A Parent’s Guide to Popular & Risky Apps Kids Are Using Today Today’s kids are growing up with smartphones and tablets in hand—and many spend multiple hours a day using apps to play, chat, or connect with friends. While many apps are fun and age-appropriate, others come with serious safety risks like cyberbullying, explicit content, and contact with strangers. As a parent, it’s more important than ever to stay informed about the apps your kids are using, how those apps work, and what you can do to protect your family online. Understanding the App Landscape in 2025 Recent studies show that kids under age 8 spend an average of 2.5 hours a day on mobile devices, and teens spend 7+ hours daily—much of that time in apps. Whether it’s for socializing, gaming, or watching videos, mobile apps are now central to how kids interact with the world. But not all apps are built with child safety in mind. 5 Types of Apps Parents Need to Monitor 1. Social Media Apps Apps like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and BeReal dominate teen usage. While these platforms offer creative outlets and social connection, they’re also hotspots for: Cyberbullying Inappropriate content Mental health struggles linked to comparison and validation Location tracking through features like Snap Map Tip: Review privacy settings regularly and talk to your kids about blocking/reporting inappropriate users. 2. Messaging Apps Popular options like WhatsApp, Discord, Telegram, and iMessage allow fast communication—but also open the door to: Anonymous or encrypted chats Grooming by online predators Sharing of harmful content Tip: Look for messaging apps with strong parental controls, and consider monitoring tools like ExperienceIQ from Wisper. 3. Gaming Apps Games like Fortnite, Roblox, Among Us, and Call of Duty: Mobile are loved by kids—but they often include: In-game chat with strangers Upsetting or violent content In-app purchases that rack up quickly Tip: Use parental control settings to restrict chat, limit spending, and block age-inappropriate titles. 4. Camera & Content Sharing Apps Apps such as Snapchat, Instagram, and VSCO allow kids to share images and videos instantly. Risks include: Sexting or pressure to share inappropriate images Screenshots or recordings of disappearing content Sharing private content with strangers Tip: Teach kids to think before they share, and talk through real-world examples of digital consequences. 5. Shopping & Spending Apps Apps like Amazon, Temu, and Shein may seem harmless, but they give kids: Easy access to spending Exposure to adult-targeted advertising Unsafe product listings or scams Tip: Require parent approval for purchases and use child-safe versions of shopping apps where available. The Most Dangerous Apps for Kids in 2025 While not all apps are inherently bad, some present more serious risks—especially when they allow anonymous access or bypass parental controls. Here are a few of the most concerning: Kik – An anonymous messaging app often used by predators. Yik Yak – Resurging in popularity, this anonymous posting app can spread bullying and rumors. Snapchat – Disappearing messages may seem safe, but can be screenshotted and misused. Hoop – Allows Snapchat users to connect with strangers, often leading to risky interactions. Discord – Popular for gaming chats, but also hosts NSFW servers and unmoderated discussions. Omegle – A video chat site that randomly pairs users, including adults and minors. Addictive & Age-Inappropriate Apps to Watch Out For Tinder, Grindr, Bumble – Dating apps with age restrictions, but often accessed by underage users. Reddit – Hosts communities that may contain violence, adult content, or conspiracy theories. YouTube & TikTok – Algorithms can expose kids to harmful trends or graphic content. Mobile Games like Genshin Impact or Clash Royale – Highly addictive with pay-to-win features. Remember: Age restrictions are not foolproof. Kids can easily bypass them by using a fake birthdate. Tips for Keeping Your Kids Safe Online Have regular conversations about what apps they’re using and why. Set time limits for apps and games using built-in tools or services like Wisper Home App. Use parental controls to block, limit, or monitor app usage across devices. Check app ratings and reviews before approving new downloads. Teach responsible digital behavior—like never sharing personal info or private photos online. Take Control with Wisper’s Home App With Home App content controls from Wisper, you can: Filter dangerous apps and websites Set time limits by device or app Pause internet access during homework or family time Keep your kids focused, protected, and balanced Get peace of mind and more quality family time—learn more about the Wisper Home App today…. Read More
Internet Safety
Internet Safety – Someone Send Up the Bat Signal
