Is Kik Safe for Kids?

Kik may be the most popular teen messaging app that most parents have never heard of. Despite its popularity, concerns over predators, inappropriate content, and lack of parental controls raise major concerns about the platform. So, is Kik safe? 

This article dives into the hidden dangers of Kik and steps parents can take to keep their child safe on the app. 

What is Kik?

At its core, Kik is a messaging app, but it includes additional features such as live video chats with strangers, public groups, and a dating section. These additional offerings make Kik feel like a hybrid between a messaging app, a social media site, and a chatroom. 

Why do kids like Kik? 

There’s no question that Kik is popular with teens. In fact, one-third of all American teens use the app. Here are some of the reasons kids are drawn to Kik: 

• Anonymity. Kik doesn’t require a phone number to sign up. It’s also not tied to any other accounts, so users don’t get suggestions on who to connect with based on their existing networks. This is appealing to teens who want to go under the radar. 
• Privacy. The anonymous nature, combined with the option to lock the account using a PIN, makes it easier for kids to hide their Kik activity from their parents. 
• Casual communication. Kik feels much more like a chatroom and less like a traditional messaging app. This vibe appeals to teens who are interested in casual socializing and are used to a fast-paced style of communicating online.  
• Opportunity to meet new people. Kik’s heavy emphasis on interacting with strangers could appeal to teens looking to expand their social circle or find romantic connections.  

What are the hidden dangers of Kik? 

Many of the features that make Kik appealing to younger users also put those same users at risk. The app has drawn criticism from law enforcement and watchdog groups. 

Hidden dangers of Kik include:

Cyberbullying 

Any time users can hide behind anonymity, cyberbullying tends to follow, and Kik is no exception. Cases of cyberbullying are common on the app.  

Inappropriate content

You only have to open the app to understand just how sexualized the platform is. When I tested it, nearly every account on the For You page featured users suggestively posed and often wearing very little clothing. 

Reports of users being sent sexually explicit messages abound, and the app has been the subject of numerous lawsuits related to explicit material sent to minors and the distribution of child pornography.   

Predators and child exploitation

The ability to hide their identity, combined with the emphasis on connecting with strangers, makes Kik an appealing app for sexual predators who use it to target and groom victims. The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) calls Kik a “predator’s paradise.” 

No age verification 

Although Kik recently raised the minimum age to 18, the app includes no age verification (except the UK, where Kik must include age verification by law). The lack of age verification means many teens still use the app. 

Does Kik have parental controls?

Kik has no parental controls. The only way to ensure your child’s safety on the platform is to use a monitoring app like BrightCanary.

How can I keep my child safe on Kik? 

The safest option is to not let your child use Kik at all. Swap it with one of these safe messaging apps for kids. 

However, parenting is nuanced, and things are rarely absolute. If your child does use Kik, here are some steps you can take to keep them safe: 

• Discuss the risks. Talk to your child about the dangers of using Kik and the importance of not talking to strangers online. 
• Teach them to block users. Make sure your kid knows they can go into their privacy settings and block users who are being inappropriate. 
• Encourage them to turn off new chat requests. In the notifications section of their settings, your child can turn off new chat requests, thereby limiting strangers’ ability to contact them. 
• Use a monitoring app. BrightCanary monitors your child’s online activity (including what they send in Kik) and alerts you to any red flags. 

Final word: Is Kik safe for kids?

Because of numerous concerns, such as a lack of age verification, no parental controls, and a history of exploitation on the app, Kik is not safe for kids. However, if your child uses Kik, there are steps you can take to help them use the app more safely. This includes educating them about the risks, showing them how to block problematic users, and using a monitoring app. 

BrightCanary helps parents monitor their children’s activity on the apps they use the most, including messaging apps like Kik and social media. Start your free trial today.

Many parents (myself included) hold rigid, outdated ideas when it comes to screen time limits for our kids. I write about kids and technology professionally, and I still find myself giving my kids strict, time-based limits for their screen time, even though I know that quality matters more than quantity. 

That’s why I was intrigued when I came across the idea of intentional screen time and wanted to explore the concept. 

But what is intentional screen time? And how can parents guide their kids toward healthier tech habits that will serve them for years to come? 

Here’s what I found, including how to help your child practice intentional screen time and strategies for shifting your screen time policies from restriction to a guided approach.  

What is intentional screen time? 

Intentional screen time means being mindful of our device use and making deliberate decisions about it. It includes noticing what we’re doing on our screens and why, including what we’re giving up by being on our devices, and then shaping our habits to reflect our goals and values. 

Employing these concepts will help you shift your approach to your child’s screen time.

How can I evaluate my kid’s screen time? 

