Wondering what your child is up to on their phone? With the ever-growing world of apps and social media, we don't blame you. Our friends at Common Sense Media have put together a helpful list of the stealthy photo sharing apps that your little one might be hiding from you.
For kids, the joys of friendship are often expressed in the photos they share on social apps such as Snapchat, Instagram, and WhatsApp. These types of photos — the group shot from a day at the beach, a selfie at the DMV or the prom — document kids' lives and strengthen relationships. But as we all know, cell phone cameras can be misused, and a new crop of photo apps are being used to hide photos instead of share them. So-called secret-camera and hidden-photo-vault apps let you snap pictures or video without anyone knowing and stash them in secret folders.
Apps such as Stealth Cam, Private Ninja Cam, and Top Secret Camera can be used to spy on people. Here are some of the methods they use to deceive the unsuspecting:
Hidden-photo vaults, such as Calculator%, Keep Safe Private Photo Vault, and Best Secret Folder, are places to keep photos out of view from a prying parent or friend. They share key features, including:
Teens — naturally seeking privacy and independence from adults — could be tempted to experiment with these kinds of apps, such as the teen who was caught with an "upskirt" picture of his teacher. But they also might appeal to kids who don't have much to hide, so if you find a secret-camera app on your teen's phone, don't freak out immediately.
These tips can help you navigate the world of secret-camera apps: