WIZZ
|
MINIMUM AGE: 13+
WHAT IS IT? Wizz is a social networking app where young people create profiles, discover new users, and chat through private messages once connection requests are accepted. It is marketed as a way to make new friends, but its features are similar to dating-style apps that connect users with strangers. WHAT WE SAY: Avoid 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate Content Although Wizz has community guidelines that ban nudity, sexual content, drugs, and harmful behaviour, users may still encounter inappropriate language, sexual conversations, or harassment before moderation systems remove it. ⚠️ Age Verification Wizz requires users to enter their birthdate and take a selfie using Yoti age-estimation technology. While this aims to place users in age-appropriate groups, determined users may still attempt to bypass checks by entering a false birthdate or using someone else’s photo. 💬 Direct Messaging Users can send connection requests and privately message once accepted. This can expose young people to unsolicited messages, pressure to share personal information, or requests to move conversations to other platforms. 🚨 Online Predators and Grooming As the app connects strangers, there is a risk of grooming or exploitation. Some users may attempt to build trust with young people to obtain personal information or images, which can lead to blackmail or sextortion. ⚠️ Similar to Dating Apps Although marketed as a way to make new friends, Wizz uses features similar to dating apps where users browse profiles and connect with strangers, which can lead to romantic or sexual interactions. 🔓 Privacy Risks Young users may overshare personal information such as their location, social media accounts, or phone number. Screenshots and message sharing can also lead to privacy breaches or harassment. 🛡️ Safety Tools Wizz uses automated moderation, identity checks, and reporting tools to detect harmful behaviour. However, these systems cannot prevent all risks, so it’s important for parents to talk with young people about online safety and responsible use. |
🛡️SAFETY TIPS:
📲 Understand the Platform - Learn how Wizz works so you can make an informed decision about whether it is appropriate for your child to use. The app allows users to discover new people, send connection requests, and chat privately. 👨👧 Parental Supervision - Check in regularly about who your child is talking to and how they are using the app. Encourage them to report inappropriate behaviour and stay aware of current online trends and risks. ⚠️ Age Verification Awareness - Wizz uses selfie-based age estimation and birthdate checks to verify users and place them into age-appropriate communities. However, like most online platforms, age checks may still be bypassed if someone provides false information. 🔒 Protect Personal Information - Remind children not to share personal details such as their full name, phone number, school, address, or other social media accounts with people they meet online. 🧠 Trust Your Instincts - Encourage your child to trust their instincts. If a conversation feels uncomfortable, pressuring, or inappropriate, they should stop responding, block the user, and report the account. 🖥️ Use Devices in Shared Spaces - Where possible, encourage younger users to use social apps in shared areas of the home rather than private spaces. This helps create safer and more open online habits. 🙋♀️ Keep Conversations Open - Talk regularly with children about online safety topics such as bullying, grooming, sexual exploitation, scams, and privacy. Make sure they know how to report concerns within the app. 🚨 Know the Warning Signs - Look out for behaviour changes such as secrecy around devices, anxiety after using apps, sudden deletion of accounts, or reluctance to talk about online interactions. 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. 
|
