Is Wizz App Safe for Kids? App Review for Parents
Overview of Wizz App
Rising Popularity Among Kids and Teens
With over 15 million downloads and counting, the Wizz app has grown in popularity, especially among kids and teens. It’s made to help users make new friends by connecting them with others based on shared interests. Think of it as a social networking app where users can chat, share pictures, and even video call each other. It is very similar to “teen dating” apps like – Yubo, Tinder, MeetMe, and Hoop.
Wizz is available in the United States, Canada, European countries, the United Kingdom, and Australia on iPhone, iPod Touch, and Android devices. However, this rising popularity among younger users brings with it several concerns. Kids are naturally curious and eager to meet new people, but such openness can also make them vulnerable to various online dangers.
An estimated 500,000 predators are active online every day. Children aged 12 to 15 are particularly vulnerable to being groomed or manipulated by adults they encounter on the internet. As parents, it’s crucial to understand what draws our kids to these apps and the potential risks involved.
Purpose of the Review
Why are we questioning whether Wizz is good or bad for our kids? So that we have a comprehensive understanding of the Wizz app and its safety implications for children.
With so many social networking apps available, it can be challenging to keep up and know which ones are safe. We aim to shed light on the various features of Wizz, its benefits, and, more importantly, its risks.
We’ll discuss real-life incidents and expert opinions to help you decide whether Wizz is appropriate for your child. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clearer picture of the app’s features and how to keep your child safe from potential online dangers.
App Safety Features
Age Restrictions and Verification
Wizz app claims to have age restrictions, requiring users to be more than 13 years old to create an account. It also organises different age groups into separate communities. To log in to the Wizz app, you will also need to do a face scan through the Yoti AI age estimator to verify the age mentioned and the person’s real age. However, the age verification process is often not stringent enough. Many users can easily bypass these restrictions by entering a false birthdate or posing falsely in front of the camera. Many older adults can also register as young teens to get included in the young teens’ circle.
A real-life incident involved a 20-year-old Jacksonville man pretending to be a teenage boy on Wizz app to rape a 13-year-old girl in Clay County. The WIZZ app may say, “No bots. No creeps. Real people WIZZ your age,” but parents, creepy people can be lurking on any social media app.
Mobicip’s recommendation: Only older teens (16+) should be allowed to use the app, with proper privacy settings and parental controls put in place.
Privacy Settings in Wizz App
Wizz offers some privacy settings that users can adjust to choose who can see and interact with their profiles. Users can make their profiles private, meaning only approved friends can view their posts and send messages. There are also options to block or report other users misbehaving. However, many young users might not know these settings or understand how to use them effectively.
In-app Reporting and Blocking Mechanisms
Wizz includes in-app reporting and blocking mechanisms to help users manage their interactions. If a user encounters inappropriate content or behavior, they can report it directly within the app. Additionally, users can block individuals who are harassing or threatening them.
Wizz app also mentions in its policy that when you submit a report, you should provide a comprehensive context. Users should attach relevant media files to their reports, such as screenshots or videos.
While these features are beneficial, their effectiveness depends on how quickly and appropriately the app’s moderators respond. There have been instances where reports of inappropriate behavior were not addressed promptly, leaving the affected users vulnerable.
Risks and Concerns
Exposure to Inappropriate Content
The primary concern with the Wizz app is the potential exposure to inappropriate content. Since Wizz is a social networking app designed for making new friends, it doesn’t have strict content filters. This can lead to kids encountering explicit images, offensive language, or adult-themed conversations. Imagine your child scrolling through their feed and suddenly coming across graphic content or inappropriate messages. It’s every parent’s nightmare, right? Exposure to explicit content can have lasting effects on a child’s mental and emotional well-being,
Predatory Risks and Cyberbullying
The most significant risk associated with Wizz is the presence of online predators and cyberbullies. The anonymity offered by the app can make it a playground for individuals with malicious intentions. Predators can easily create fake profiles to deceive and lure unsuspecting kids into harmful situations. This isn’t just a hypothetical concern; there have been real incidents where predators on social media apps have groomed kids.
Cyberbullying is another prevalent issue on platforms like Wizz. Kids can be subjected to harassment, threats, and degrading comments from their peers or strangers. Such negative interactions can lead to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts in extreme cases.
Lack of Parental Control Features
Wizz’s glaring issue is its lack of robust parental control features. Unlike other apps designed with kids’ safety in mind, Wizz does not offer comprehensive tools for parents to monitor or restrict their child’s activity. This makes it challenging for parents to keep track of who their kids interact with and what content they are exposed to. Without parental controls, it becomes nearly impossible to ensure a safe online space for your child.
