s opinions which can be damaging to a developing tween or teen.

SayAt.Me App

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Secret App

Note: The Secret App was shutdown in 2015 and is no longer available in the iOS App Store or on Google Play.

Red Zone

Secret was an app that allowed users to share messages anonymously within their circle of friends, friends of friends, and publicly. When a user saw a secret about them on the app, they don't know who posted it, but they do know one of their 3-100 connections sent it. This can cause bullying and anxiety. Students often hide behind being anonymous when posting, and forget that anonymous does not mean untraceable.

Secret App

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Signal App

(Based in USA, Owned by Signal Foundation)

Red Zone

The Signal app is a free private messaging app that promises privacy for users through end-to-end encryption. It is widely used by people - from politicians to famous athletes - who don’t want to risk having others see or hear their personal information, private messages, and photos. Using any private messaging app could lead to negative behavior because students might feel they can hide their actions from their parents.

Signal App

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Slingshot App

(Based in USA, Owned by Science Mobile) NOTE: As of May 2020, Slingshot was not available for download in the iOS App Store or on Google Play.

Red Zone

Slingshot was a comparison app, marketed to boys, that allowed users to vote or create polls. Slingshot users could create any type of poll, including topic that may not be appropriate for teens.

Slingshot App

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Spotafriend App

(Based in Canada, Owned by Smart Lamas Inc.)

Red Zone

Spotafriend is an app strictly for teens designed to help them find friends. We discourage students from using Spotafriend since there have been instances of adults being able to easily bypass the age restriction. Spotafriend is owned by the creators of MyLOL, a popular teen dating app.

Spotafriend App

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Squad App

(Based in the USA, Owned by Olabot Inc) Note: Squad App was acquired by Twitter and shut down in 2020

Red Zone

Squad was a video chat app that let friends share their screens with each other. Up to nine friends could video chat at the same time. There were no privacy settings or filters to prevent children from chatting with adults. Users can share anything on the internet, which could expose children to inappropriate videos or content.

Squad App

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StreetChat App

NOTE: This app is no longer available in the iOS App Store or on Google Play.

Red Zone

StreetChat was a live photo-sharing board designed for middle school, high school, and college students. Kids feel the freedom to send mean posts because they do not have to confirm their identity within the app. This leads to online bullying.

StreetChat App

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Tango App

(Based in USA, Owned by TangoMe)

Red Zone

The Tango app is a social network and messaging app for phones or tablets that uses geo-location. Tango encourages users to talk to strangers. Since the app utilizes geo-location, strangers can be able to access your child's location.

Tango App

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Telegram App

(Based in Dubai, Owned by Telegram FZ-LLC)

Red Zone

Telegram Messenger offers unlimited instant messaging. The app connects users to an individual chat, Groups with up to 200,000 users, or Channels with an unlimited number of users. Large chat groups can easily get out of control with unknown members. The People Nearby feature can show a user's physical location, which is dangerous for teens.

Telegram App

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Tellonym App

(Based in Germany, Owned by Callosum Software)

Red Zone

The Tellonym app allows students (and strangers) to ask and answer questions anonymously. The Tellonym app can be linked to a user’s Instagram, Snapchat, or Twitter account, allowing students to get inbound anonymous messages from their friends and strangers. When teens connect anonymous apps to their Instagram or Snapchat they open themselves up to being targeted by strangers across platforms (and bullying/threats from people they may not know).

Tellonym App

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Text Me App

(Based in USA, Owned by TextMe, Inc.)

Red Zone

The Text Me app offers free texting, calling, and additional phone numbers. In our experience, students will download apps like this so that they can hide their activity from their parents. Even if a user doesn’t have a cellular plan, they can make calls and send texts using the app. Additionally, the Text Me app offers location sharing features which can be incredibly dangerous for students.

Text Me App

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Tinder App

(Based in USA, Owned by Tinder)

Red Zone

Tinder is a dating app, marketed to adults, that allows users to connect with other Tinder users. Users anonymously swipe right if they’re interested in seeing a user’s profile or they swipe left to pass. If both users express interest or “swipe right” on each other, then those users become a match. Once a user has been matched with another Tinder user they can start chatting with each other in the app. When signing up, users must use a Facebook profile to verify authenticity.

Tinder App

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Tumblr App

(Based in USA, Owned by Yahoo! Inc)

Red Zone

Tumblr is a microblogging social media platform popular with Gen Z users that displays adult content and has easy access to strangers. Creators can create their own blog posts with photos, text, videos, memes, GIFS, and more.

Tumblr App

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Twenty App (formerly Mappen App)

(Based in USA, Owned by Twenty Holdings Inc.)

