This information was included in the March 2020 newsletter distributed by the Lancaster County Crime Prevention Task Force. View the newsletter and SUBSCRIBE here: http://bit.ly/37HuZbq.

We present this as a release of information so parents and children can be fully aware.

Staying up to date on trending apps among kids is crucial.

The popular apps and web forums can quickly become fads of yesterday as new ones are unveiled.

Many of us likely know about TikTok, kik and Yubo.

But what about Tellonym and Houseparty?

There are so many options it can be overwhelming for parents and educators to keep tabs on.

FamilyEducation.com, a parenting partner publication online, recently updated a thorough report on trending apps and their features.

Pay attention to the ‘Why Parents Should Worry’ segment under each app’s profile and consider if the app is something you will allow for your child.

Consider having conversations with your kids about these apps and what they are using them for.

“Friending your child on Facebook is now just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to online safety,” the author writes.

Here are a couple ‘new’ apps from the report. We are not condemning or endorsing any apps; we are merely presenting information for parents and families to consider.

Tellonym

An anonymous messenger app calling itself the ‘most honest place on the internet.’

That description alone warrants a look.

Houseparty

There is no screening and videos are streamed live. Friends can invite friends to a chat, meaning users might find themselves among strangers.

Bigo Live

There is no age verification for this live streaming app, although it is rated for ages 17-and-up.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright