WIZZ
WIZZ
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MINIMUM AGE: 13+
WHAT IS IT? The Wizz App is a social discovery platform designed to connect users, particularly teenagers, with new friends worldwide. While it offers opportunities for social interaction, several concerns have been raised regarding its safety features and potential risks. WHAT WE SAY: Avoid 2025 PLATFORM UPDATE The Wizz App has now been removed from the Apple and Google Play stores over serious safety concerns and the alleged use of the app in sextortion scams however it is still able to be used by the 20 million who have already downloaded it! 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate Content Wizz users can be exposed to various online dangers, including bad language and inappropriate content, as well as conversations involving drugs and sex. They may also be at risk of phishing and scams, where malicious actors attempt to steal personal information. ⚠️ Age Verification: Users of Wizz must verify their age by providing their birthdate and taking a selfie with Yoti, where an algorithm instantly estimates their age based on their face. However children can input a fake birthdate and ask someone older (or younger) to take a selfie for them. Even when not falsified, the age verification system does not work reliably. Children and adults frequently appear in the same space and can be connected if they accept each others’ friend requests. 💬Direct Messaging The app allows users to engage in direct messaging after mutual acceptance of connection requests. While this feature facilitates private conversations, it also opens avenues for unsolicited messages, exposure to inappropriate content, or potential exploitation, especially if users share personal information. Wizz has implemented in-app warnings and education to caution users about sharing personal details, but vigilance is still necessary. 🚨Online Predators and Grooming The platform poses concerns regarding grooming and sexual predation, as predators may exploit its features to target vulnerable individuals. Blackmail and sextortion are also significant risks, with users potentially being coerced into sharing sensitive content that could later be used against them. ⚠️Functionality of a dating app Despite its similarities to apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Wink, Wizz is not strictly marketed as a dating app but rather as a way to make new friends around the world based on common interests. But, with features that mirror the most successful dating apps, it is inevitable that people will use it in the same way. 🔓 Privacy Concerns Doxxing, leaking personal info, and identity exposure are common issues on this platform. |
🛡️SAFETY TIPS:
📲Understand the platform: Familiarise yourself with the apps 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: Tattle Life 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 targeting children and young people. 📷 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. 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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