Red Zone

Twenty app is a social media networking app that focuses on location sharing. Smart Social believes this app is not safe for students because predators can visit your students based on their real-time location.

Twenty App Review

Twenty App (formerly Mappen App)

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Twitch

(Based in USA, Owned by Twitch Interactive, Inc, subsidiary of Amazon)

Red Zone

Twitch is a live streaming video platform (via app or web browser) where users watch people live-stream themselves (and live chat with viewers) as they play video games or other activities. No matter how you configure your student’s Twitch security settings, there is no way to know if the content is safe for your student unless you become familiar with the platform and review their favorite videos or streamers.

Twitch

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Two Way: Walkie Talkie App

(Based in USA, owned by Selvaraj LLC)

Red Zone

Two Way: Walkie Talkie is a messaging app that allows users to talk to each other instantly. Teens like using walkie-talkie apps because walkie-talkie messages don't create text or phone call records. Strangers can chat with students easily in this app.

Two Way: Walkie Talkie App

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Voxer App

(Based in USA, Owned by Voxer)

Red Zone

Voxer is a free messaging app that allows users to send real-time voice messages (like a walkie-talkie) to other users. Teens like using Voxer because their activity on the app doesn't appear on their parents' phone bills. By default, profiles are public on Voxer which can be very dangerous.

Voxer App

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Walkie Talkie App

(Based in France, Owned by Picslo Corp)

Red Zone

The Walkie Talkie app is a free communication app that lets users turn their phone into an old school walkie talkie. There is no way to make a channel private. This means anyone can listen in on a conversation. Students should be reminded of the dangers of chatting with strangers and sharing personal information over the internet before using this app.

Walkie Talkie App

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Wattpad

(Based in Canada, Owned by Wattpad)

Red Zone

Wattpad is a relatively unmoderated online storytelling community available in a browser or app. One of the major concerns with Wattpad is that teens are posting explicit and inappropriate stories that are connected to their personal Facebook profiles (and show their profile photo). On Wattpad, it is easy for your student to access explicit content and predators are using this site to contact teens.

Wattpad

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WeChat App

(Based in China, Owned by Tencent)

Red Zone

WeChat is a free texting, video, and calling app developed in China. WeChat encourages users to chat with strangers nearby or around the world, at random. This feature is incredibly dangerous for teens and tweens.

WeChat App

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WhatsGoodly App

(Based in USA) NOTE: This app was shutdown in 2017 and is no longer available in the iOS App Store or on Google Play.

Red Zone

WhatsGoodly was an anonymous, location-based, social polling application designed for college students. It had a 17+ age restriction, but younger students could still see polls and vote. There were a lot of questions about dating, relationships, alcohol, and smoking on the app.

WhatsGoodly App

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Whisper App

(Based in USA, Owned by MediaLab)

Red Zone

Whisper is an anonymous social network that allows people to "express themselves." (Anytime an app encourages students to "express themselves" to strangers, please be very careful). Whisper reveals a user’s location, which makes it easy for people to arrange to meet up. This also makes it easier for predators to locate and connect with users.

Whisper App

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Wishbone App

(Based in USA, Owned by Mammoth Media Inc)

Red Zone

Wishbone is a comparison app, marketed to girls, that allows users to vote or create polls. Users can create any type of poll, including polls that are not appropriate for teens. In the beginning, this app would force students to watch inappropriate videos before moving onto the next poll.

Wishbone App

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Wizz - Make New Friends

(Owned by WIZZ SAS, France)

Red Zone

Wizz-Make New Friends is a social media platform where users meet new friends by swiping through other users’ profiles before being able to group or private chat with them. Users can send text, pictures, or videos through the chat function.

Wizz - Make New Friends

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YouNow App

(Based in USA, Owned by YouNow Media LLC)

Red Zone

YouNow is a popular broadcasting platform where kids can watch and stream real-time videos. Users decide whether broadcasters should continue their live videos with thumbs up and thumbs down voting. Anyone can record the videos that are posted, take screenshots, and bully others with the recordings.

YouNow App

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Yubo App (formerly called Yellow)

(Based in France, Owned by Twelve APP)

Red Zone

The Yubo app markets itself as a way to make friends even though it’s mostly used as a dating app. This can be confusing for teens and tweens who join the app and are not aware of the intentions of other users. This app is nicknamed “Tinder for Snapchat” and “Tinder for Teens." Yubo app users can join a live group stream or swipe through profiles.

