It’s inspiring to think about the computing power of phones in today’s world. The modern technology allows you to connect with anyone around the world and have an abundance of information in your hands. Many children can access the internet and apps that help keep their phone activity off their mobile.
10 Secret Apps Kids Use to Hide Things:
Today, I’ll discuss the apps that your children may use to hide their messages, photos, messages, or the history of their browsing. We’ll also discuss ways to determine if they’re doing it.
1. Calculator+:
Similar concept; however, this application features the calculator icon posing as something it’s not. Calculator serves as a username input (PASSCODE then %) and reveals secret photographs, contacts, browsing history, and passwords.
The name ‘secret calculator’ is a simple name on the app store; however, it is branded as calculator+ after it is downloaded to the user’s phone. The name changes automatically to minimize suspicion and conceal the reason from worried parents. Other applications that permit users to hide information including, KeepSafe, HPS, etc.
2. Hide It Pro:
Hide It Pro is a program disguised in the form of a music organizer. In reality, it’s designed to hide anything from images and videos to text messages and other applications. It’s a simple name on the store, but it is akin to HIP to create its clever disguise on the screen.
The user can set an encryption code and then transfer files into the app and delete them from their phone (i.e. messages, photos.). This, along with other apps that hide “vault” apps, helps children hide inappropriate content from their parents.
3. Snapchat:
Snapchat allows its users to send messages and snaps for a short period. It vanishes away when a person sees the snap or reads the messages. Kids use this application to talk to strangers, and in the worst case, they share inappropriate or nude pictures via Snapchat.
The caveat is that it won’t disappear forever since the users can capture screenshots of any photo or video message they receive. While the sender will be notified that a screenshot has been taken, it’s not enough to stop the implications that can occur.
4. Line:
Line is a different all-in-one mobile hub for free messaging or sharing photos and videos. Users choose the length of time your messages are displayed (two seconds or a week). Additionally, they can charge for activities in the app. However, this would be only an issue if your child is connected to an account on a credit card.
5. Tinder:
Tinder is a well-known app that lets users “rate” profiles and locates people using a GPS tracker. It means that if you switch to a 10-mile radius, your search results will filter to users within that radius.
And make it very simple for both minors and adults to connect. As with applications, this one says that you have to meet the requirements of ” 18 years or older to have an account,” however, there is no authentication.
6. Omegel:
Omegle isn’t an application; however, it is the most troubling to parents. Just click omegle.com into any web browser, and you’ll be connected via video or chat to an unknown person. Yes, we’ve spent days, weeks, and even years teaching our children not to speak to strangers, and today, they’re just only a click away from doing that. It’s even more alarming that this website is just one of many.
7. Whisper:
Whisper is an online social network app that lets users communicate what they’re thinking anonymously. However, the word “anonymous” seems a bit ambiguous since the application declares that it does not save personally identifiable data.
When you turn off the geo-location feature, the other users can determine the city, state, and even your country. There’s an additional “nearby” section to view posts of others who reside in the same region.
Users are exposed to cyberbullying, explicit use of language references to drugs or alcohol, as well as other posts that might be of concern to parents. Since the app offers the ability to identify your location, it is more likely that strangers can know where your child is at the moment.
It also encourages private messaging, where users can swap images and other personal details.
8. Vora:
This diet application allows users to keep track of their fasting. It also has social media features that connect users to other fasts. Although the intention behind the app might have initially intended to provide health benefits, it may be a risk for children who are prone to issues with their diet.
9. Ask.fm:
Ask.fm is a Q&A website where people can anonymously ask anything to other users. This is now a huge problem. Due to the anonymity aspect, making offensive or sarcastic questions could be a possibility.
10. Kik Messenger:
Kik is used for instant messaging application that allows users to share sketches, videos, pictures and GIFs. Privacy is an issue for users since they can receive and send messages from those they’re not close to.
Kik does not provide parental controls and is password-protected, allowing users to block their parents from seeing their activities on the application. There is also no method to authenticate users, making it easier for predators to use the app to engage with minors.
Why Kids Use Secret Apps?
You might think, “Why do kids want to hide something from you?” It’s the case to a certain extent. If a child placed a passcode lock in place, it might prevent a parent from using it. But, it is more likely to lead to the device being removed.
The majority of parents I know have a strict policy requiring them to know the password for every child’s account or device. In this case, it is beneficial when you’re the one who’s using the device to use an app that doesn’t cause any alarms.
Sometimes children feel to have privacy and don’t want their parents to find out about the wrong things. It makes parents more alarmed about keeping tabs on kids’ mobile phone activity.
What are the Signs?
Here are some expert strategies to identify a hidden app. If you are in the room and your child takes their phone off quickly or presses the home button to quit an app, there’s a simple way to determine the exact thing they were viewing.
After you’ve got their phone unlocked and on its home screen, you can double-tap (two quick pressings) from the home button, and you’ll see the most recent apps running on the device.
You can then pretty quickly see what it was. If you have an Android phone, you can open “Settings” -> “More” > “Application Manager”, and you can view the apps that are running at the moment.
The Final Note – What Should Parents Do?
Parents can’t always check kids’ phones, nor do children allow them to have passwords to all applications. That’s why folks have to consider parental monitoring software that will allow parents to monitor apps on their teenagers’ phones.
There are many best parental control software in the market, such as The Wi Spy, that are easy to install and use. You can secure your child’s privacy and detect all secret apps in seconds. The app monitoring feature is well known and gives the user access to all installed apps and their activity.
Kids will hide stuff because they’re immature, but as a parent, it’s your responsibility to keep a check on them and install at least quality parental monitoring software.