LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - Predators are reaching out to children through a popular app, Musical.ly. Now, the Attorney General’s office is issuing a warning to parents on the dark side of the lip-syncing app.
Musical.ly is a global, video community where users can make and watch short videos using special effects, filters and music. Every day, millions of people share and watch videos on the app.
"I have 296 followers," said Kylee Allen.
With any seemingly innocent social media app comes a dark side that starts with getting requests from people you don’t know.
"Yes a lot,” said Allen on getting requests from strangers.
"This can be your child’s life that we're talking about," said Genevie Strickland, Director of Education with the Morgan Nick Foundation. “They might pretend to be someone they're not, maybe a young boy or young girl that is close to their age."
Default settings on the app are public, allowing anyone to follow or message users.
“Inappropriate photos are being passed around to a child. Unfortunately it happens often. It’s a daily thing," said Strickland.
The app is intended for 13 year old teens and up but, Strickland finds it’s also popular among kids in grade school.
"These apps seem to go younger and younger and younger," said Strickland.
Allen keeps strangers from connecting with her.
"Sometimes I report them and just don’t open it," said Allen who has been learning about internet safety in school. "They’re telling us not to share any private information."
To protect your kids:
- Make sure privacy settings are all set to private.
- Talk to your kids about what is and isn’t appropriate.
- Establish social media rules.
"I also keep their log-ins so I can go check it anytime," said Ashley Polite, Allen’s mother.
This app is not unique in these risks.
Strickland recommends checking your kids social media accounts regularly and set parent controls if you can.