Yubo App Review

Yubo App (formerly called Yellow)

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Zello PTT Walkie Talkie

(Based in USA, Owned by Zello, Inc. )

Red Zone

The Zello PTT Walkie Talkie app is another free communication app that lets users turn their phones into an old-school walkie-talkie. Users should assume anyone can listen in on a conversation. Students should be reminded of the dangers of chatting with strangers and sharing personal information over the internet before using this app.

Zello PTT Walkie Talkie

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Zynn App

(Based in China, Owned by Owlii Inc, a subsidiary of Kuaishou)

Red Zone

Zynn is a TikTok copycat app that pays people to watch videos and refer friends. You don't need an account to watch videos, but you do need an account to make a profile and earn rewards. At the time of our review, Zynn did not offer a content filter or an option to make a profile private. Everything users post on Zynn was public.

Zynn App

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tbh App

(Based in USA, Owned by Facebook Inc.) Note: The tbh App was discontinued in 2018 and is no longer available for download in the iOS App Store or Google Play.

Red Zone

TBH stands for “to be honest” and the tbh app is a social networking platform where users anonymously answer questions/polls about their classmates. There was no verification process on the app so anyone could sign up and say they attend a school in their area, even if they are an adult. This app encouraged users to anonymously critique their classmates, which can promote unhealthy student interactions.

tbh App

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Silhouette Challenge on TikTok

Dangerous Social Media Challenges

The Silhouette Challenge is a trend on TikTok that puts a red filter on a video that darkens the user’s body while they dance or move to look like a silhouette. Some users are recording the videos partially clothed or nude because they think their body is completely darkened with the red filter. Users are being cautioned to avoid participating in the challenge or to wear clothing they would normally be comfortable being seen wearing in a public setting.

Silhouette Challenge Review

Silhouette Challenge on TikTok

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Bathroom Vandalism Challenge

Dangerous Social Media Challenges

The “Bathroom Vandalism Challenge” on TikTok encourages students to cause destruction in their school’s restroom. Schools across the country are reacting and asking for help from parents and guardians to help stop this trend.

Bathroom Vandalism Challenge Review

Bathroom Vandalism Challenge

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Benadryl Challenge

Dangerous Social Media Challenges

The Benadryl Challenge encourages users to take excessive amounts of allergy medication with the hopes of hallucinating. If you find anyone who has overdosed on medication, seek medical assistance immediately. Learn how parents and educators can talk with students about this, and other, dangerous social media challenges.

Benadryl Challenge Review

Benadryl Challenge

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Blackout Challenge

Dangerous Social Media Challenges

The TikTok Blackout Challenge involves teens choking themselves or holding their breath until they pass out and sharing videos of themselves doing this. Learn how to talk to students about this and other dangerous challenges.

Blackout Challenge

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Blue Whale Challenge

Dangerous Social Media Challenges

The Blue Whale Challenge is a game teens play to perform harmful tasks over 50 days, with the last task urging the victim to die by suicide. The challenge as a whole is meant to harm students and slowly get them to trust the game. Each challenge in the game shames the student to take another action (or they will share their secrets with the public). If your child has engaged with anything like the Blue Whale Challenge, other students might be engaging with it too.

Blue Whale Challenge Review

Blue Whale Challenge

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Chroming Challenge

Dangerous Social Media Challenges

The Chroming Challenge on TikTok is a dangerous social media trend. This challenge is a variation of the long-standing practice of inhaling toxic chemical fumes to obtain an immediate short-term high. This challenge can have a lasting impact on one’s health including a decrease in brain activity and even death.

Chroming Challenge

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Condom Snorting Challenge

Dangerous Social Media Challenges

The condom snorting challenge is a viral trend where teens post a video of themselves snorting a condom through their nose and pulling it out of their mouth. While this may sound like a joke, teens have been doing this challenge since 2007. This challenge can be very dangerous and can cause choking, infection, or allergic reaction. Viral challenges like this encourage teens to do dangerous things just for likes, views, attention, and subscribers.

Condom Snorting Challenge

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Deodorant Challenge

Dangerous Social Media Challenges

The deodorant challenge is a viral teen trend where students spray their bare skin (or someone else’s) with aerosol deodorant for as long as they can stand it. The challenge is painful, can have a lasting impact, causes scarring, and is causing some teens to be hospitalized. Knowing about social media challenges and trends before your teen does can help you keep them safe before an incident occurs.

Deodorant Challenge

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Door Kick/Heart Beat Challenge

Dangerous Social Media Challenges

The Door Kick or Heart Beat Challenge encourages participants to kick unsuspecting people’s doors on college campuses and in neighborhoods. Learn more about why a simple prank with popular song lyrics is causing concern across the country.

