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 Kik in the coming weeks) 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.