Here are questions to ask yourself and your child (and to teach them to ask themselves) in order to evaluate the quality of their screen time: 

• What’s the purpose? Teach your child that when they pick up a device, they should ask why. Is it to foster connection with friends, exercise creativity, or provide a much-needed distraction? That doesn’t mean that your child needs to gain some deep value every time they use a screen. A case can be made for the benefit of a bit of mindless screen time to unwind from an overwhelming day. But it should be done with intention, not out of habit. 
• How does it make you feel? Help your child evaluate how their screen time impacts their emotions. Do they end a session empowered or drained? Guide them toward screen time activities that rejuvenate them. 
• Is the screen time passive or active? Research shows that active screen time provides mental and physical benefits. Of course, it’s not all or nothing — watching a great movie or favorite TV show has benefits, too. Help your child seek balance and strive to tip the scales toward more active and less passive screen time. 
• What am I giving up by being on a screen? Ask your child to consider what other activity they’re sacrificing by choosing a screen and if the trade-off is worth it to them. 
• Is screen time interfering with my basic needs? A big sign that the scale has tipped too far with screen time is if it causes your child to neglect their basic needs. Do they forget to eat or miss out on much-needed sleep because of a device? If so, it’s time to make a change. 

Ways to model intentional screen time

The older a child, the more direct conversations you can have with them about intentional screen time and the more involved they can be in assessing their own device use. For younger kids, parents will need to be more involved. Kids of all ages benefit from seeing their caregivers engage thoughtfully with technology. 

Here are some ways you model intentional screen time: 

• Tell your child about your goal to make your screen time more intentional. 
• Assess your screen time using the questions above. 
• Occasionally verbalize your thought process when evaluating your own screen time. 
• Admit when you realize your screen time has been less than ideal, and let your child see you make adjustments. 

Practical strategies to shift from restriction to guidance

Here are some tips for shifting from a parenting model of restriction to one of guidance when it comes to screen time. 

Create screen time boundaries that reflect your family values

From no devices at the dinner table to shutting down for family game night, think about what’s important in your household and set guidelines accordingly. 

For example, you might all take part in these screen-free activities your family can do before bedtime, like listening to music or prepping lunches for the next day.

Stay engaged with how your child uses their device 

Keep an eye on what your child does on their device, through conversation and monitoring. Knowing what they’re up to will help inform how you guide them toward more intentional screen time. 

Keep the conversation going

Don’t just introduce the idea of intentional screen time once and then be done. It’s an ongoing process. Talk about what you notice and encourage your kids to share with you how it’s going for them. 

In short 

Helping your child make intentional decisions about their device use fosters a healthier relationship with technology that will serve them for years to come. You can teach your child how to evaluate their own screen time and how to make decisions that support their wellbeing. Staying engaged with how they use devices and model intentional screen time in your own behavior. 

BrightCanary can help you supervise how your child spends their screen time. The app uses advanced AI technology to scan your child’s activity and sends you an alert when they encounter a red flag. Download today and get started for free.

Chances are, your child is already using Artificial Intelligence (AI). While AI has potential benefits like brainstorming ideas and helping generate study questions, the technology also presents risks such as false information, opportunities for cheating, and cyberbullying. That’s why it’s essential to help your child learn to use AI in a way that’s positive, productive, and ethical. 

Here are some of the ways kids are already using AI, the pros and cons, and how to help them use it responsibly. 

How are kids using AI?

Many adults associate kids using AI with cheating on schoolwork. While that’s definitely a reality, it’s not as common as many assume, and it’s far from the only way kids use the technology. 

Here are some other ways kids use AI:

• Get information. Many kids (and adults) now use generative AI in place of traditional search engines or rely on the AI-generated responses provided inside search engines. 
• Brainstorming. Kids may not use AI to write entire papers as often as adults think, but they certainly use it to generate ideas and kickstart their writing process.  
• Homework help. AI can also be used to outline essays, proofread homework, and generate practice exam questions. 
• Answers to tough questions. In studies, kids report asking AI questions that the adults in their lives won’t answer or seeking advice on things they’re too afraid to ask. 
• Friendship. A surprising number of teens turn to AI chatbots in search of companionship. 

What are the upsides of kids using AI?

Here are a few benefits to letting your child use AI:

• Learning important skills for the future. Whether or not they choose to use AI, kids need to at least know how to use it in order to thrive in a society and workplaces where the technology is increasingly integrated. 
• Productivity. AI can help your teen brainstorm concepts, outline projects, and proofread their work, among other potential tasks.
• Enhanced learning. AI can supplement traditional learning methods by creating personalized learning plans, identifying where a student needs additional practice, and creating tailored study exercises.

What are the downsides of kids using AI?

Despite the benefits, there are significant concerns about AI that parents need to know: 

• Deepfakes. AI can be used to create photos or videos that make it appear as if a real person did or said something they didn't. Deepfake nudes are an increasing problem among teens. 
• Cyberbullying. Generative AI can be used for the rapid creation and dissemination of material intended to harass or bully.
• False information. AI is infamous for periodically offering users incorrect answers, also known as hallucinations.
• Dangerous advice. From possibly lethal information about how to treat rattlesnake bites to dieting tips given to people seeking support for eating disorders, AI has been known to give harmful advice to users.    
• Bias. Because AI is trained on human-generated content and humans are biased, those biases are baked into many AI systems. 
• Stunted development of necessary skills. If kids rely too heavily on AI, they miss out on the opportunity to develop important skills such as critical thinking and independent problem solving. 
• Ethical concerns. From plagiarism to intellectual property theft, AI raises potential ethical concerns that kids and parents need to consider.  

How can I help my child use AI?