Door Kick/Heart Beat Challenge

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Fire Challenge

Dangerous Social Media Challenges

Some students across the country are lighting themselves on fire-- or letting their friends ignite them while recording it for social media. It’s called the “Fire Challenge.” The life-threatening internet stunt has been around for a while, but unfortunately, some are still attempting it and some of them are getting badly burned in the process. We highly recommend parents discuss the dangers of the Fire Challenge with their students before they find out about it from their friends.

Fire Challenge

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Kia Boys TikTok Challenge

Dangerous Social Media Challenges

The Kia Boys TikTok challenge involves stealing cars, reckless driving, and major consequences. Learn more about this challenge, the potential dangers, and tips to talk to your students about why it’s important to avoid this particular social media trend.

Kia Boys TikTok Challenge

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Milk Crate Challenge

Dangerous Social Media Challenge

Dangerous Social Media Challenges

The “Milk Crate Challenge” is a viral social media challenge that medical practitioners and law enforcement officers have strong warnings against.

Milk Crate Challenge Review

Milk Crate Challenge

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Momo Challenge

(A hoax, but important to know about)

Dangerous Social Media Challenges

The Momo Challenge encourages students to contact an unknown person called “Momo” via WhatsApp. Throughout the challenge, students are sent violent and graphic images and texts. If students want to stop the challenge “Momo” threatens to leak their personal information. Students who partake in the Momo Challenge are actively communicating with strangers who intend to encourage self-harm.

Momo Challenge Review

Momo Challenge

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No Budge Challenge

Dangerous Social Media Challenges

The No Budge Walk Challenge encourages social media users to record themselves walking through a busy area (like a school hallway) going in the opposite direction from others with the intention of bumping into other walkers.

No Budge Challenge

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Nyquil Chicken Challenge

Dangerous Social Media Challenges

The Nyquil Chicken Challenge requires participants to cook chicken in cold medicine and post a video on social media. The challenge could cause breathing problems, hallucinations, and seizures. The challenge is also known as the #sleepychickenchallenge.

Nyquil Chicken Challenge

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One Chip Challenge

Dangerous Social Media Challenges

The One Chip Challenge is a viral social media challenge in which participants must eat a chip made from the spiciest peppers in the world.

One Chip Challenge

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Orbeez Gel Gun Challenge

Dangerous Social Media Challenges

Participants of the Orbeez challenge load airsoft or gel blaster toy guns with soft gel beads known as Orbeez. They then record themselves shooting people or objects with the gel beads and share the videos on social media. Police are prosecuting participants for personal harm and property damage.

Orbeez Gel Gun Challenge

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Shell On Challenge

Dangerous Social Media Challenges

The Shell on Challenge is a social media trend that is gaining popularity among students. Teens are challenging each other to eat food items still in their packaging. To partake in the challenge, teens will shoot a video of themselves eating something with the ‘shell on’ and then post that video on social media. It should be a red flag for parents if their child is doing this challenge to gain attention on social media.

Shell On Challenge Review

Shell On Challenge

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Skullbreaker Challenge

Dangerous Social Media Challenges

In the Skullbreaker Challenge, three people stand side-by-side. The two people on either end will trick the middle person into dancing or jumping with them to make a video. Then, they kick the unsuspecting person’s feet out from under him/her forcing the victim to fall on the ground. The prank is then posted to social media. There are reports of kids getting concussions or being hospitalized with other injuries after attempting this. Some students have also faced legal consequences for participating in the Skullbreaker Challenge.

Skullbreaker Challenge Review

Skullbreaker Challenge

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Slender Man

Dangerous Social Media Challenges

Slender Man is a fictional character who originated from a viral internet meme. The character is portrayed as a tall, thin, and faceless man in a black suit who goes around traumatizing people. Although he is fictitious, the Slender Man is causing teens to act dangerously. In 2014, two tween girls stabbed a classmate and claimed it was in an attempt to act on behalf of the Slender Man after reading about him online.

Slender Man Review

Slender Man

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Swatting

Dangerous Social Media Challenges

Swatting is when someone makes a prank call to emergency services in an attempt to dispatch a large number of law enforcement officers (often a swat team) to a school or an unsuspecting victim at home. Learn how to talk to students about preventing this trend.

Swatting

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Tide Pod Challenge

Dangerous Social Media Challenges

The Tide Pod Challenge encouraged students to consume a plastic laundry detergent pod and post a video of it to social media. At first, the challenge started as a joke but now poison control centers are warning parents about this dangerous activity. Even if a student doesn’t eat the entire laundry detergent pod, just ingesting a tiny bit can lead to serious health repercussions.

Tide Pod Challenge

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