Top 10 Teens Dating Apps Parents Should Know
Dating apps are platforms where people connect, usually for romantic purposes. With these apps, people can now effortlessly chat and make friends from around the globe. Though dating apps are designed for adults, most teenagers also use them.
However, these teen apps carry inherent risks for users under 18. If you're a parent who is concerned about these, in the next few minutes, we'll unveil 10 popular teen dating apps that you should be aware of.
List of Popular Dating Apps for Teens
The list of dating apps for teen hookups is extensive. But we've narrowed them down to the ten popular ones. Check it out!
1Yubo
As a real dating app for teens, Yubo offers a social space where users can share live videos and chat conveniently with peers across the globe. The platform doesn't use likes or comments for matching, and it has content filtering capabilities to ensure young users are safe from inappropriate content.
Moreover, Yubo prohibits sharing personal information or private content and enforces strict age verification measures to prevent the infiltration of predators and criminal elements.
Age rating: 13+
2Tinder
Tinder started in 2012, and since then, the app has taken online dating to the next level. With over 75 million active members across the globe, Tinder is indeed the most popular home for romantic connection.
Tinder has a swiping function that enables users to find their matches. Once you've seen a match, you can begin chatting and sharing links. The turbo feature also makes you visible to people around your locality.
Age rating: 17+
3Hinge
Hinge is another popular dating app for teen you must know right now. Unlike Tinder, Hinge matches people based on likes and comments. And you'll be able to see the number of likes free of charge.
Apart from traditional chat, Hinge also offers video and voice chat options.What sets it apart is that users must have at least six verified photos and videos on their profiles. This provides potential matches with a better understanding of who you are.
Age rating: 17+
4Skout
Similar to Tinder and Hinge, Skout is also at the forefront of the online dating revolution. The app offers users many features that make meeting new people online more fun and exciting.
As a location-based dating app, you can easily connect with people around your location. The app also allows live stream broadcasts, so you can go live yourself or watch other live broadcasts. The cool thing about this app is that you can easily send virtual gifts to your match. Thanks to the Buzzwink features, you can easily spice things up with your match.
Age rating: 17 +
5Badoo
Badoo is one of the largest dating platforms worldwide. Beyond dating, it offers a platform for social interaction, making it a versatile app for users. What's even more impressive about the app is its array of communication options. From direct messages to video and audio chat, boredom is never an issue on Badoo.
The app allows users to request a selfie from your match to ensure you're not chatting with a fake person. Moreover, users can link their social media accounts for added verification.
Age rating: 17+
6Meetme
With over 40 million members from diverse backgrounds, MeetMe is one of the most popular teen dating apps. Unique features such as profile preferences, profile tags, and advanced search options set this app apart from its competitors.
This dating app enables users to connect with matches both near and far through chat or video calls. Beyond dating, MeetMe offers additional benefits to its users. The app features games you and your new friends can enjoy for fun and entertainment.
Age rating: 17+
7Casualx Hookup
Catering to both single adults and couples searching for friends with benefits, Casualx Hookup offers a space for open-minded individuals to connect. The app allows you to chat, find matches, and share erotic content with your matches. With features like 'Meet' and profile filtering capabilities, finding suitable matches is effortless.
Age rating: 17+
8OkCupid
Established in 2004 by Match Group, the same company behind popular dating apps like Tinder. Based in the US, this app stands out for its distinctive matching style, which utilizes a mix of profile questions, preferences, and voting to ensure users find the perfect match.
Age rating: 17+
9Grindr
Grindr is a dating and meeting app specifically designed for the LGBTQ community. Whether users identify as gay, trans, bi, or queer, Grindr promises to find the perfect match. The app also has a free membership program. And with its free version, you can still access most of its features, like the location filter option and unlimited messages.
Age rating: 18+
10PURE
Pure enables users to find matches based on gender or desire. Apart from traditional chat messages, user can share different kinds of videos, including erotic ones, and go live with their match. Though it caters to a global audience, it uses an algorithm that enables you to find people within your locality. A "Turn On" function even ensures you always get a perfect match.
Age rating: 18+
Why Dating Apps Are Popular Among Teens
As stated earlier, dating apps are not exclusively limited to adults; teens also use them. So, why teen dating apps are a hit? There are some possible reasons:
- Visiting dating platforms helps teens to find ideal friend or crush online.
- Teens are always curious and dating apps are one platform where many things fly.
- Once they see their friends using the dating platform, they will also embrace it.
- That heart emoji from friends on dating apps can increase their confidence and self-esteem.
- Teens, known for their social nature, always search for new adventures and connections.
Dangers of Online Dating For Teens
"Every time I use dating apps, I just get so frustrated and disappointed because the majority of guys my age on there are either trying to be sexual with me from the get-go (which is just not my thing AT ALL) or just can't hold a conversation." - From Reddit
Most dating apps set a minimum age requirement of 18 and above for users, but teenagers can easily bypass these age restrictions due to the lack of stringent measures on most platforms. This also exposes teenagers to online dangers, including:
Teen Dating Violence
Teen dating violence, also referred to as adolescent relationship abuse, involves sexual, physical, and emotional harassment of individuals between the ages of 12 and 18. It's important to note that teen dating violence doesn't solely manifest physically; it can also occur online through harmful platforms, like dating apps not specialized for teens.
Emotional and Mental Issues
Like regular physical dating, online dating can cause emotional and mental imbalances. This emotional and mental imbalance usually stems from constant rejection, ghosting, flakiness, and unrealistic expectations.
Extreme Consequences
Constant rejection and being ghosted by a match can significantly affect one's mental health. This often makes victims resort to extreme measures like suicide.
Scam
Despite the safety measures employed by most dating apps, criminal actors continue to find ways to bypass them. They create fake profiles with attractive photos and compelling stories to lure unsuspecting individuals into relationships. Once trust is established, scammers may manipulate their victims into sending them money under various pretexts, such as emergencies, medical expenses, or travel costs.
How to Protect Teens from the Dangers of Online Dating Apps
Now that you know the dangers of online dating, let's talk about how to safeguard your teens from these dangers.
Talk to Teens about Dating App
Effective communication is the best way to protect teens from the dangers of online dating. Let them know the advantages and disadvantages of this platform. Educate them about the safety measures they need to know before using these platforms.
Use a Parental Control App
Another effective way to safeguard your young ones from online dating risks is through a parental control app - AirDroid Parental Control. It not only enables you to monitor your teen's online activity but also allows you to limit their access to harmful content including apps and websites.
Moreover, AirDroid helps you to monitor if your child is watching or searching inappropriate content on more than 10 social media apps. Breathtaking, isn't it? Just try it for free today!
Set a Proper Rule
Set clear guidelines and rules that will oversee teen's online activities. Set boundaries about the dating platforms they can use and the kind of information they can share online. Encourage them to abstain from dating apps and enforce severe punishment for violations.
FAQs About Dating Apps for Teen
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