Pasco County, FL – The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is urging parents and guardians to review a list of apps that could pose potential online safety risks to children and teens. The department posted the alert Monday, emphasizing the importance of understanding how popular apps operate and how predators or cyberbullies may exploit them.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the “Apps to Know” list includes several widely used platforms — from social media and chat apps like Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, Kik, and WhatsApp to dating-style and anonymous platforms such as Grindr, MeetMe, Bumble, and Whisper. The office also flagged certain gaming and AI-related tools, including Roblox and ChatGPT, noting that unrestricted features or anonymity can lead to unsafe interactions.
Officials said the purpose of the alert is not to discourage app use but to encourage parental involvement. “If your child has these apps, learn how they work and talk with them about online safety,” the post reads. The list provides summaries explaining potential dangers, including location sharing, explicit content, and unverified messaging.
Parents are encouraged to regularly monitor device activity, adjust privacy settings, and have open discussions about responsible internet use. The Sheriff’s Office reiterated that awareness and supervision are key to keeping children safe in the digital age.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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