SECRET CALCULATOR
MINIMUM AGE: 3+
WHAT IS IT? Secret Calculator apps (also called "vault apps") are disguised as ordinary tools like calculators but are used to hide photos, videos, files, or even other apps behind a passcode. These apps are widely used by teens to hide content from parents or teachers, including explicit material. WHAT WE SAY: Avoid. 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate ContentThis app is often used to store nude images, sexual messages, or explicit videos. Because the content is hidden, it's easy for young users to bypass parental supervision and view or share material not appropriate for their age. 🔐 Privacy ConcernsSecret Calculator apps claim to offer privacy, but in reality, they create a false sense of security. Many have weak data protections, meaning that personal photos or private content could be hacked, leaked, or misused. 📢 Lack of Accountability Since the app is hidden and protected by a passcode, parents, teachers, and even phone safety software may not detect what’s inside. This allows harmful content to go unnoticed and unchallenged. 📱 Cyberbullying and Harassment This app can be used to store screenshots of bullying, revenge material, or harmful messages, which can then be shared secretly. In group settings, teens may pressure each other into sharing or storing harmful or embarrassing content. 🚨 Sexual Harassment & Sextortion Risks Secret vault apps can encourage sexting and photo sharing among teens, which can easily lead to sexual harassment, blackmail (sextortion), or long-term emotional harm. Once stored, these images can be shared without consent or used as threats. 🧑💻 Online Predators & Grooming In grooming scenarios, predators may encourage young users to use vault apps to hide inappropriate photos or chats. Because these apps appear innocent, they’re often used to conceal ongoing manipulation or abuse. 🚨Difficult to Spot These apps are designed to blend in. A fake calculator may work like a normal one until a secret code is entered. |
SAFETY TIPS:
📲Understand the app: Familiarise yourself with Secret Calculators features and how they work. Knowing how the app works will help you guide your child effectively. 🔍 Check Devices Regularly Look for duplicate apps or calculator apps that seem out of place. Tap on them and try entering common passcodes (e.g., 0000, 1234). 🚨Many Names, One Purpose There are dozens of apps like this--Calculator+, KeepSafe, Vault, Locker, Hide It Pro, etc.—and new ones appear regularly. 👨👧Parental supervision: Check their interactions and adjust privacy settings accordingly. Try to stay up-to-date on Internet trends and best practices. 📢Underage Accounts: SC 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. |