Are Dating Apps Safe For Teens?

Dating these days is much different for adults and young adults too. There is a dating app for everyone out there. Quick relationships, LGBTQ+ relationships, elderly relationships, and even farmers-only relationships. What about teen relationships, though? Yes. There are apps for teens too.

Connecting with someone who interests them on these apps may seem like fun or exciting for teens. However, it can also pose some potential risks. Parents may want to explore more about them, and what those risks are in order to keep their teen safe if said teenager is using these apps.

Are Teens Mature Enough For Dating Apps?

Dating apps for teens are not just about finding a significant other. There is a lot that takes place behind the scenes in developing that relationship. Interacting on social media and sending private messages is one thing. And yes, most teens are very tech-savvy and tech safe, but are they able to build an actual relationship online? Do they know or have what it takes to manage an online relationship?

Different issues may arise, and while teens can text a five-page essay in under two seconds, they may not have developed the resilience it takes to deal with some of those issues.

Some children are more vulnerable than others. The very young and those with special needs and/or disabilities might be more trusting online. They don't necessarily understand the risks or dangers that could come with an online relationship.

According to Malwarebytes, disabled children tend to have more digital skills but encounter more online risk and may lack peer support.

What Is Online Grooming?

Most times children are actually talking to other children online. But, sadly, not everyone is who they say they are. There are groomers out there who purposely trick young people in order to get them to trust them and believe they are a true person and a true friend. This is done in order to manipulate, exploit, and possibly even abuse children.

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), 2020 was a record-breaking year, with more than 21.7 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation made to NCMEC's CyberTipline. This marks the highest number of reports ever received in one year.

The bottom line is not everyone online has the best intentions. Parents may want to discuss the risks surrounding online dating [such as online grooming] and also what signs to look out for to avoid putting themselves in unsafe situations.

Sexting Is A Thing

It doesn't matter who it is sent to, sexting is a bad choice. A lot of online relationships can lead to sexting between teens. Sexts can end up in the wrong hands all too easily, especially photo sexting. This can lead to bullying, depression, harassment, embarrassment, and low self-esteem.

Teens are young and somewhat naive; they may get tempted to send nude photos in an effort to get someone to like them. Parents might want to discuss the dangers that come with sending those types of photos or videos. They could very easily go public. Teens need to understand that just as saying no in person is okay, saying no online is okay too. If someone really cares about them, they wouldn't be asking for those types of photos in the first place.

Online Harassment

Teens exploring these apps for finding a potential relationship are likely to come across unwanted sexual advances. Pictures may be sent to them, messages, or people trolling them on social media, WhatsApp, and Snapchat. According to Pew Research, 59% of U.S. teens have been bullied or harassed online, and a similar share says it's a major problem for people their age.

Parents may also want to look into the setting their teen has on their phone. A lot of the apps being used have location services to see who is nearby. This can put teens at extreme risk. They may want to meet up with someone they don't actually know, or someone may be able to find them. Having a conversation about the dangers involved would be a good idea.

Sources: Malwarebytes, NCMEC, Pew Research