Protect Your Online World Like a Superhero Superheroes have long captured the imagination with their ability to protect the innocent and fight off villains. While real-life threats may not come in the form of iconic characters like Superman or Spider-Man, the digital world presents its own set of dangers. Just as superheroes stand guard over cities, strong internet safety measures help protect users from cyber threats every day. Understanding the Need for Internet Safety Today In the digital age, individuals of all ages use phones, computers, and gaming systems, exposing themselves to a wide range of online risks including viruses, malware, phishing scams, and cyberbullying. Cybercriminals constantly develop new ways to exploit personal information, making internet safety a critical priority. For example, internet service providers often block thousands of cyber threats monthly to protect customers before those threats even reach their homes. Despite these protections, vigilance is still necessary for safe online experiences. Key Internet Safety Tips for Everyone To stay protected in an online environment filled with potential threats, here are essential safety tips: Keep Personal Information Private: Avoid sharing sensitive data such as addresses, phone numbers, or financial details online. When gaming or socializing online, interact only with trusted people. Avoid Suspicious Links and Messages: Phishing scams remain one of the most common threats. These scams often appear to come from trusted sources like banks, streaming services, or even your employer, asking for personal information or money. Always verify the authenticity before responding. Report Suspicious Activity: Whether it’s cyberbullying, strange messages, or unsolicited requests for money, notify a trusted adult or authority immediately. Watch Out for Vulnerable Groups: Children and seniors are frequent targets of online threats. Education and monitoring can help keep these groups safe from scams and exploitation. Insights from Law Enforcement on Internet Safety Law enforcement agencies frequently handle internet-related complaints involving phishing scams and online fraud. These scams can impact anyone but often disproportionately affect seniors who may be less familiar with digital red flags. Programs like D.A.R.E. now include internet safety education to teach children how to protect themselves online. Emphasizing “Keep Safe, Keep Away, and Keep Telling” helps kids understand the importance of guarding personal information, avoiding strangers, and seeking help when needed. The Role of Internet Providers in Cybersecurity Internet providers play a vital role by implementing security measures such as threat blocking, spam filtering, and secure network management. These steps help create a safer online environment, but personal caution remains essential. In conclusion, while the world may not have real-life superheroes battling iconic villains, everyone can take steps to be a hero in their own digital lives. By staying informed and vigilant, users can protect themselves and their loved ones from the many cyber threats that exist today…. Read More
How to Spot Phishing Scams
How to Spot a Phishing Scam—and Why It Matters Phishing isn’t just spam—it’s a serious threat designed to steal your credentials, bank data, or personal information. In 2024, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported over 860,000 cybercrime complaints, with $16.6 billion in losses—a 33% increase from 2023. Phishing and spoofing attacks led the list, totaling 193,000 reports. Globally, scammers sent approximately 3.4 billion phishing emails daily—adding up to more than a trillion each year. Why Phishing Matters Common attack vector: Phishing plays a key role in cyber breaches—used in over 41% of U.S. data breach incidents in 2023 . Costly consequences: The average data breach due to phishing cost U.S. organizations around $4.9 million in 2023. Elderly targeted: Individuals over 60 suffered nearly $4.9 billion in phishing losses in 2024. 5 Signs of a Phishing Email or Text 1. Suspicious Sender InfoBeware misspelled domain names or strange email addresses (e.g., paypal@notice-123.com). 2. Awkward Language or TyposGrammatical mistakes or odd phrasing are common in phishing messages. 3. Dodgy Links or AttachmentsUnfamiliar files like “Invoice.doc” or links to unknown websites? Skip them. 4. Urgent DemandsPhrases like “Act now!” or “Verify your account immediately!” are red flags . 5. Messages That Look Too LegitIf it seems like it’s from your boss or Netflix—but something feels off—verify using known channels (e.g., phone call, official website). What To Do If You Suspect Phishing Pause and verify: Don’t click links—type the website directly in your browser. Check the sender: Hover over email addresses to inspect the true source. Report it: Forward suspicious content to your IT team or provider. Protect and recover: Consider enabling multi-factor authentication and monitoring accounts. Stay Safe Online Phishing threats are real and rapidly evolving. In 2024, phishing/spoofing was the most-reported threat, with $16.6 billion lost to cybercrime. Meanwhile, over a trillion phishing emails circulate yearly. Stay vigilant: Double-check senders Be wary of urgent requests Use MFA Report anything suspicious… Read More
What Will ‘Meta’ Mean for Social Media Users?
What Meta Means in 2025: How Facebook’s Parent Company is Shaping the Future of Tech It’s been a few years since Facebook rebranded as Meta, and by now, most of us have heard the name—but what does Meta actually mean in 2025, and how does it affect users of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp? First Things First: No, Facebook Didn’t Go Away Despite the name change in late 2021, the Facebook app is still called Facebook. The name Meta refers to the parent company that owns Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Threads, and a growing suite of digital products focused on immersive technology. Meta’s mission? According to their updated 2025 vision: “To build technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses—today and in the metaverse of tomorrow.” What Is the Metaverse in 2025? Back in 2021, CEO Mark Zuckerberg described the metaverse as the next evolution of the internet: a 3D space where people could connect virtually through virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and immersive experiences. Fast forward to 2025, and the vision is still in progress—though some parts of it are already here. What’s Actually Happened So Far? Meta Horizon Worlds has expanded with new public “social spaces” for gaming, education, and co-working. Quest 3, released in late 2023, offers better VR performance, lighter headsets, and deeper integration with apps like Messenger and Instagram. Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, launched in 2023, now allow wearers to take calls, livestream to Instagram, and interact with Meta AI using just their voice. Spark AR, Meta’s augmented reality platform, now supports millions of user-generated AR effects across Facebook and Instagram. What Does This Mean for Everyday Users? You don’t have to enter the metaverse to use Meta’s products. For most users, the changes have come in subtle ways: More AI features across Instagram and Facebook, including AI-generated replies, post suggestions, and Meta’s in-app chatbot. Advanced avatars for meetings and social platforms, including ones that mimic your facial expressions in real time (if using VR). Increased focus on short-form video and interactive content, keeping Meta competitive with TikTok and YouTube Shorts. The company is still investing heavily in VR and AR, but they’re also focused on improving how people connect right now—through smarter technology, personalization, and safer online spaces. But What About Privacy? One of the most talked-about concerns around Meta’s evolution is data privacy. The company has made public commitments to what they call “responsible innovation,” including: More transparent data use disclosures Expanding parental controls and teen safety features Partnering with regulators to shape future VR and AI guidelines That said, critics and privacy advocates continue to push for tighter regulation around biometric data, AR usage, and AI content moderation—especially as wearable tech like Meta Glasses becomes more mainstream. What’s Next? Meta says it’s playing the long game. Their metaverse isn’t a product—it’s a 10- to 15-year vision. In the meantime, they continue releasing updates and hardware, including: A rumored Meta Quest 4 with better battery life and eye tracking Expansion of Meta AI tools across all their apps Partnerships in education and business to use VR for virtual classrooms and remote offices What to Know in 2025 Meta = Parent Company (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Threads) Facebook is still Facebook The Metaverse is a work-in-progress, mostly tied to VR and AR Most changes are happening behind the scenes—in smarter AI, wearable tech, and content personalization Meta is still trying to lead the future of online connection—responsibly… Read More
Keeping Your Family Safe Online: “Together for a Better Internet”
Internet Safety Tips for Families: How to Stay Safe Online in 2025 As technology becomes a bigger part of our daily lives, staying safe online is more important than ever. For those of us who’ve spent years using the internet, things like avoiding scams or protecting personal information may feel second nature. But for kids, older adults, or anyone new to the digital world, these lessons aren’t always obvious. That’s why Safer Internet Day—celebrated around the world every February—is such a valuable reminder. The 2025 theme, “Together for a Better Internet,” is a call to action for families, educators, and internet providers to work together to create a safer online experience for everyone. At Wisper Internet, we take this responsibility seriously. That’s why we’re sharing some of our top internet safety tips for families—simple but powerful ways to protect yourself and your loved ones online. Top Internet Safety Tips for Families 1. Use Parental Controls and Monitoring Tools Parental controls help ensure kids only access age-appropriate content. Many devices, browsers, and streaming platforms have built-in controls. If you use the Wisper Home App, you can easily set filters, screen time limits, and monitor browsing activity to keep your kids safe. 2. Create Family Internet Rules Sit down as a family and decide on ground rules for internet use. Talk about screen time, what’s safe to share, and how to respond if something doesn’t feel right. Kids are more likely to follow the rules when they understand why they matter. 