The technologies that have invaded the new generations have generated several debates about the possibilities of communication they offer, in paradox with the alienation they can create. There is a huge gap between the use of adult and youth screens, despite the addictive relationship that both can have at the same time. It is therefore important to monitor the applications used by children, as pointed out by the police in Sarasota, a Florida city in the United States according to Fox News.
Although they are not all dangerous, and some are instead a preferred tool for many learnings, the police in Sarasota felt it was necessary to alert parents about certain applications that must absolutely know.
The list that the sheriff's office published in May 2018 includes social networks, dating sites and apps to hide certain content. The office wants to prevent exposure to some unwanted messages as well, including adult messages from various commercials, or predators.
Here are the 15 applications involved:
1- Ask. fm
Ask is an interface for asking questions to users, known to the police for some intimidations. The app encourages users to create anonymous profiles to ask questions, and is linked to many suicides.
2- Badoo
Badoo is a dating app where everyone can chat and share photos. She uses the localization of each to meet nearby, and although it is intended for adults, some children use it.
3- Bumble
Bumble is a network similar to Tinder's. The latter thus putting in contact men and women for possible meetings. Unlike Tinder, Bumble allows women to step in for first contact. You will understand, this application only for adults.
4- Calculator +
The app is used to hide content, photos, videos, and files so they do not appear on the history. This can be a way to deflect parental control.
5- Grindr
Grindr is a dating app for people with all kind of orientation. It also uses the GPS position of smartphones.
6- Holla
Allowing chatting on video, Holla can become "addictive" as she can expose to racial slurs, and illegal content.
7- Hot or Not
The network allows people to be assessed based on their physique and profile, and to discuss with strangers.
8 Kik
Popular with more than 240 million users, this application promotes interaction between everyone anywhere and anytime. Thus, unlike other applications where you can choose your "friends", kik offers an unlimited directory of contacts which can therefore be dangerous for children.
9- Live.me
Live.me is a direct streaming video application that uses geolocation to share videos so that users can know the exact location of the broadcaster.
10- MeetMe
MeetMe is a network of meetings based on geographical proximity where users are invited to see each other.
11- Skout
Adult online dating site, children can however create fake accounts and register.
12- Snapchat
The most popular application in recent years, Snapchat allows the dissemination of images and photos with various features, and content that can disappear after 24 hours. The position can also be shared.
13- TikTok
Application on mobile device, it allows to create and share videos. With very limited privacy controls, users are exposed to intimidation and explicit content.
14- WhatsApp
As a free email application, Whatsapp allows you to send texts, photos, videos and make calls around the world.
15- Whisper
Whisper is an anonymous social network that encourages the sharing of secrets with strangers. The latter are then encouraged to meet.
Rules for good use of applications
In France, Dr. Christophe André specializes in psychiatry at Sainte-Anne Hospital and does not hesitate to be indignant at these technologies. He gives his fears to the Psychologies website, stating that it is essential to remain vigilant with the screens so that the children are not exposed in excess to avoid what he calls the "technostress".
Serge Tisseron, psychiatrist, member of the Academy of Technology and author of 3-6-9-12, tame the screens and grow, announces in the Figaro that parents must determine essential rules through the anticipation of what wish their children, listening to them so that they do not go looking for the gratification on the networks, and the time control. Nevertheless, it is necessary, in his opinion, to preserve the child's intimacy and the confidence that exists, taking care not to abuse their authority.