27+ Most Dangerous Apps for Kids (2025): Names, Dangers, and Alternatives

Kids with smartphones only need to tap a button these days to install apps on their phones. As luck would have it, new apps pop out of nowhere and are available in app stores every day. A situation like this begs the question of kids’ online safety and its preventive measures.

To keep parents informed, we have compiled a list of the top dangerous apps for kids and dwelled on the dangers they pose. 

Why Parents Should Know About the Apps Dangerous for Kids

By knowing about these apps that are dangerous for kids, parents can ensure their kids’ well-being. If you do not know the apps your kid is using and the cons that come with it, you might be exposing your kid to evil people.

Since there is a lack of accountability for people’s actions on social media and other apps, predators take advantage of it. Using this security blanket, they manipulate, exploit, abuse, and bully kids. 

To save kids from such people, parents must know what apps can prove harmful for their kids.

30 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids You Should Know

A general misconception among parents is that there are only dangerous social media apps. That is not the case as can be seen below. We have divided apps into 10 commonly used categories by kids.

Each category comes with its own set of dangerous apps that parents should be mindful of.

Most Dangerous Social Media Apps for Kids 

1. Snapchat 

Snapchat features like disappearing messages, location sharing, quick add, etc can endanger kids. Predators can use these features to get in touch with kids and then further exploit them sexually without a trace. 

Moreover, teens can engage in sexting, risky behavior, and lewd content consumption using Snapchat and its disappearing content. 

2. Tiktok 

Tiktok’s algorithm for its “For You” feed can take teens down a rabbit hole of content related to self-harm and suicidal ideation. It can further create filter bubbles where they will only come across content that solidifies their existing beliefs. 

Lastly, TikTok’s short-form videos can be addictive and more impactful for teens. 

3. Discord

Only kids above 13 can be on Discord, nevertheless, evading the age limit is very easy. That is not all, teens with fake birthdates can easily access NSFW and 18+ content. 

Furthermore, within servers and channels, targeted kids can be bullied or verbally abused without any repercussions. 

Most Dangerous Instant Message Apps 

4. Kik 

This one-to-one chatting app is a disaster waiting to happen. With Kik unrecommended for under 17 users and having a lack of age verification, parents should be careful when allowing its use. 

Not only that, the app also offers anonymity to its users that can provide cyberbullies, and predators a leeway. 

5. Viber

Viber creates privacy concerns due to a lack of parental controls and end-to-end encryption. Parents, therefore, have no way of knowing if their kids are being exploited or abused by strangers. 

Additionally, inappropriate content, addiction, online predators, and harassers make it truly unsafe for teens and tweens. 

6. Signal 

Due to Signal’s end-to-end encryption, detecting predatory activity within the app can be very difficult. Furthermore, the disappearing messages can make kids let go of their inhibitions and take part in risky activities like sexting or sharing intimate images. 

Most Dangerous Dating Apps

7. Hoop 

Hoop advertises itself as a dating app for teens with accessibility to users as young as 12. This begs the question as to why there is no age verification, and there are profiles mentioning their sexual preferences.

That is not all though, kids can also then connect with these strangers on Snapchat which offers disappearing messages and view-once photos/videos. 

8. Tinder 

To call Tinder breeding grounds for predators will not be an exaggeration. Kids can also easily bypass its age restrictions by adding a fake date. Once the profile is set, they can engage in intimate conversations, arrange dates, meet strangers, etc. 

9. Grindr

Grindr is one of the apps dangerous for kids because of its geolocation feature and privacy concerns. Additionally, there is a mind-boggling percentage of catfishes, predators, and paraphiliacs online. 

As a result, kids can become victims of grooming or sextortion where their intimate pictures or videos are used to blackmail them. 

Most Dangerous Live Streaming Apps

10. Live.Me 

Due to the app promoting or highlighting top trending broadcasters only, kids can act irrationally to garner attention and likes. As a result, they can create or share harmful content. 

Kids can also spend excessively on in-app purchases for virtual gifts. Contrarily, kids receiving virtual gifts can be exploited. 

11. Twitch 

Twitch has recently raised concerns among parents because of kids being exposed to violent, lewd, and inappropriate content. Not only that, but teens can also converse with strangers which can lead to bullying, sexual harassment, and online abuse. 

