Skout App Review: is Skout Safe to Use?

Skout is one of the oldest dating apps, with its headquarters in San Francisco. The app came into existence when Christian Wickland and Nicklas Lindstrom came up with the idea of the perfect dating site in 2007. As of now, this dating app is covering more than 100 countries across the world. While it works perfectly for the adult crowd – is Skout safe for teenagers?

The answer will be no! Time and again, this app has been exclusively recommended for adults. Still, there is no stopping teenagers from accessing the app. This is what is keeping parents worried. So is there any way to make Skout safer for your teenage kids? We will cover all your parental concerns regarding Skout in this article.

Why is Skout unsafe for teenagers?

When we asked our readers about their Skout experience, we came across some of the most horrific incidents. One of the users quotes:

"There are so many trackers in the app that it can record everything you are doing or exchanging with the people you meet online. Besides, there are fake profiles that will keep sending suspicious and inappropriate links repeatedly. All over, it can be too annoying!" This is not it, there are so many other issues with this app including:

1. Cyberbullying

There’s no way to verify the age of the person that you’re talking with on this app. Anyone can sign up with fake details, and the one you are talking with can be someone very old. With this huge age, dissimilarity comes a difference of opinion that ultimately leads to bullying of younger kids. Intentionally or unintentionally, the person in front can traumatize your kids brutally.

2. Inappropriate content

There is a constant exchange of nudes and explicit content on the app. Even if your kids are not comfortable with exchanging such sort of content they can be forced or blackmailed to do so. There will be fake profiles on the app who will keep sending you links to inappropriate content.

3. Online predators

Skout has a feature that helps you find connections locally. While this feature was rolled out with good intentions, online predators can use this feature to track your kid's whereabouts. You would be surprised to know that in 2012, the Skout teen community was shut down because of several complaints raised by parents. Besides, pedophiles on the app are constantly encouraging youngsters to engage and sexual acts.

4. Data theft

Along with revealing the location, there's also a chance of losing personal information. Just type the name of any other app and you will start seeing pop-ups and ads. This is possibly the work of third-party bots, which is why the young users need to be wary of what they’re sharing on the app.

How does the Skout app work?

When you sign up on the Skout profile, you come across two kinds of accounts one is free and another is premium. With the free app, you can register to see who has checked your profile, search for profiles, message members, and even like and comment on their posts.

However, this free profile comes with unlimited ads, which can be extremely annoying. The Skout premium comes at a cost of 9.99 USD per month which helps you get rid of these ads. Plus, you get several other features like insight on potential matches.

Initially, the app allowed users above 13 to sign up, but now the rules have changed and only those above 18 years can sign up. That doesn't mean it's impossible to bypass the registration process. Once a user has downloaded the app and created a profile, they can search manually for romantic dates and even random hookups.

Pros

• The app allows location-based systems that help you find singles in your city.
• Even its free version has some good features.
• It also has a live broadcast feature.

Cons

• There are a whole lot of fake profiles and users on the platform.
• The app arranges everything from random relations to hookups, which is not good for teenagers.
• Personal information can be easily disclosed on the app.
• In the past, several cases of violence have been reported from the profile users

How to safeguard the dating experience of teenagers?

In times, when online dating has become a no, you must keep an eye out for your kid's online activities. If you are struggling to control your kid’s online activities, then here are some tips that will help you:

Create awareness

The first thing that you need to do when your kids sign up on a social media platform or dating website is to talk to them about the risks of these apps. Instead of stopping them from signing up, you need to be a part of the process. These apps are a virtual fantasy for teenagers, but you must show them the reality behind them. Start a friendly conversation and enlightenment them with real-life facts and incidents that are related to the app.

Give them a live demo

More than 59% of the US states have experienced cyberbullying at some point. Yet, it’s difficult to convince teenagers of the dangers behind online dating apps. According to child psychologists, parents should not hesitate in making some extra efforts to prove their point.

What they can do is – create a profile of yourself on the app and initiate a conversation with a random member. Allow your kids to watch how the conversation goes and make them realize the real-time danger. Such experience will make them realize what they’re getting into.

Do not share your credit card details

Several features on the Skout app require purchasing tickets. Such as Skout Travel, which helps people find connections in different cities by buying a 24-hour ticket. It’s not just addictive; you can also lose important information to third parties.

Encourage them to befriend people outside the online world

The best way to avoid these online ordeals is by motivating your kids to socialize with people in the real world. Motivate them to make friends in the school, colleges, and neighborhood. First, they will come across same age people; second, these will be the people you can easily keep track of.

Install a parental control app

One of the easiest ways to keep an eye out for what your teenage kid is doing is by installing a parental control app on their kid’s phone. One of the most secretive apps you come across in the market is the Wondershare FamiSafe app.

What is Wondershare FamiSafe?

Teenagers can be extremely rebellious when it comes to controlling their online activities. Wondershare FamiSafe is a parental control app that allows you to monitor and control your kid’s online activities without too much interference. The app has exclusive features to protect your kids in an all-around way. Some of the features that you can take help of are:

Screen Time management

The app allows you to track the details of your kid's screen time. You will be able to know how much time they’re spending on a particular app. If you find it inappropriate, you can either create a smart schedule or entirely block the app. Once you block the app, it will disappear from their phone, and they will not be able to reinstall it.

Tracking of inappropriate content

One of the main issues with an online dating app is the exchange of nude selfies and sexting. With the Wondershare FamiSafe app, parents will be able to detect any exchange of explicit content or images. Whenever your kid receives or sends such messages, you will receive an instant alert.

Geofences

Teenagers are ready to go to any extent to impress their date. Even if it means driving an extra mile, they won't hesitate to do it. With the Wondershare, FamiSafe Geofence feature, whenever they cross the city or the geofence that you have created, an alert will be generated. This will at least give you an idea of where your kids are.

Conclusion

When the Skout app itself says that it's meant for people above 18 years of old, we cannot suggest that it is good for your teenage kid. Still, if they are using the app, it is very important to watch out for whom they are talking to and where they are meeting. Installing a parental control app like Wondershare FamiSafe makes it comparatively easier to track your kid's online activities and physical whereabouts.

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