3. Limit Personal Information Online It’s tempting to share everything on social media—but oversharing can put you at risk. Avoid posting addresses, phone numbers, birthdates, or details about your school or workplace. Encourage kids to keep their profiles private and only connect with people they know. 4. Look for Secure Websites Before entering any personal info or making purchases, make sure the website is secure. Look for a small padlock icon next to the URL in your browser. If the site shows a warning or lacks the lock, leave immediately. 5. Keep Antivirus Software Up to Date Antivirus programs protect your devices from malware, viruses, and phishing scams. Good protection software is especially important if your household has multiple devices or younger users. The Wisper Home App includes built-in antivirus tools to give you extra peace of mind. 6. Use Guest Networks and VPNs For an added layer of security, set up a guest Wi-Fi network for visitors so your main network stays private. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) hides your location and IP address to help protect your identity when browsing online—especially on public or shared networks. Why These Tips Matter—Even if They Seem Basic To experienced users, these practices might feel like common sense. But to a child exploring the internet for the first time, or a parent or grandparent catching up with digital trends, they can be life-changing. Taking the time to teach and model safe online behavior helps build a stronger, more secure internet for everyone. Wisper Internet: Your Partner in Online Safety At Wisper, we believe internet safety starts at home. That’s why we offer tools like the Wisper Home App, real-time security alerts, and helpful resources to protect your family. But we don’t stop at technology—we’re committed to educating our communities on safe, responsible internet use. Have questions about digital safety or want to learn more about our tools and services? Reach out to our support team or check out the resources on our website and social media. Want to learn more about Safer Internet Day? Visit the official site at safer.connectsafely.org for global resources and information…. Read More
Why You Need Antivirus Protection for your Devices
Why Antivirus Protection Still Matters in 2025 — And How to Protect Every Device If you’ve never had a virus wipe out your files or hijack your screen, consider yourself lucky. Maybe you remember the early days—back when downloading music from LimeWire in the 2000s meant risking your entire family computer just to get that one Avril Lavigne song onto your iPod Shuffle. Or maybe you’ve lived through that heart-sinking moment when your screen froze, files disappeared, and a sea of error messages took over. Whether it’s 2007 or 2025, one thing remains true: malware is real, dangerous, and more sophisticated than ever. Your computer, tablet, and smartphone hold your photos, passwords, work files, and personal data. Without protection, a single wrong click can lead to identity theft, corrupted files—or a total system crash. What Is Antivirus Software? Antivirus software is designed to detect, block, and remove malware from your devices. While early versions date back to the 1980s, the threats have evolved significantly. In 2025, antivirus solutions must defend against a wide range of malware types, including: Viruses – Infect and damage your files Worms – Spread across networks automatically Trojan Horses – Disguised as legitimate files or apps Spyware – Monitors your activity and steals data Rootkits – Hide malware from detection Bots – Give hackers remote access to your device Message scams (Phishing) – Trick you into clicking malicious links in texts, emails, and DMs A strong antivirus solution helps prevent these threats before they reach your system—not just clean up after damage has been done. Types of Antivirus Protection Available in 2025 1. Standalone Antivirus Software You can still purchase antivirus software from trusted providers like Norton, McAfee, Bitdefender, or AVG. These are typically available as online downloads with monthly or annual subscriptions. They offer great protection for desktop and laptop computers, and many include options for smartphones and tablets—for an extra fee. 2. Free Antivirus Tools There are also free versions of antivirus software available. While helpful, these often come with limited features and don’t offer full real-time protection or support for all devices. 