Lastly, teens have been found to share their personal information during conversations and streams on Twitch which provides predators easy access to them.  

12. Kick

Kick has no birthdate verification system in place and can easily to used by teens. Regular use of the streaming service can put kids at risk of harassment, and bullying. However that is not all, they can also come across mature content and nudity due to a lack of moderation. 

Most Dangerous Video Chat Apps 

13. Holla 

As is the case with most apps, bypassing the age limit of 18 on Holla is very easy. Kids, once on the live random video chat, can come across racism, gender discrimination, drug abuse, and violence.

Since the app is not designed for teens, there are also no restrictions to limit 18+ content and sexual imagery. 

14. Omegle

Omegle does not come with any parental controls or age restrictions to begin with. Users can openly share explicit videos with minors. Kids can also be manipulated into sharing nude or semi-nude photos under the guise of genuine love and care.

15. Tango

The most harmful feature of Tango is its use of geolocation. Getting in touch with people nearby can exponentially increase exposure to predators and pedophiles. 

If your kid is not aware of their privacy settings, their profile, and personal information might be visible to dangerous people too. 

Most Dangerous Anonymous Apps

16. Whisper 

Kids can frequently come across inappropriate and offensive content posted by other users anonymously on Whisper. They can also partake in bullying, oversharing, and questionable activities. 

An added danger to this app is the location feature that can make teens more visible to predators in their immediate surroundings.

17. Ask.fm

Ask.fm allows users to send or receive anonymous questions. The app is fine per se but issues arise when the power of anonymity is used negatively. 

Kids can flirt, confess their love, bully, give sexual innuendos, and even damage someone’s self-esteem depending on their app usage. 

18. Yik Yak

Yik Yak is recommended for kids above 18 because of the high chances of teens coming across harmful content and predation. Nonetheless, teens still engage in this anonymous, location-based, disappearing message app. 

The features mentioned are telling enough of the kind of dangers kids can come across. 

Most Dangerous Online Games

19. Call of Duty 

Call of Duty is a game intended for a mature audience. The adult subject matter can be disturbing for kids. 

They can also constantly come in contact with blood, gore, drug references, vulgarity, profanity, and violence.

20. Drug Grand Mafia

Drug Grand Mafia is a simulation game that promotes the dealing of drugs. Players have to lead a cartel and buy/sell drugs to grow their empire. The idea of this whole weed-dealing game is fine for 17+ users but can be very devastating for teens who have a more impressionable mind.

21. Roblox 

Since Roblox showcases user-generated content, the type of content primarily depends on the game creator. Due to this control, kids can come across violent content that they did not sign up for. 

Additionally, the option of in-game chatting can come with its own set of dangers like unwanted contact with groomers. 

Most Dangerous Explicit Content Apps

22. Yarn 

Yarn is not your average reading app. It shows teenagers stories in the form of text messages. However, most stories are meant for a mature audience with details about sexual encounters or illegal activities. 

There are also photos and videos attached to the conversations that can prove harmful. 

23. X (Twitter) 

Everyone knows X as a social media platform, nonetheless, it is famous among teens for its obscene content. X claims to remove nudity and pornographic content from highly visible areas of the app. Nevertheless, all it takes is a single search to find all the 18+ and sexually explicit content. 

24. Grand Auto Theft

A game rated for 18+ users is commonly played by teens. Grand Theft Auto promotes nudity and prostitution which can lead to kids objectifying women. 

What is worse is that sex workers are paid, the game gives a first-person angle of all activities, and the prostitutes can then be killed to retrieve payment.  

Most Dangerous Deepfake Apps

25. ReFace

ReFace and other deepfake apps are popular among catfishes and online scammers. These users can create fake profiles to lure in vulnerable teens and exploit them through manipulation. 

There is also the harm of the uploaded data being used for identity theft and impersonation in case of a data breach. 

26. iFake

iFake is used by teens to create fake chats with the intent of bullying or defaming others. Its use for these purposes can adversely impact the mental and emotional well-being of the victims. Moreover, predators can use these apps for sextortion and exploitation too. 

27. FaceApp

The use of deepfake apps, like FakeApp, allows digital alterations that can lead to a lack of confidence and body image issues in real life. In addition to that, seeing others having used such filters and edits can lead to a need to conform and fit in with unachievable beauty standards. 

Most Dangerous Secret Storage Apps

28. Calculator# 

Users of Calculator# have to be aware of potential malware. Due to the unreliable sources of these apps, teens can be at an increased risk of their sensitive data being stolen after installation.

29. Keepsafe

Apps like Keepsafe can aid a kid in hiding private photos, and sensitive information. Kids mostly use this app to hide obscene content, sexting, and other harmful stuff from their guardians. A secret storage like this can promote risky online behavior with a lack of consequences.

30. Poof 

Kids using Poof can successfully hide from their parents instances of blackmail, exploitation, and cyberbullying. Moreover, due to the leeway provided by Poof, teens are more readily take part in sharing sensual images that can make them vulnerable to online predators.  

Depending on the kind of apps your kid frequents, the dangers they can be exposed to are innumerable.

Safe Apps for Kids: Top Alternatives You Can Consider

Our previous discussion begs the question, “What apps are safe for kids?” We have collected some texting, social media, and gaming apps that are safe for your kids. These apps instill good digital habits, have parental controls, and aid in growth.  

1. Safe Texting Apps for Kids

To mitigate the rising security and safety concerns for kids, some platforms have come forward to make texting risk-free for kids. Kids can use these apps to talk to friends and family without needlessly being exposed to strangers. 

Some of these texting apps that provide parents a peace of mind are:

• Messenger kids
• GeckoLife
• Kinzoo

2. Safe Social Media Apps for Kids

Apps that allow kids to navigate through them without coming across inappropriate and mature content are far and few between. 

Some social media apps, however, still prioritize parents’ concerns and ensure kid’s safety with the help of content moderation, and limited exposure. 

We have collected highly recommended safe social media apps for kids: 

• Grom Social
• Azoomee
• Zigazoo

3. Safe Game Apps for Kids

In today’s era, games promoting substance abuse, violence, blood/gore, women objectification, and crimes are commonplace. Excessive use of these games can forever change your kid’s brain chemistry and might even make them idealize harmful concepts like prostitution or murder.

To provide parents with other options, some games work towards instilling good habits, promoting community service, and ensuring healthy growth.

A few safe game apps for kids are mentioned below:

• LEGO Video Games for Kids
• PK XD
• Monument Valley

How Does Monitoring Your Kid’s Phone Help?

There is an abundance of dangerous websites and apps for kids like the ones mentioned above. No matter how far parents go to keep their kids from using these apps, they are just a download and fake birthdate away from coming across predators, bullies, and blackmailers.

To ensure that these most dangerous apps for kids cannot impact kid’s mental and emotional health negatively, monitoring is necessary. One such app to track kids discreetly and remotely is XNSPY.

What is XNSPY?

XNSPY is a child monitoring app that runs in a target device’s background and collects all its phone activity. 

Parents can then access their kids’ apps, online interactions, and content consumption through features like a Screen recorder, IM chats, keylogger, installed apps, and screen time. 

What Does XNSPY Offer?

1. Screen Recorder

Screen recorder helps parents keep track of their kids’ content. Using the screen records taken by XNSPY, parents can check the applications used and the content their kids came across. These logs can also aid parents to determine if they have seen any explicit or harmful content.

2. IM Chats

XNSPY offers message monitoring for over 13 social media apps. The message records come with individual chat threads, timestamps, names, and numbers (if applicable). It also keeps tabs on these third-party apps’ call history and records all calls to help parents stay informed.

3. Keylogger

XNSPY’s keylogger for Android and iPhone logs all keystrokes on the keyboard of the target device. These logs can keep parents in the loop of their kids’ usernames, passwords, searches, and game chatroom interactions.

4. Installed Apps

Parents can access their kids’ installed apps and even block/unblock them remotely.

5. Screen Time

Parents can also easily know the apps their kids are using regularly and how much time they are spending on each app using XNSPY’s screen time feature.

Conclusion

Our discussion above elaborates on social media, dating, video chats, live streaming, anonymous, and gaming apps that are deemed dangerous for tweens and teens. Nevertheless, not all hope is lost because there are some safe apps too that can give parents peace of mind.

Nonetheless, a more comprehensive and wholesome solution to dangerous apps is child monitoring through apps like XNSPY. 

After this article, parents hopefully have an insight into the top dangerous apps for kids and can now create limits and make decisions that suit their kids best.