It’s no secret that kids love using mobile devices. A recent study showed that, on average, children ages 8-12 years spend four to six hours a day using screens, while teens spend over nine hours per day. That’s a lot of screen time!
There are three main app categories parents should know.
Social Media
Kids, especially teens, love social media. This includes wildly popular photo and video-sharing apps like Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. They provide hours of entertainment and allow kids and teens to stay in touch with their friends. Unfortunately, it’s not just their friends seeing the information. Your child may unknowingly give strangers unfettered access to their information. These apps can also contain inappropriate content for impressionable eyes (and ears) to stumble across.
Messaging
Messaging apps have become the go-to for kids to chat with friends, but there’s a downside. These services can facilitate cyberbullying and other unsavory behaviors by allowing strangers to chat your kids up without your knowledge. WhatsApp, iMessage, Kik, and Discord are some of the many available.
Gaming
Kids and adults alike are flocking to gaming apps. Still, parents need to be mindful that not all of them are age-appropriate. While there are plenty of fun options like Roblox, Fortnite or Clash of Clans, they may contain virtual violence, sexual content or costly in-app purchases.
Regardless of the apps kids use, parents need to talk to them about how to stay safe online. Parents need to review these and other apps with their kids to ensure they know how to recognize and report threats. For essential tips on social media safety for all ages, visit www.oecfiber.com/blog/social-safety to learn more.
Apps are a significant source of entertainment for kids and teens. Whether sharing the latest and greatest with their friends on their phones or fighting the invading hoard on their tablets, apps are used daily for good and ill. It’s up to us to make sure it’s not the latter.
