Is the Tinder App Safe for Students? Parent App Guide
., start learning from this page to earn points towards a Starbucks gift card!*
Hi, I'm Josh, the founder of SmartSocial.com.
Keep reading, and soon you'll get a chance to share your thoughts and earn points for a reward!
Is the Tinder App Safe for Students? Parent App Guide
., start learning from this page to earn points!*
Hello, I'm Josh, the founder of SmartSocial.com.
Don't leave this page until you fill out our feedback form that will appear after you learn from the resources...
Parent & educator training video
What is Tinder?
Tinder is a dating app that shows the user other Tinder users who are nearby and share similar interests or mutual friends
- A dating app that shows other Tinder users nearby who share similar interests or mutual friends
- 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
- Users can post images and messages as "moments," which exist for 24 hours and then disappear
- When signing up, users must use a Facebook profile to verify their authenticity to Tinder
Tinder in the news
Not all teenagers have cars or driver’s licenses, and many of them hide Tinder from their parents. The Guardian
“Not all teenagers have cars or driver’s licenses, and many of them hide Tinder from their parents.” The Guardian
“The experts we talked to agree that 13 or 14 is too young for [Tinder].” Teen Vogue
“Teenagers — as young as 13 — who use Tinder are flirting with danger, police warn.” Tech Times
Teen online dating statistics
- In 2016, Tinder increased the dating app’s age requirement from 13 to 18 years old
- The average user spends 35 minutes every day on Tinder
- One-quarter of teen “daters” have dated or hooked up with someone they first met online
Why should parents care?
Tinder is a dating app for adults and is not appropriate for teens under 18.
- Tinder is a dating app for adults and is not appropriate for teens under 18
- User's location, pictures and bio are all in one place, which can make it easier for predators to target victims on the app
- The app has a reputation for finding casual “hookups”, rather than friendships or long-term partnerships
- The focus of “swiping right” or “swiping left” on users’ pictures encourages teens to treat dating like a game – or in an impersonal, judgmental, and superficial way
- Teens can become self-criticizing if they begin to judge themselves based on how many “likes” or “swipes” they receive
What can parents do?
If your student has Tinder, immediately ask them to delete the app.
- Teach your teen to never meet a stranger in-person who they met online
- Challenge your teen to make new friends at school, through sports leagues, or at events in your community
- If your student has Tinder:
- Immediately ask them to delete the app
- Instead, have them use one of the apps in our Green or Grey zones
- Discuss the age limitations of the app and why it is inappropriate for teens to use Tinder
Become a member or log in to learn more on this topic
This is great info, thanks for giving me some ideas on how to start a dialogue with my teen!
Sharon M.
Parent VIP Member
Josh's presentation about social media was unbelievably fantastic. Our students learned so much about what kids should and shouldn't be doing. The fact that it is such a thoughtful process made it all worthwhile.
Director of College Advising
Educator Webinar Attendee
This webinar is a very helpful eye-opener on the apps that are popular with my students.
Irene C.
Educator Webinar Attendee
Join Our Next Live Parent Q&A Events
.jpg)
The Impact of Screen Time on Motivation, Health & Academics (Live Session #2)
Understand how screen time affects motivation, health and academics while gaining practical strategies to set limits and reconnect as a family.
The Impact of Screen Time on Motivation, Health & Academics (Live Session #3)
Understand how screen time affects motivation, health and academics while gaining practical strategies to set limits and reconnect as a family.
Reduce Arguments with a Family Media Plan (Bonus Live Event)
Learn how to set up a Family Media Agreement for your entire family in order to keep your family safer with technology and social media.
The Impact of Screen Time on Motivation, Health, & Academics (Live Session #4)
Understand how screen time affects motivation, health and academics while gaining practical strategies to set limits and reconnect as a family.
El impacto del tiempo frente a la pantalla en la motivación, la salud y el rendimiento académico (Sesión en Vivo en Español)
Comprende cómo el tiempo frente a la pantalla afecta la motivación, la salud y el rendimiento académico, y adquiere estrategias prácticas para establecer límites y reconectar como familia.
*Only for families in partner school districts or individual paid VIP members: simply attend the live event, join in the activities, and your family will be eligible to earn points and prizes to keep your family safe (while supplies last).
.jpg)
.jpg)
Become a Very Informed Parent (VIP) to get our social media suggestions in your email every Tuesday & Thursday.
Hello, I'm Josh, the founder of SmartSocial.com. Protect your family by taking my 1 minute quiz
This quiz will help you understand how safe your family is
Schools & Districts: Partner with us to protect your community online
Our remote presentations (and website) teach over a million parents and students each year how to be safe so they can shine online. We teach students how their accounts can be used to create a portfolio of positive accomplishments that impress colleges and employers.
Join Our Smart Social Podcast
each week on iTunes
With over 500 episodes, Josh Ochs interviews psychologists, therapists, counselors, teachers, and parents while showing you how to navigate social media to someday shine online.
Listen on: