FORT COLLINS — A police department in Colorado is warning parents about potentially dangerous apps that children may have downloaded to their phones or tablets.
The Fort Collins Police Department recently shared a social media post highlighting apps that could be associated with cyberbullying, online predators, sextortion, and other risks.
Some of these apps are designed to look innocent, but secretly hide concerning content. For example, the Calculator Percentage app appears to be a standard calculator but actually conceals photos, videos, and other content.
Several other concerning apps identified by police include:
• Monkey: A live video chat app that connects users with random strangers worldwide
• Kik: An app that allows anyone to contact and direct message your child
• Ask FM: Encourages users to allow anonymous people to ask them questions and is known for cyberbullying
• Skout: A location-based dating app where users under 17 aren't supposed to share photos, but children have been known to create profiles using fake ages
Susan Payne, the founder of Safe2Tell in Colorado, has previously discussed the dangers of these apps.
"It does happen that they have gone so far as getting someone to exchange photos, maybe sexually explicit photos then suddenly they are demanding financial payment in order not to contact all their friends," said Payne.
Police recommend several strategies for parents, including the following:
- regular conversations with children about online activity
- setting clear boundaries
- understanding the platforms children use
- ensuring children never share personal information online
This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
___
Colorado Springs students react to Trump's involuntary collection of defaulted student loans
The U.S. Department of Education announced Monday that it will begin collections on defaulted loans starting May 5. We spoke to local students about their feelings on the call.
____
Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.