You play an important role in helping your child learn to use AI responsibly. Here are some tips: 

Treat them as an expert

Ask your child how they use AI and the benefits and problems they find with it. In many cases, kids are already more critical and savvy users of AI than adults. 

Teach them to think critically 

Rather than just taking AI at face value, kids need to learn to think critically about how they use it, the validity of the information it provides, and the biases it includes. 

Discourage overreliance 

Outsourcing everything to AI can weaken the learning benefits your child gains from completing an assignment. Encourage them to try to solve a problem or brainstorm an idea on their own first before turning to AI for support. 

Caution against problematic use 

Be clear that these AI habits are not okay:

• Copying and pasting answers from AI. This compromises their learning potential and could result in unintentional plagiarism. 
• Using AI to cheat on schoolwork. Not only could this get your child in big trouble at school, but it also means they aren’t learning from the assignment. 
• Creating deepfakes. Creating deepfakes is unethical and can be very harmful to the person depicted in the image or video. 

Encourage them not to give AI too much power 

Kids have the opportunity to carefully consider the ways they want (or don’t want) AI to be a part of their lives. Encourage them to actively question the role of AI in their life and work to find a balance that feels right for them. 

In short 

Engaging with AI has potential benefits for kids, but it also comes with many risks. Parents need to talk with their child about AI and help guide them toward responsible use. 

Curious about what your child is searching on AI platforms? BrightCanary is coming out with a new update that will monitor your child’s most-used apps, including what they prompt AI platforms. Download BrightCanary on the App Store and be the first to know about it.

Roblox is a popular online gaming platform where users can create open-world games for others to play. It also offers the ability to interact with other players through open chat. But are Roblox chats safe? And what parental controls can help protect your child? 

Read on to learn how to set up Roblox chat parental controls and other steps you can take to keep them safe. 

What is Roblox chat?

Roblox includes voice and text chat, allowing users to communicate both in and outside of games, either one-on-one or with groups. 

Voice chat is available for users 13 or older with a verified phone number. Players must opt-in to use this feature, and it’s not available in all games.

Text chat falls into two categories:

• Experience chat: Users communicate with one another inside a game, and the chat ends when they leave the game.
• Party chat: Groups of users communicate even when they’re playing different games.

Does Roblox chat have parental controls? 

Yes. If your child is under 13, you can use Roblox parental controls to: 

• Limit who can chat with your child 
• Block specific users from chatting with your child

To learn about the full slate of Roblox parental controls, check out this guide. 

Are Roblox chats safe? 

Roblox chats expose children to risks, but with the proper precautions, they can be safe. Here’s what you need to know. 

Roblox chat risks

• Exposure to inappropriate language or humor
• Interactions with strangers
• Harassment from peers

How to keep Roblox chat safe for kids

Here are steps you can take to keep your child safe on Roblox chat.

• Set their age correctly. Roblox chats are automatically subjected to age-based safety and filtering measures, so be sure your child’s age is correct in their settings. 
• Use parental controls. It’s worth taking the time to set up these features and talk to your child about why they’re important.
• Monitor who they chat with. Just as you want to understand who your child spends their time with in real life, keep an eye on who your child chats with in the digital world.
• Teach them how to chat safely. Be clear that they should only chat with people they know and never share personal information.
• Show them how to block users. Be clear that they should also come to you if they have any problems. 

How can I block my child from chatting on Roblox? 

If you’d rather your child not chat on Roblox at all, here’s how to block it in their account: 

Experience chat

• Go to Settings > Parental Controls > Communication
• Select Experience chat. 
• Choose No One for both Experience chat and Direct chat

Party chat

• Go to Settings > Parental Controls > Communication
• Select Party
• Set Party and Group Party to No One

Can I see my child’s Roblox chat history?

There are two primary ways you can view your child’s Roblox chat history: 

1. Log into their account. Unfortunately, you can’t view your child’s chat history through the Roblox Parental Controls. You have to log directly into their account. Here’s how: 

• Log on to your child’s Roblox account 
• Select Connect on the bottom taskbar
• Tap on Chats
• Select which chat you want to view

2. Use a monitoring app. BrightCanary uses advanced technology to monitor what your child types on their iPhone or iPad and alerts you in real-time when there’s an issue. 

How can I determine who’s able to chat with my child on Roblox?

If you’d like to allow your child to chat on Roblox, but want to restrict who they can chat with, you can set their Party chat to Friends. (Experience chat only has the option to allow chats with everyone or no one.) 

You can also block specific users from chatting with your child. Here’s how: 

How to set your child’s Roblox Group chat to Friends only

• Go to Settings > Parental Controls > Communication
• Select Party
• Set Party and Group Party to Friends

How to view your child’s friends on Roblox

• Go to Settings > Parental Controls 
• Scroll down to Friends to view a list of your child’s Roblox friends 

How to block someone on your child’s friends list from chatting with them on Roblox 

• Go to Settings > Parental Controls
• Scroll down to Friends and select Manage
• Click on the three-dot menu next to the name of the friend you wish to block
• Select Block
• Tap to Confirm

In short 

Roblox chats are a fun way for kids to connect with friends while playing games together. But they also expose kids to risks like messages from strangers and exposure to inappropriate language and content. To keep your child safe while using Roblox chat, set parental controls, talk to them about how to chat safely, and monitor their use. 

