Mylol

Mylol

MINIMUM AGE: 13+
 
WHAT IS IT?
This is a free teen dating website. Very worryingly this is what the website says; "Mylol is currently the #1 teen dating site in USA, Australia, United Kingdom and Canada. We are proud to have more than 1 million+ teenagers all around the world. Meet thousands of teenagers like you. Our website is built for teenagers from 13-19 years old".

WHAT WE SAY:
Avoid.

• Mylol has a website and app. Users can private message, vote, search, chat, share photos and create a profile. It says "If you're looking for friends or single teenagers, this is the teenager dating app you need".
• The app is no longer available for download on the Apple or Google Play app stores. However, teens (or anyone for that matter) can make a profile on the website and begin interacting with other users in a variety of ways. 
• Fake profiles. While the app is set up for users aged 13–19, it’s easy to bypass this barrier simply by entering a fake birthday and photo. There is no age verification system. This means predators can target children easily to groom and exploit.
• Unmonitored private messaging. Private messages often turns sexual and inappropriate quickly. While you can block profiles if they send you inappropriate content, often, the damage is already done.
• Sexual and inappropriate photos. The platform maintains that it monitors all uploaded images for nudity, sexual and inappropriate content. However, many users note that this doesn’t stop hundreds of suggestive photos from being used on the platform.

SAFETY TIPS TO CONSIDER:

• Make sure that children do not use this app.
• Risk from predators is high as this app allows user to interact through fake accounts.
• No age verification is in place so could be used by under 13... As well as predators!
• Users are able to search for local members - talk to children about the dangers of chatting to strangers nearby.

• Make sure that children and young people always use their device in a room whereby adults are present.
• Discuss 'friends' - there is no such thing as an 'internet friend'. Encourage children and young people to only engage with other users whom adults know in the 'real-world', and that they know and trust.
• Outline clear rules for your children. Pay attention to their development. As they get older, they should generally be given more freedom.
• Communication will also become more important as children get older. Explain that you are not trying to control them but want to agree upon a set of ground rules.
• Try to stay up-to-date on Internet trends and best practices.
• 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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