Bad Apps for Kids

Is "everybody" ever broken up into four words in your house? My son would say things like, "Mom, it seems like everyone's on this app. Every single one! I totally get that when our kids find out about popular apps, they suffer FOMO. I understand that apps play a significant role in kids' social lives, but I can't prioritize their safety when there are so many harmful ones. Consequently, my child will not always be a part of everything.

I would be more trusting if I could rely on the app's age rating or the fact that parents of my classmates let their children use it, but unfortunately, these factors are insufficient. My research is here to help if you need it, but ultimately, every mother must use her best judgment. 

1. Bigo Live

Similar to TikTok, Bigo Live is an app that users may download for free. It allows users to create video blogs or stream their daily activities with the goal of making money from their videos. However, it differs from the rest because it allows users to work together in a joint broadcast. The app's main feature is its status system, where users can achieve higher rankings by logging in daily and offering presents to other users.

Due to the lack of age verification and the need for personal information to create an account, Bigo Live is not a suitable software for children. There have been allegations of harassment, threats, assault, and sexually explicit language. A highly shallow, self-absorbed atmosphere is fostered by the emphasis on status and leveling up.

2. BitLife

Here we have a text-based program that lets you begin your virtual existence as a randomly generated character and gives you choices as you get older. The level of sophistication of the questions and answers increases in proportion to your character's age.

A night out, a trio, illicit substances, and murder are among topics covered in the Q&A. Clicking on "Bitlife Community" takes viewers to other sites, such as a relevant YouTube channel, a Reddit forum, and a TikTok account.

3. Game Pigeon

An iMessage addon called Game Pigeon lets users play games with two players right in the iMessage app. In principle, your child and grandma might play checkers on Game Pigeon using their respective phone numbers or Apple IDs.

4. Houseparty

With the social networking software Houseparty, as many as eight users can participate in a single video chat "room." Rooms can be endlessly added and removed by users. Its popularity skyrocketed amid the outbreak.

Users are able to capture screenshots and share links to the live video. Even if you're invited to a room with just one friend, it doesn't mean you'll know everyone else there.

5. IMVU

My name is Instant Messaging Virtual Universe, or IMVU for short. By customizing their avatars, players can interact with other players in both public and private spaces. That's the point of the game; when you're bored, things go wrong, just like in real life.

There are explicit sexual encounters and nudity in the 18+ zones, but the majority of avatars wear skimpy attire and use mature language all over the place. With the "Chat Now" feature, users can be randomly paired with other users, and all profiles are public.