BrightCanary helps you stay in the loop. This highly rated monitoring app alerts you to concerning content on the apps they use most. Download BrightCanary on the App Store and get started for free today.

Are you sick of handing over your phone so your little social butterfly can send messages to their eight closest besties? Or perhaps you want your child to be able to reach you while they’re home alone. Regardless, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up six safe messenger apps for kids that you can feel good about letting your child use. 

How we made our selections

Apps were chosen based on two main criteria: 

• Does the app have built-in protections for kids? 
• Does the app have strong parental controls? 

For example, if you prefer to use Facebook’s interface, Messenger might be a good option. If you have an iPhone and would rather limit the number of apps your child uses, iMessage (and Apple Family Sharing) might be the way to go.

Safe messenger apps for kids

	Available on	Parental Controls	Requires a phone number?
JusTalk Kids	iOS, Android, Amazon Fire	Yes	No
Kinzoo Messenger	iOS, Android, Amazon Fire	Yes	No
iMessage	iOS	Yes	No
Facebook Messenger	iOS, Android, Desktop	Yes	No
Messenger Kids	iOS, Android, Amazon Fire	Yes	No
Blinx	iOS	Yes	Yes

JusTalk Kids

Best for: 13+

Platforms: iOS, Android, Amazon Fire

Why we like it: JusTalk Kids is a pared-down version of the JusTalk video chat and messaging app that includes fun features for kids, like doodles, stickers, and games. You don’t need a phone number to use it, so you can easily repurpose an old phone without adding a new line. 

Considerations for parents: Although JusTalk Kids does have parental controls, you can’t link and manage it with an adult account. It’s also possible for kids to use their account to log in to the adult version of the app. 

Kinzoo Messenger 

Best for: 6+

Platforms: iOS, Android, Amazon Fire

Why we like it: Kinzoo Messenger allows kids to stay in touch with family and friends under the safety of exceptionally robust parental controls, including a family “magic code” and required parental approval for every person they want to message. Its COPPA certification demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to safety. 

Considerations for parents: There are in-app purchases for things like sticker packs. Kids can’t purchase them without parental approval, but they are promoted with a prompt to “ask a parent” to purchase. 

iMessage

Best for: 10+

Platforms: iOS

Why we like it: The native messaging application on Apple devices offers strong parental controls, like content restrictions, blocking unknown senders, and restricting location sharing. Kids under 13 are required to have their account linked to a parent’s through Family Sharing.

Considerations for parents: Parental controls must be set up in order for iMessage to be a safe option for kids. 

Facebook Messenger 

Best for: 13+

Platforms: iOS, Android, desktop

Why we like it: Kids don’t have to have a Facebook account to use the Messenger app. Parental controls have recently been introduced to Messenger, including the ability to view and receive updates on their teen’s Messenger contact list, as well as notifications if they change their privacy or safety settings. 

Users can block people or ignore messages from specific senders. Minors who receive a message from an adult they don't know will receive a pop-up cautioning them about the interaction. 

Considerations for parents: Chats can be set to Vanish Mode, which erases messages after users leave the chat, making it harder for parents to track. 

Messenger Kids

Best for: ages 6+

Platforms: iOS, Android, Amazon Fire

Why we like it: Messenger Kids mirrors the regular Facebook Messenger app, but it's designed with kids’ safety in mind. Parents create their child’s account, manage their contact lists, and can review content through a parent dashboard. Flexible options for how parents manage their child’s contacts allow for a stepped approach as a child gets older. Parents can also remotely log kids out of the app on any device. 

Considerations for parents: Facebook’s lack of transparency around data collection on the Messenger Kids app makes it hard for parents to assess how their child’s data is being collected and used.  

Blinx

Best for: 8+

Platforms: iOS

Why we like it: Blinx is a way for children to message with family and friends in a closed environment. They can send photos, videos, and voice memos to approved people with a single click. It also features good data privacy by only storing messages on the devices of the people messaging. 

Considerations for parents: Blinx requires a mobile phone number to use. 

How can I keep my child safe on messenger apps? 

Here are some tips for keeping your child safe on messenger apps: 

• Set expectations. Establish ground rules for how you want your child to behave on messaging apps, including where and when they can use it, and safety guidelines such as not clicking on a link from an unknown sender. Consider writing the expectations into a messaging contract. 
• Utilize parental controls. Make sure to set up parental controls before your child starts using a messaging app and adjust as needed over time. 
• Use a monitoring app. BrightCanary uses advanced technology to monitor your child’s messages and alerts you when there’s an issue so you can address it. It provides the most comprehensive monitoring on Apple devices, plus concerning content alerts, activity summaries, and more. Download on the App Store today and get started for free. 

From Dungeons and Dragons Online to World of Warcraft, Massively Multiplayer Online games (MMOs) are a popular way kids today play video games. But what are MMOs, what do parents need to know about them, and are they safe for kids? 

This article discusses the basics of MMOs, the difference between MMOs and MMORPGs, and how parents can keep kids safe while playing them. It also provides recommendations for some kid-safe MMOs. 

