What you don’t know can hurt your kids. Here’s what to watch for, and how to stay ahead.
As parents, we often hear about the big names: Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat. But the most dangerous apps your kids use might be the ones you’ve never even heard of. These lesser-known platforms are where predators, drug dealers, and toxic content often slip under the radar. Here are three apps that should be on every parent’s watchlist, and how to talk to your kids about them.
Wizz markets itself as a way for young people to meet new friends. But in reality, it’s a hotbed for strangers to connect with kids via swiping, think Tinder, but with far fewer protections.
Wizz markets itself as a way for young people to meet new friends. But in reality, it’s a hotbed for strangers to connect with kids via swiping, think Tinder, but with far fewer protections.
Ask your child if they’ve used Wizz or heard of it. If it’s on their phone, uninstall it, and talk openly about why connecting with strangers online can be dangerous, even if it seems harmless.
Telegram is a messaging app known for its privacy, but that same privacy makes it a favorite for illegal activity, including drug sales and sextortion networks.
Encrypted chats, hidden groups, and zero content moderation.
If your child has Telegram, ask them what they use it for. Be clear: apps that promise “total privacy” often come with total risk.
Originally for gamers, Discord now hosts thousands of public and private chat servers, many of which contain violent, sexual, or drug-related content.
Unmoderated chat rooms, anonymous users, and access to occasionally harmful communities.
Set boundaries. If your child uses Discord for gaming, make sure they’re only in private servers with friends they know in real life, and monitor activity when possible.
The three riskiest apps flying under most parents' radar are Wizz (Tinder-style swiping for teens), Telegram (encrypted and unmoderated), and Discord (open access to explicit, harmful communities). Each poses serious dangers like predators, drug access, and sextortion. Know what’s on your kid’s phone, start conversations early, and set clear boundaries.
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