KIK
KIK
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MINIMUM AGE: 13+
WHAT IS IT? Kik is a anonymous messaging app. It lets you create your own username and message others without using your mobile number. Users can choose to chat one-to-one or in group chats. As well as send photos and videos to other users. WHAT WE SAY: Avoid. 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate ContentKik is not moderated effectively, which means users — including children — can be exposed to explicit messages, pornography, adult chat groups, and violent content. While the app is rated 18+ on app stores, you only need an email address and a username to sign up, making it easy for underage users to join. 🔐 Privacy ConcernsKik does not require a real name or phone number, meaning anyone can create multiple anonymous accounts. This makes it difficult to know who you’re really talking to, and there are limited ways to block or trace dangerous users. The app collects location data and IP addresses but doesn’t verify users’ identities. 📢 Lack of Accountability Because accounts can be created without identity verification, users can bully, harass, or exploit others anonymously. Many predators use Kik specifically because it offers no meaningful accountability or oversight. 📱 Cyberbullying and HarassmentKik allows strangers to message users directly, particularly if usernames are shared on public platforms like Instagram, Reddit, or TikTok. This opens the door to unwanted attention, bullying, or harassment, and victims often struggle to trace or block their harassers effectively. 🚨 Sexual Harassment and Exploitation Kik has been repeatedly associated with online grooming, sextortion, and child sexual exploitation. It is commonly used by adults pretending to be teenagers to initiate conversations with young people, often leading to pressure to send explicit photos or videos. This has been a major concern for child safety organisations and law enforcement. 🧑💻 Online Predators & Grooming The app is well known among online predators because it enables private messaging, anonymity, and easy access to teens. Users can join public groups based on interests, where predators may pose as teens and build relationships over time. Conversations are encrypted and not easily monitored by parents. 🚨 Criminal Activity & Dark Web Links Kik has been used to share illegal content, including links to dark web sites, drug sales, and illicit material. There are ongoing concerns about how easily children can be exposed to or involved in dangerous networks through this platform. ❌ No Live Location FeatureKik does not offer real-time GPS location sharing by default. It doesn’t ask for or track a user’s physical location through the app itself. |
SAFETY TIPS:
📲Understand the app: Familiarise yourself with Kik's features and how they work. Knowing how the app works will help you guide your child effectively. 👨👧Parental supervision: Check their interactions and adjust privacy settings accordingly. Try to stay up-to-date on Internet trends and best practices. 📢Underage Accounts: Steam might have an age restriction but it lacks a proper age verification process. Therefore, there’s little stopping users from faking their dates of birth or creating bogus profiles and targetting children and young people. 👥Manage friend requests: Teach your child only to accept friend requests from people they know in real life. 📷 Cover the Webcam When Not in Use Physically cover your camera when you're not ready to go live. Always be mindful of what’s visible in your background—it can reveal location clues. 🧠 Trust Your Instincts If something feels uncomfortable, it is uncomfortable. Leave the chat immediately and don’t engage with users who seem suspicious, aggressive, or inappropriate. 🖥️ Place Devices in Shared Spaces Keep internet-connected devices in living rooms or kitchens, not bedrooms. This makes risky behavior less likely and easier to notice. 🙋♀️Conversations: Have open discussions with children and young people about the topics associated with online use - bullying, grooming, sexual and criminal exploitation, body image, as well as accessing support and how to report. 🚨 Know the Signs of Trouble Watch for behaviour changes—like anxiety, secrecy, mood swings, or suddenly deleting apps. These can signal something inappropriate happened online. 💬Conversations: Have open discussions with children and young people about the topics associated with online use - bullying, grooming, sexual and criminal exploitation, body image, as well as accessing support and how to report. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you discover criminal content when online then report it directly to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation. If you're worried about online grooming or sexual behaviour online then report directly to the police or contact CEOP. 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 Resource Centre for further information and useful online safety tips. 
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