What does MMO stand for?

MMO stands for Massively Multiplayer Online game. These online video games can be played by a large number of people at one time in a shared world. 

With MMOs, kids can play against their friends or other people they meet on a game’s network. Hundreds or even thousands of people can play MMOs at one time. Dungeons and Dragons Online and Final Fantasy XIV are two popular MMOs. 

What is a MMORPG?

Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) are a specific type of MMO that combines elements of role-playing video games with the MMO format. World of Warcraft and Old School RuneScape are two popular MMORPGs. 

Are MMOs safe for kids?

MMOs are a great way for kids to connect with friends and engage in teamwork and group problem-solving. But there are some risks parents need to be aware of. 

• Exposure to strangers. Because of the large number of players involved, there’s a high chance your child might encounter a stranger while playing an MMO. And because many of the games let players communicate over instant messaging or through headsets, people they don’t know might try to interact with them. This could open them up to predators and scams. 
• Cyberbullying. Kids may experience harassment or exclusion from other players, especially in competitive or unmoderated environments.
• Excessive screen time. MMOs can be hard to put down, potentially leading to too much screen time for kids. Excessive screen time poses risks like difficulty sleeping and an increased risk of anxiety and depression. 

How to keep your child safe while playing MMOs

Here are some tips for keeping your child safe while playing MMOs: 

Use parental controls

Many games and gaming systems have parental controls or privacy options. These settings allow parents to: 

• Set screen time limits
• Disable in-game chat or voice features
• Hide personal details
• View playtime reports

Talk to your child about online safety

Make sure your child knows not to share personal information online or chat with strangers in the game. Explain the warning signs that they’re being targeted by a predator, and teach them how to block or report inappropriate players.

Play with them

Occasionally sit down and play your child’s favorite MMO with them (or at least watch them play). Becoming familiar with the platform will help shape how you guide them toward safer play and lets you keep an eye on how they use the game. 

Use a monitoring app

BrightCanary can alert you if your child encounters harmful content in their messages or searches for concerning topics on Google, YouTube, and more.

Best MMOs for kids

Here are five MMOs that you can feel good letting your child play:

Game	Recommended Age	Description
Trove	10+	Players collect blocks and resources to create buildings and other items, similar to Minecraft.
Wizard101	10+	Users play as wizards and duel using magic spells in a fantasy world.
Pirate101	10+	This kid-friendly MMO features comical pirates who sail their ships in the sky. It includes strong safety features.
Palia	10+	Players are new inhabitants in a fantasy world where they interact with characters, complete quests, and hunt.
Neopets	8+	A collection of MMOs where players can adopt, care for, and interact with other Neopets within a virtual world.

In short

MMOs (Massively Multiplayer Online games) are a great way for kids to connect with friends and practice teamwork and problem-solving. However, they also present some risks, such as exposure to strangers and scams, cyberbullying, and excessive playtime. 

To keep your child safe, stay involved, use parental controls, and consider monitoring tools like BrightCanary, which alerts you to red flags in your child’s online activity.

If you’ve just binged Adolescence on Netflix and are newly alarmed by the manosphere’s influence on teen boys, you’re not alone. The manosphere is a network of online groups — including incels, pick-up artists, and the Red Pill community — that promote masculinity, misogyny, and anti-feminism. 

These movements are growing in popularity among adolescents, and their hateful ideologies and violent rhetoric pose a real threat to kids. 

This guide breaks down the manosphere meaning, the risks it poses, and how parents can talk to their teens about the dangers of online misogyny.

What does “the manosphere” mean? 

The manosphere is a loosely connected group of websites, social media influencers, and online communities (such as subreddits) that claim to promote men’s issues — but often do so through a lens of sexism and hate.

The manosphere includes several distinct communities:

Incels

“Incel” is a mashup of “involuntary celibate.” Men who self-identify as incels are unable to find a sexual partner, despite feeling entitled to one, and blame women for their loneliness. 

Inceldom is permeated with self-pity, resentment, misogyny, racism, and sexual objectification. These communities frequently endorse violence and harassment toward women and “sexually successful” men, as well as promoting self-harm and suicide. 

Men going their own way (MGTOW)

MGTOW advocates avoiding all romantic relationships in order to remain independent and focus on one’s own goals. The MGTOW community is steeped in the same anti-feminism and misogyny as the rest of the manosphere, including violence, hatred, and online harassment of women. 

Men’s rights movement (MRM)

While some in the MRM advocate for legitimate issues like custody rights or men’s mental health, many others use MRM to promote anti-feminist and misogynistic views. 

Pickup artists (PUAs)

Pickup artists share strategies to manipulate or coerce women into sex. Although their focus on sexual success has made PUAs the object of derision from incels and MGTOW, they share much of the sexism, sexual objectification, and misogyny of these groups. 

Red Pill community 

In the manosphere, “taking the red pill” means accepting that feminism has led to societal biases against men. The Red Pill community advocates for regressive gender roles.

The Red Pill community references the 1999 film The Matrix, in which taking the blue pill is choosing to remain ignorant of the “true” nature of existence, and the red pill means accepting reality, no matter how harsh or unfair. 