3. Built-in Antivirus from Your Internet Provider Some modern internet providers (like Wisper!) now offer antivirus protection as part of your service, built into your network—meaning threats can be blocked before they ever reach your phone, laptop, or smart home device. This kind of network-level protection is ideal for households with multiple users and devices. How Wisper Internet Protects You If you’re a Wisper customer on our Wisper Care plan, you already have access to built-in antivirus protection through ProtectIQ, included in the Wisper Home App. Here’s what it does: Monitors all connected devices on your network Blocks threats in real-time before they cause harm Sends alerts and updates via the Wisper Home App Tracks threat history, so you can see what’s been blocked and how many scans were performed From phones and laptops to smart TVs and gaming consoles, ProtectIQ offers peace of mind for your entire household—no separate antivirus subscription required. Final Thoughts: Don’t Skip Antivirus in 2025 Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics—and it only takes one click on the wrong email or website to put your personal data at risk. Whether you use traditional antivirus software or take advantage of Wisper’s built-in tools, the most important thing is to stay protected at all times. Antivirus protection isn’t optional in 2025—it’s essential.Keep your devices (and your identity) safe by using trusted tools and staying alert. Want to Learn More? If you’re a Wisper customer and haven’t downloaded the Wisper Home App, now’s the time! Set up your antivirus protections, manage your Wi-Fi, and keep your entire network secure—all in one place. Need help getting started? Our support team is here to walk you through it…. Read More
Using Parental Controls to Keep Your Kids Safe Online
Parental Controls for Internet Safety: How to Keep Kids Safe Online “Don’t talk to strangers on the internet—they’ll try to kidnap you!” If you grew up during the early days of the internet, warnings like this from parents were constant. Don’t use your real name online. Never share personal information. Don’t respond to messages from people you don’t know. Still, many of us spent hours in chat rooms, sending our A/S/L (age/sex/location) to strangers. Parental controls didn’t exist, pop-ups were rampant, and “safe search” settings were far from standard. Today, children are handed tablets before they can walk. Technology is part of everyday life, but that means it’s more important than ever to set up parental controls for internet safety. These tools can help protect kids from harmful content, online threats, and even their own curiosity. Why You Need Parental Controls for Internet Safety Modern parenting includes managing your child’s digital presence. Parental controls are one of the most effective ways to: Limit screen time Block inappropriate content Prevent sharing of personal data Monitor online activity Whether you use a built-in device feature, a mobile provider tool, or the Wisper Home App, parental controls can give you peace of mind and keep your child safe online. Types of Parental Controls There are several different types of parental control settings you can use depending on the device and the level of restriction you need. 1. Filtering and Blocking These settings restrict access to specific websites and block certain words or images. Options like Safe Search help prevent inappropriate content from appearing in search results. 2. Blocking Outgoing Content This helps prevent kids from sharing personal or sensitive information like addresses, phone numbers, or school names. Once something is posted online, it’s nearly impossible to take back. 3. Time Limits Screen time limits help regulate how long and when your child can be online. Setting and discussing limits avoids arguments and encourages healthier digital habits. 4. Monitoring Tools Some controls let your kids explore the internet while notifying you if they stray into risky territory. You can track websites visited, apps used, and even social media activity. ➡️ Tip: The Wisper Home App offers customizable filters, time limits, and real-time alerts for every connected device in your home. How to Talk to Your Kids About Internet Safety Parental controls are powerful—but they work best when paired with real conversations. Teaching your kids how to use the internet responsibly builds habits that last even after the restrictions come off. Careful What You Share Talk about the risks of oversharing. Show them how personal info—like their full name, school, or birthday—can be misused. Try searching your own name together online and discuss what comes up. Spotting Phishing Scams Teach them to look out for suspicious emails or messages. Children (and older adults) are especially vulnerable to scams. Show them how to identify fake links or strange sender addresses. Create Strong Passwords Encourage strong, memorable passwords using combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols. Help them come up with a base password and unique versions for each app or device. Example: S@ra2025!Pad for Sara’s iPad.And don’t forget to log out when done! Open Communication is Key Make sure your child knows they can talk to you about anything they find online—especially if it seems weird or makes them uncomfortable. Set It and Stay Involved The internet is an amazing place to learn, explore, and connect—but it’s also full of risks. With parental controls for internet safety, you can set boundaries and empower your kids to make good choices online. The Wisper Home App, included with our Wisper Care Plan, lets you apply these tools directly from your smartphone. It covers all connected devices in your home—TVs, tablets, laptops, and more—and keeps you updated with alerts and activity summaries. You don’t have to monitor every click, but you can create a safe, supportive environment for your child to grow digitally—just like you’d do in real life…. Read More