SECRET CALCULATOR
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MINIMUM AGE: 3+
WHAT IS IT? Hide Photo and Video is a privacy app designed to hide photos, videos, files, notes, and contacts on a phone. The app is disguised to look like a normal calculator, but when a user enters a secret PIN, it opens a hidden vault where private files are stored. This allows users to move media from their phone’s gallery into a password-protected space that others cannot easily see. The app may also include features such as intruder detection (taking a photo if someone enters the wrong password) and the ability to restore hidden files back to the device when needed. WHAT WE SAY: Avoid. 🔞 Hidden Storage of Inappropriate Content Apps such as Calculator – Hide Photo and Video are designed to hide photos, videos, and other files behind a passcode. Because the content is stored in a hidden vault, young people may use the app to keep explicit images, private messages, or other inappropriate material out of sight of parents or guardians. 🔐 Privacy and Security Concerns These apps claim to protect privacy, but files stored within them are still saved on the device and may not always have strong security protections. If a phone is lost, hacked, or accessed by someone else, private content could still be viewed, copied, or shared without permission. 📢 Hidden Activity and Limited Oversight Because the app is disguised as a working calculator, it can be difficult for parents, teachers, or safety tools to recognise that a hidden vault is being used to store files. This can make it harder to monitor what content is being stored on the device. 📱 Cyberbullying and Harmful Content Hidden vault apps may sometimes be used to store screenshots of messages, images, or videos related to bullying or conflicts, which can then be shared privately with others. 🚨 Sexting and Image Sharing Risks If young people use vault apps to hide intimate photos or videos, there is a risk these images could be shared without consent or used to pressure or threaten someone. Once images are shared digitally, they can be copied or distributed beyond the original sender. 🧑💻 Potential Grooming Risks In some cases, individuals with harmful intentions may encourage young people to store or hide conversations or images in secret apps so that they remain hidden from parents or guardians. ⚠️ Difficult for Adults to Detect Because the app appears to function as a normal calculator until a PIN is entered, it can be difficult to recognise that it is actually a hidden storage vault for private files. Parents should be aware that some apps are designed specifically to disguise their true purpose. |
SAFETY TIPS:
📲 Understand the App Familiarise yourself with how calculator vault apps work. These apps appear to be normal calculators but can hide photos, videos, files, and messages behind a secret PIN. Understanding how they function can help you recognise why young people may use them and guide your child more effectively. 🔍 Check Devices Regularly Occasionally review the apps installed on your child’s device. Look for duplicate calculator apps or apps with names that suggest privacy, vaults, or lockers, and check the app store description if something seems unusual. 🚨 Many Apps Serve the Same Purpose Vault-style apps can appear under many names such as Calculator+, Vault, Locker, or Photo Vault, and new versions appear frequently. Being aware of these types of apps can help parents recognise them more easily. 👨👧 Parental Awareness Take an interest in how your child uses their device and the types of apps they download. Staying informed about new apps, online trends, and privacy tools can help you support safer online behaviour. 📢 Underage Use Some apps include age recommendations, but many rely on users entering their own date of birth. This means younger users may still be able to download or use apps intended for older audiences. 📱 Discuss Online Sharing Talk with your child about the risks of sharing or storing sensitive images, videos, or messages. Remind them that once something is created or shared digitally, it may still be copied or shared by others. 🧠 Encourage Them to Trust Their Instincts If your child feels uncomfortable about something they see, store, or are asked to share, encourage them to stop engaging and speak to a trusted adult. 🖥️ Use Devices in Shared Spaces Where possible, encourage children to use their devices in shared family spaces rather than private areas. This can help promote safer and more balanced technology use. 🚨 Recognise Warning Signs Be aware of sudden changes in behaviour such as increased secrecy around devices, distress when asked about apps, or frequently deleting apps or content. 💬 Keep Communication Open Have regular conversations about online safety, sexting, bullying, grooming, and digital pressure. Creating a supportive environment helps children feel comfortable asking for help if something goes wrong. 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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