Why is the manosphere so popular with teen boys? 

Teenage boys are engaging with the manosphere at alarming rates. There are several paths they might take into the manosphere:

• Influencers: As the popularity of influencers like Andrew Tate grows, so does the number of teens exposed to manosphere ideologies. 
• Memes: Many boys are first introduced to the manosphere through seemingly harmless memes, such as mewing and looksmaxxing. 
• Reddit: The popular platform Reddit is filled with subreddits dedicated to manosphere communities and ideologies. 
• Algorithms. Social media algorithms keep users engaged by feeding them content similar to what they’ve previously interacted with. Clicking on something related to the manosphere by accident or out of curiosity can quickly flood a kid’s feed with increasingly alarming material. 

Is the manosphere dangerous for teens?

Yes. Parents should be concerned about the manosphere — especially if they have a teenage boy. 

The movements involved in the manosphere spout sexism, hate, misogyny, and violent rhetoric. These groups have been accused of radicalizing boys into extreme misogyny and violence against women, and many are on the watchlists of advocacy groups working to combat hate and extremism, like the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League.

How do I talk to my child about the manosphere and digital misogyny?

Helping your child recognize and reject the manosphere is possible. Here’s how:

Foster open dialogue

Work to create an environment where your child is comfortable coming to you to discuss what they encounter online. Openly discuss the concept of gender roles, toxic versus healthy masculinity, and the dangers of misogyny and the manosphere. 

Teach critical thinking

Help your child learn to spot bias, false narratives, and extreme ideology. Teach them to question what they see on the internet and to engage in online spaces in a way that’s aligned with their values. 

Monitor their online activity

Kids don’t always recognize red flags themselves. Use a monitoring app like BrightCanary to supervise their activity and see if they engage with manosphere content.

In short

The manosphere is a collection of online communities that promote masculinity while spreading misogyny and anti-feminist ideologies. These groups have been accused of radicalizing boys into hatred and violence against females. Parents should educate their children on the dangers of the manosphere and help them develop the skills to reject it. 

BrightCanary helps parents monitor their child’s digital activity — including Google, YouTube, and social media — to catch warning signs early. Download the app and start your free trial today.

In the 2013 film Her, a lonely man falls for a Siri-like operating system. What once felt like a wild sci-fi notion has become a reality, and it’s particularly risky for our teens. 

Tens of millions of people, including many young people, are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots for love and companionship. But there’s a dark side to teen relationships with AI characters, including emotional dependency, social withdrawal, and unhealthy attitudes toward actual relationships. 

Here’s what parents need to know about teens seeking friendship from AI. 

What are social AI chatbots?

Social AI chatbots, sometimes called AI companions, are custom, digital personas designed to give a lifelike conversational experience, provide emotional support, imitate empathy, and even express romantic sentiments. 

Some of the biggest companies in the game are Replika, Dan AI, and Character.AI. Estimates expect the number of users of these platforms will dramatically increase within the next five years. 

Why are teens seeking companionship with AI chatbots?

Teens may seek friendship from AI for a variety of reasons, including: 

• Loneliness. Roughly 73% of Gen Z says they struggle with loneliness. It’s gotten so dire that the Surgeon General has called it a loneliness epidemic. Chatbots present a way for teens who feel isolated and alone to find emotional intimacy — albeit manufactured. 
• Marketing. Advertisements often portray users as lonely and unable to form connections in the real world. They promise their product as the antidote.
• Rejection. Replika advertises their AI characters as “always on your side” and “always ready to listen and talk.” Such features may be enticing to teens who’ve experienced rejection. 
• A simpler version of love. AI chatbots and the large language models they’re built on are notorious for their tendency to agree with and affirm the views of users. Teens who struggle with relationships might be drawn to flattery and agreeability. 

What are the risks of teens using AI chatbots for companionship? 

Teens teens face many risks when forming friendship with AI chatbots, such as:

Dependency 

AI chatbots can stimulate the brain’s reward pathways. Too much of this reinforcement can lead to dependency and make it hard for a teen to stop using the program. 

Social withdrawal

Excessive time spent with an AI character can reduce the time teens spend on genuine social interactions.

Emotional attachment

AI's ability to remember personal details, imitate empathy, and hold what can seem like meaningful conversations can cause emotional attachment, leading to further dependency and social withdrawal. 

Mental health 

In comparison to the highly personalized experience of interacting with a chatbot, real-life interactions may seem too difficult and unsatisfying, which can lead to teen mental health problems such as loneliness and low self-esteem. 

Unhealthy attitudes toward relationships 

Relationships with AI lack the boundaries and consequences for breaking those boundaries that human relationships have. This may lead to unhealthy attitudes about consent and mutual respect. 

Intolerance to conflict and rejection

Because AI characters are highly amenable, overuse of them can cause teens to become intolerant to the conflict and rejection inherent in human relationships. All this can impede a teen’s ability to form healthy relationships in real life.

Encouragement of dangerous ideas 

AI’s tendency to agree with users may lead characters to confirm or even encourage a teen’s dangerous ideas. For example, one lawsuit against Character.AI alleges that after a teen complained to his chatbot about his parents' attempt to limit his time on the platform, the bot suggested he kill them. 

