hoop
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AGE RATING: 18+
WHAT IS IT? Hoop is a social networking app designed to help users meet new people and make friends online. It is often linked with Snapchat, allowing users to discover profiles and add others directly to Snapchat after connecting through the app. Users create a profile with photos and basic information, then browse other profiles and request to connect using in-app points or “diamonds.” The app works similarly to swipe-style social platforms where users quickly decide whether to connect with someone. While Hoop is marketed as a way to make new friends, it mainly connects people with strangers, and once a connection is made, conversations typically move to Snapchat or other social media platforms. Because profiles rely heavily on photos and users can interact with people they do not know in real life, parents should be aware that children may be contacted by strangers or encouraged to share personal information. WHAT WE SAY: Avoid. 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate Content Hoop allows users to create profiles and share photos, which means young people may encounter suggestive images, adult language, or other content that may not be suitable for their age. 🔐 Privacy Concerns The app asks users to share personal details such as age, gender, and photos, and encourages them to share their Snapchat username with others. Because users can easily create accounts and may misrepresent their age, there are potential risks around privacy and personal information. 💬 Communication Through Snapchat Hoop itself does not include built-in messaging. Instead, it encourages users to connect through Snapchat to start conversations. This means interactions often move to another platform where messages may disappear, making it harder for parents to monitor conversations. 📱 Cyberbullying and Harassment Because Hoop focuses on quick profile browsing and connection requests, users may experience negative comments, rejection, or bullying that can continue once conversations move to other apps. 🧑💻 Contact with Strangers The app is designed to help users meet new people online, which means children may be connecting with strangers they have never met. Without strong identity checks, some users may misrepresent their age or identity. 📢 Advertisements and External Content As a free app, Hoop may display advertisements. Some ads may lead to external websites or services, which could expose users to inappropriate or misleading content. 💸 In-App Purchases Hoop uses a virtual currency called diamonds, which can be earned or purchased with real money. These diamonds are used to send connection requests, which may encourage young users to spend money within the app. 🔓 Fake Profiles and Scams Because profiles rely mainly on photos and limited information, some users may create fake accounts. This can lead to risks such as catfishing, scams, or people attempting to collect personal information from others online. |
🛡️SAFETY TIPS:
📲 Understand the app – Familiarise yourself with Hoop’s features and how it works. The app helps users meet new people and encourages them to connect through Snapchat, so understanding how connections are made will help you guide your child safely. 👨👧 Parental supervision – Stay aware of how your child is using the app and who they are connecting with. Regularly check privacy settings and keep up to date with online safety advice and new social media trends. 📢 Underage Accounts – Hoop may have age requirements, but age checks are limited. This means some users may misrepresent their age, which can expose young people to interactions with older strangers. 👥 Manage connections – Encourage your child to only add or accept connections from people they know in real life. Remind them that not everyone online is who they claim to be. 📷 Be mindful of shared photos – Hoop profiles rely heavily on photos. Remind children not to share images that reveal personal information such as school uniforms, home addresses, or location details. 🧠 Trust your instincts – If something feels uncomfortable, it probably is. Encourage your child to stop interacting with anyone who makes them feel uneasy and to tell a trusted adult. 🖥️ Place devices in shared spaces – Encourage children to use social apps in shared areas of the home rather than bedrooms, making it easier to supervise online activity. 🙋♀️ Conversations – Have regular discussions with children about online safety topics such as cyberbullying, grooming, scams, exploitation, body image pressures, and how to report concerning behaviour. 🚨 Know the signs of trouble – Watch for behaviour changes such as anxiety around devices, secrecy about online activity, mood swings, or quickly deleting apps, as these may indicate negative online experiences. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you see suspected child sexual abuse content online, report it to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which helps remove illegal images from the internet. If you’re worried about online sexual exploitation or abuse, you can make a report to Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) - a UK law enforcement team dedicated to protecting children and young people online. For Children & young people if they're worried or want to talk, encourage them to contact Childline Online or call 0800 1111. Check out our Factsheets for further information and useful online safety tips. 
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