Additional Resources

Some devices allow parents to limit access to specific apps, social media sites, internet content and features available within the device, in addition to restricting the ability to edit privacy settings. For example, on iPhones® and iPads® parents can enable restrictions under the Settings icon.

You may also want to create an account for your child rather than allowing your child to use your account. The birthdate entered for an Apple ID account, for example, restricts what a user can download based on the age ratings for the apps.

The only requirement to download free apps is to have an account with an app service such as iTunes® or Google Play®. Paid apps are generally inexpensive, averaging between $0.99 and $5. However, there are also websites that allow for paid apps to be downloaded for free.

While some games are free to download, they may also feature in-app purchases (i.e. items that will aid in a game, etc.) that can add up quickly.

There are messaging apps that come with the device (e.g., iMessage®) in addition to numerous apps that can be downloaded. Most allow you to connect with individuals using only a username (no identifying information). Some apps also have a group chat feature that allows three or more users to message together. Youth may be exposed to individuals who are not on their approved contact list depending on the settings within the app.

Also, some anonymous messaging apps allow teens to engage in conversations with strangers easily.

Some chat and social networking apps log the conversations but allow them to be easily deleted with the swipe of a finger. Other apps may log conversations by default or offer settings to save them; however, they can be difficult to navigate. Some apps may allow text/video/voice chat without any record of the messages sent between users.

When creating a profile, some services require certain fields be completed but allow users to choose the information entered into others. In most cases, there are no restrictions on what can be added to a profile, including personal information and photos/videos. Many also permit geo-tagged images to be saved and/or identified on a map which may allow other users to view the location the images were taken/posted. The information entered into a profile is made available to other users of the service, although some services provide privacy settings to limit what is shared.

Many apps provide a multi-player environment, allowing you to connect with other users to play games. Some even connect to social media such as Twitter® and Facebook® to play with individuals on these services. Many gaming apps have a chat component where users can talk to people they do not know in person. Teens can easily be exposed to inappropriate conversations or redirected to inappropriate content on other sites through the chat.

Some gaming apps utilize the device’s GPS during gameplay, allowing the location of the user to be identified by other users.

These apps may provide an opportunity to share images or videos on a time-limited basis, however, these may not be as secure as the claims they make. Shared pictures and/or videos can be captured and forwarded to others.

Apps can be hidden on a device. Icons can be arranged discreetly, or placed into a folder on a user’s device so they are no longer visible at a quick glance.