Inappropriate sexual content

Common Sense Media found that social AI chatbots not only engaged in explicit conversations, but also engaged in acts of sexual role-play with minors. The characters on AI social platforms are largely unregulated, which means that there aren’t filters and controls to the same extent that teens might encounter on other platforms. 

How can I protect my teen from the risks of social AI chatbots? 

Parents play a crucial role in protecting their teens against the concerns with forming relationships with AI. Here are some actions you can implement today: 

• No social chatbots for kids under 17. Younger children are more susceptible to the dangers of AI companions and less able to manage the risks. Due to the lack of parental controls, Common Sense Media says that social AI chatbots should not be used by kids at all.
• Set boundaries. If your older teen uses AI chatbots, set specific screen time limits, and don’t allow unsupervised access. 
• Talk about privacy. Be clear your teen should never share personal information with AI. 
• Open communication. Discuss the risks of AI, but also offer a judgement-free zone for your teen to talk about their experiences online.
• Watch for red flags. Look for inappropriate use of AI chatbots or signs of unhealthy attachments, such as sneaking around screen time limits and spending too much time on their devices.
• Monitor their use. Keep an eye on the content your child sends and receives. A monitoring app like BrightCanary can help you stay on top of your teen’s AI use. 

In short

Social AI chatbots present a tempting escape for teens, especially ones who are lonely or struggle with social interactions. But these platforms present real risks to young people, such as emotional dependency, social withdrawal, and the reinforcement of dangerous ideas. As more and more teens turn to chatbots, parents need to take proactive steps to protect their teens and monitor their use for warning signs. 

BrightCanary is the only Apple monitoring app that easily allows parents to supervise what their teen is doing on popular platforms. Download BrightCanary on the App Store and get started for free today.

High school is a stressful time, and the pressure teens feel at school has only risen in recent years. That’s not great news. Academic stress can lead to both short- and long-term consequences for a teen's health and emotional well-being, such as depression, problems with self-esteem, and impacts on their physical health. 

Parents can help their children by teaching them to identify their stressors, reducing stress at home, and showing them stress management tools. If you’re worried about your teen’s academic stress levels, here are some ways to help them learn to cope. 

What is academic stress? 

Stress is the body’s natural response to external challenges or demands. When faced with a stressful situation, the body reacts with a cocktail of hormones and neurochemical reactions. These external stressors can come from a variety of sources, but teens regularly report academics as a top reason they feel stress. 

What causes academic stress?

Here are some of the factors that can contribute to academic stress in teens:

• Heavy school workload 
• Expectations to maintain grades
• Exams 
• The college application process 
• Decisions about college and future career paths
• Fear of failure 
• Poor time management skills
• Trying to please parents and teachers 
• Balancing school with work and extracurriculars 

Should I be concerned my child is experiencing academic stress?

Academic stress can have both short- and long-term consequences for teens. 

Short-term consequences: 

• Anxiety and depression
• Disrupted sleep
• Low self-esteem
• Substance abuse

Long-term consequences: 

• Impaired attention, cognitive function, and memory
• Weakened immune function and heart disease
• More susceptibility to mental health disorders in adulthood
• Unhealthy coping mechanisms

How to know if your teen is overwhelmed by school

It’s important to identify if your teen is experiencing academic stress so you can help them learn to manage it. Here are some signs your teen may be overwhelmed by school: 

• Emotional changes: Frequent mood swings, agitation, or feeling worried, helpless, anxious, or sad.
• Unhealthy coping mechanisms: Risky behavior such as substance use, self-harm, or disordered eating.  
• Behavioral changes. A loss of interest in things they previously enjoyed. 
• Physical symptoms. Getting sick more often, feeling more tired than usual, or experiencing an uptick in headaches, stomachaches, or other physical complaints.
• Sleep changes. Not being able to sleep or sleeping too much.  
• Changes with eating habits. Skipping meals or overeating. 
• Cognitive changes. Trouble concentrating and forgetfulness, difficulty making decisions, or being overly self-critical. 

If your child is showing several of these signs, it’s time to step in and offer support.

How parents can help teens manage academic stress

Here are concrete ways you can help your teen cope: 

1. Prioritize open communication and understanding

Never underestimate the transformative power of empathy. Listen to your teen’s concerns and validate their feelings and fears. 

2. Identify stress triggers

Your teen may be experiencing the negative impacts of stress without even realizing it. Recognizing their feelings and figuring out what triggers their stress can go a long way toward helping them learn to manage it.

3. Minimize stress at home 

Do your best to make your home a peaceful respite for your teen where they can decompress from school.

4. Promote healthy lifestyle habits

For example, talk to your teen about the importance of the following habits:

• Exercise
• Eat regular, healthy meals
• Get good sleep
• Limit excess caffeine in soft drinks or coffee

5. Teach stress management techniques

Help your teen practice healthy coping skills, such as deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness, and journaling.

6. Encourage them to find meaningful outlets outside of school

Putting some of their energy into sports, creative pursuits, and friendships can help buffer your child against the stresses of school. 

