The Internet is a Jungle, and Kids Are the Prey!
We all know Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. But what about those apps parents haven’t even heard of? Yes, the ones lurking in the shadows of the digital world that can seriously endanger our children’s safety.
Kids and the Internet: A Perfect Recipe for Disaster?
Nowadays, smartphones and tablets are practically extensions of even the youngest kids’ hands. They use apps for games, learning, and communication, often without constant adult supervision. While technology offers benefits, behind seemingly harmless icons lie dangers that can seriously threaten children’s privacy and safety.
Not Just Instagram and TikTok – There Are Dark Apps Too!
Igor Jurić, director of the Center for Missing and Abused Children, warns that many apps unknown to parents carry serious risks. For example, Grindr, known as a gathering place for the LGBT community but also used by kids seeking communication, has been linked to cases of abuse, including physical contact with predators.
Dejan Radenković, former assistant chief of the criminal police department, points out that the police have a special high-tech crime unit handling these cases. Operation “Armageddon” aims to reduce the number of children harmed online. However, proving these crimes is extremely difficult and can take years.
Chilling Numbers
Almost 70% of minors have open accounts on popular social networks, making it easier for bad actors to reach them. Kids often share their locations, increasing the risk.
In one international investigation lasting three years, about 3,000 devices containing videos of abused children were seized, and two men were arrested in Serbia.
Psychological Angle: Kids Are More Vulnerable Than Ever
Psychologist Dragana Ivanović warns that addiction boundaries to social networks are shifting to younger ages. Kids are getting younger, and the problem is global – over half the world’s population has internet access, and a third are children.
What Can Parents Do?
The first step is awareness. Parents must know which apps their kids use and how to control them. Police and experts are ready to help, but without active parental involvement, the fight is lost.
Conclusion: The Internet Is No Safe Place for Kids – Time to Act!
If you think it’s enough for kids to have accounts only on Instagram and TikTok, think again. The real dangers lurk where you least expect them. Grindr and similar apps aren’t just for adults – kids use them, and the consequences can be catastrophic.
So next time you see your kid holding a phone, ask yourself: what’s hiding behind that icon? And don’t hesitate to discuss, joke, or even challenge this topic – maybe your words will save a life.
Did you know about these apps? Or did you think the internet was just for funny videos? Share your thoughts, because this isn’t a topic to stay silent about!