App’s Removal from Play Store and App Store on Grounds of Sextortion
According to NBC News, Wizz has faced severe scrutiny and has even been removed from the Play Store and App Store at the beginning of 2024 due to concerns over sextortion. Sextortion is where someone threatens (blackmails) to distribute private, often explicit, material if the victim doesn’t provide more images, sexual favors, or money.
Also, according to a recent study by the Network Contagion Research Institute, people have used the Wizz app to find and connect with young users in “financial sextortion” scams. The app’s removal from major app stores underscores the severity of these concerns and serves as a warning to parents about the dangers lurking in the Wizz app.
Here’s a video discussing why the Wizz app is unsuitable for children.
Parental Perspective and Mobicip’s Role
Parents’ Concerns and Expectations
As parents, we all want the best for our children, and that includes their safety, both offline and online. With the increasing use of smartphones and social media apps like Wizz, it’s natural to feel concerned about what our kids are being exposed to. We want them to have fun and connect with friends, but not at the cost of their safety.
Parents expect social networking apps to have robust safety features that protect kids from inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and online predators. We hope these apps will have settings that allow us to monitor and control our children’s activities to some extent. Unfortunately, apps like Wizz often fall short of these expectations, leaving us feeling anxious and helpless.
Challenges in Monitoring Online Activities
Monitoring our children’s online activities can be pretty challenging. Kids are tech-savvy and often find ways to bypass parental controls or hide their activities. Moreover, with the sheer number of apps and websites available, keeping track of everything can feel like an uphill battle.
A friend of mine discovered that her teenage son was using Wizz to chat with strangers late into the night. She had no idea this was happening because Wizz doesn’t provide adequate parental control features. This lack of oversight can be incredibly frustrating and worrisome for parents who simply want to ensure their children’s safety.
How Mobicip Can Help Monitor and Protect
This is where Mobicip steps in to offer a helping hand. Mobicip is a parental control software developed to give parents peace of mind by allowing them to monitor and manage their children’s online activities effectively. With Mobicip, you can:
- Track App Usage: Know which apps your child is using and for how long. This will help you identify potentially harmful apps like Wizz and take appropriate action.
- Set Screen Time Limits: Control how much time your child spends on their devices. You can set limits for individual apps or overall screen time, ensuring a healthy balance.
- Filter Content: Mobicip offers advanced content filtering to block inappropriate websites and apps. This means your child can browse the internet safely without stumbling upon harmful content.
- Monitor Social Media: Keep an eye on your child’s social media interactions. Mobicip lets you see their friends list, messages, and posts, helping you stay informed about their online interactions.
- Location Tracking: With real-time location tracking, you will always know where your child is. This feature adds an extra layer of security, especially if your child is meeting new friends they’ve made online.
Ultimately, the question isn’t just whether Wizz App is safe for kids—it’s about how we, as parents, can ensure our children’s online safety in an increasingly connected world. I hope this review gave you an overview of the Wizz App. But then, for a more detailed understanding, go a step deeper. Why not download the Wizz App yourself and explore its features? By diving into the app, you can see firsthand what your child might experience and identify potential risks.
And if you’re looking for peace of mind, consider giving Mobicip a try. It offers a 7-day free trial, which is a fantastic opportunity to test out its parental control features. Mobicip can be your go-to tool for safeguarding your child’s digital adventures, from monitoring app usage to filtering content.
FAQs
Is Wizz App officially a dating app?
Yes, Wizz App is a dating app. Though it is marketed as a social networking app, especially for Gen Z, to help users make new friends based on shared interests. However, due to its chat and friend-making features, most users use it in ways similar to dating apps. This can be concerning for parents, as the app’s primary audience includes teens and young adults, who can be exposed to interactions that are not age-appropriate.
What are the age requirements for Wizz App?
The Wizz App requires users to be at least 13 years old to create an account. However, the verification process is not foolproof, making it easy for younger kids to bypass this restriction by entering a false birthdate. At the same time, older adults can impersonate young children to trap kids.
How can parents ensure their child’s safety on Wizz App?
Parents can ensure their child’s safety on Wizz App by staying involved and proactive. First, discuss the potential risks and encourage open communication about their online interactions. Do not let children below 16 use the app. For children above 16+, use the app’s privacy settings to make their profile private and teach them how to report and block inappropriate users. Additionally, consider using parental control software like Mobicip to monitor app usage and set screen time limits. Regular check-ins and guidance can significantly enhance your child’s online safety.
Why is the Wizz App no longer available on the Play Store and App Store?
Wizz App was removed from the Play Store and App Store at the beginning of the year due to serious safety concerns, including cases of sextortion and other inappropriate activities. These issues highlighted the app’s insufficient safety measures to protect its users, especially minors. But then, it is back again to the app and play Store. Parents, take time to review the app and ensure that the app is not installed on your child’s devices without your permission.