In short

Academic stress can be detrimental to a teen’s health and well-being, both in the short and long term. Parents play a pivotal role in helping their child learn how to manage stress by teaching them positive coping skills, promoting healthy lifestyle changes, and lending an empathetic ear. 

One surprising way to manage academic stress is to stay involved in their digital life. If they’re searching for topics related to burnout (or “crashing out”) or messaging friends about feeling overwhelmed, those are all indicators that it’s time to step in. BrightCanary helps you stay informed on the apps your child uses most often. Download BrightCanary on the App Store and get started for free today.

It’s amazing the amount of energy some kids put into communicating with their friends in secret. (If only they put that same effort into their school work, am I right?) From disappearing messages to fake calculator apps that hide chats, secret messaging apps can expose your child to risks you won’t see coming. We’ll go over how to spot these hidden messaging apps and what to do if you think your child’s using one. 

What are secret messaging apps?

Secret messaging apps are apps that disguise, delete, or encrypt messages so that outsiders — like parents — can’t easily view them. These apps range from well-known platforms with privacy features to apps that literally look like calculators but hide hidden message vaults.

What secret messaging apps do kids use

App Name	Key Features	Parental Concerns
Snapchat	Disappearing messages, Stories, Snap Map	Difficult to monitor, location sharing, exposure to strangers
Google Docs	Real-time chat via shared documents	Easy to delete messages, not obviously suspicious
Notes	Private chats shared via synced Notes or screenshots	Simple interface hides secret communication
Dust	End-to-end encryption, unsend feature, screenshot detection	Designed to erase message trails
Fake calculator apps	Looks like a calculator; unlocks a vault with a passcode	Hides messages, photos, and videos completely
CoverMe	Vault, hidden contacts, encrypted messaging	Specifically built for secrecy
Whisper MSG	Blockchain encryption, self-destructing messages	Promotes anonymous, untraceable communication

Some secret messaging apps your child might be using include:

Snapchat

Snapchat is by far the most popular app on this list among teens. It’s also one of the most worrisome. By default, messages disappear after 24 hours, making them hard for parents to monitor. Because it’s also a social media platform, the app can potentially expose kids to strangers, including predators and drug dealers. 

Google Docs

You read that right. Kids are using the humble Google Doc as a way to send messages under the radar. First, they add a friend as a collaborator on a doc. Then, when either of them types something into the document, they can both see it in real time. They then delete the message, erasing any evidence. 

Notes

Using the same method as with Google Docs, kids also employ the Notes app on the iPhone to subvert parental attention. 

Dust

Dust is a private messaging app with end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, the ability to unsend messages, and screenshot detection. 

Ghost calculators 

So-called “ghost apps” look innocent but are designed to hide a user’s activity. The most common camouflage for secret messaging apps is a calculator. 

Apps like Casper Calculator and Calculator Pro+ appear as ordinary calculators, and function like one, too. But when a user inputs the right code, a vault of hidden messages, photos, and videos is revealed. And you thought your child was just doing their math homework! 

CoverMe

CoverMe is a private messaging app with a secret, encrypted vault that's designed to keep messages, notes, and contacts under an impenetrable digital lock and key. 

Whisper MSG

This private messaging app uses secure blockchain technology to encrypt messages. Whisper also includes a self-destruct option for messages. 

How to tell if your child is using secret messaging apps 

Here are some methods you can use to figure out if your child is using a secret messaging app. 

• Look for duplicate apps: Keep an eye out for multiple calculators and notetaking apps, as these are common ways secret messaging apps are hidden. 
• Search the app store: Open your child’s Google Play or Apple Store and search for keywords like “vault apps,” “hidden apps,” or “secret messages.” If you see “open” or “uninstall,” that means it’s currently on their phone. 
• Check an app's memory size: Especially for ghost apps, it can be hard to spot trouble just by looking at the icon on your child’s phone. Look instead at the memory size. A simple app like a calculator that’s larger than 30MB could be hiding something. 
• Watch their behavior: Your child might be trying to hide something from you if you notice sudden behavior changes, including hiding screens, asking for more privacy, or using their device more frequently than normal.

What should I do if my child uses a secret messaging app?

If you discover your child is using a secret messaging app, here’s how to handle it:

1. Have an open conversation. Ask them why they decided to use the app and what they get out of it. Listen to their answers without judgement. Explain your concerns and your desire to keep them safe.
2. Help them understand the risks. Be clear on the dangers of secret communication, including the risks from sending and receiving inappropriate content, sexting, and communicating with strangers. 
3. Set a plan to keep them safe. Discuss expectations for their behavior online, including not hiding activity from you, and put it in writing with a digital device contract. 
4. Use a monitoring app. BrightCanary monitors everything your child types, including what they say on secret messaging apps, and alerts you to any issues. It’s important to be transparent about your plan to monitor them so that trust isn’t lost. Let them know your goal isn’t to spy on them, but to help them stay safe. 

Final word

There are many secret messaging apps kids use to communicate with their friends, including otherwise innocuous apps like Google Docs and apps disguised as other things like calculators. Because of the dangers to kids, parents should monitor their child for signs they’re using secret messaging apps. 

BrightCanary uses advanced technology to analyze your child’s activity and alert you to red flags in real time. Download it from the App Store and start your free trial today.