Is Picnic App Safe For Kids?

When we see our kids huddled in their favorite spot, eyes glued to their smartphone, often questions like what they're up to, who they're chatting with, and if it's all safe and sound crosses our mind.

It's natural for parents to have these concerns as technology is advancing at breakneck speed. We're all navigating the virtual landscape, hoping to keep our kids secure while they explore the online world. And one of the online chatting apps they might be hanging out in is Picnic.

You're not alone in pondering, "Is Picnic safe for my kids?". As parents, we've got to stay informed and make smart choices about our children's digital playgrounds. So, in this article, let's dive deep into Picnic, analyze its safety, and equip ourselves with the knowledge we need to protect our children.

However before we dive into the specifics of Picnic itself,  let's start by shedding light on some eye opening statistics. Recent surveys have revealed;

• There are 500,000 online predators actively seeking out potential victims aged between 12 and 15 years old.

• Around 40% of students from grades four to eight have encountered situations where they engaged in online conversations with strangers.

• What's more alarming is that only 7% of parents were aware that their children had been exposed to inappropriate content

These numbers paint a clear picture of the digital landscape our kids are growing up in. It's not all fun and games; there are real challenges we need to address. 

What is the Picnic App?

Picnic is a messaging app that's grabbed the attention of many young users across the USA. Teens love it for its fun vibe and the chance to express themselves. This social media app is about connecting with friends and making new friends (Strangers!). It's like a virtual hangout where you can chat, share photos, and discover what's trending. 

The highlight of this app is that users can explore communities built around what they love most. Whether it's writing, scuba diving, or fashion, with Picnic, you can dive right into feeds that revolve around your interests and discover what's trending. 

Picnic App comes with a bunch of features like:

• Discover – Based on Your Interests: Picnic is all about connecting with communities that share your interests. Whether your kid is into gaming, art, or sports, they can explore and join feeds centered around their passions.

• Share – Link, Photo, Video, Poll, and Thought: Kids can share their thoughts, pictures, videos and even create polls to engage with others.

• Chat – Yes, You Can Chat with Strangers: Now, we need to be cautious here. While Picnic is a great place to connect, it lets your kids chat with strangers using the app.

Age Requirement

First things first, Picnic has some rules in place. They say it's for kids aged 13 and up. While the Play Store has an age rating for teens, the App Store has an age rating of 12+. That means if your kid hasn't hit that magic number, they technically shouldn't be on it. But you know how smart kids can be with technology, so it's essential to keep an eye on what they're up to.

Risks of Chatting with Strangers

Picnic App allows your kids to chat and interact with different people across the globe. When our kids are chatting with strangers, there can be risks we should be aware of. So, here are some we should keep an eye out for:

1. Privacy Breaches: Imagine your child sharing personal information like their full name, age, school, or location with a stranger online. This could lead to privacy breaches, putting your child at risk.

2. Cyberbullying: Like real-life bullies, some strangers can be hurtful online, making nasty comments or spreading rumors. Cyberbullying can take a toll on your child's emotional well-being.

3. Inappropriate Content: Online, strangers might send or share indecent images, messages, or links. This could expose your child to content that's not suitable for their age.

4. Grooming: Predators can pretend to be friends, gaining your child's trust before manipulating them. This can lead to dangerous situations or inappropriate requests.

5. Phishing Scams: Strangers might trick your child into revealing personal information or clicking on malicious links, potentially compromising their online security.

6. Emotional Manipulation: Some strangers can emotionally manipulate children into doing things they wouldn't normally do. This can harm their emotional well-being.

7. Exposure to Adult Themes: Your child might encounter conversations or content too mature for their age, leading to confusion or desensitization.

8. Time Management: Excessive chatting with strangers can eat up your child's time, affecting their studies, physical activity, and sleep.

9. Loss of Real-Life Social Skills: Spending too much time with strangers online can hinder the development of in-person social skills and relationships.

10. Emotional Impact: Negative experiences with strangers, such as rejection or manipulation, can have lasting emotional effects on your child.

Inappropriate Content

Picnic App lets users join various circles. Now, some circles are entertaining and informative for your kids – think pets, arts and crafts, coding, space. But, just like in the real world, some circles might not be suitable for your kids like teenagers, horror, and crime. And here's the thing, we all know inappropriate content can negatively affect our kids. It's like a thief in the night, stealing their innocence. They might start dreaming up things or even try to role play in real life, and that's not what we want for them. So, while Picnic can be a fun place to explore, it's good to be aware of the circles your child joins and keep an eye on what they're exposed to. 

Make Picnic Safer – Use Parental Controls like Mobicip 

Mobicip is an all-in-all parental control solution that helps millions of children stay protected online. Here's how Mobicip can help you keep your child safe:

• Block Apps: If you think Picnic isn't quite suitable for your child's age, no worries. With Mobicip, you can simply block the app. It's like putting up a "No Entry" sign for apps you're uncomfortable with.

• Limit App Usage: Maybe you're okay with Picnic but want to ensure your child doesn't spend all day on it. Mobicip lets you set screen time limits. It's like saying, "You can use Picnic, but let's not overdo it."

• Get Notified When They Download Picnic: Worried that your kids might sneakily download Picnic without your knowledge? Mobicip has your back! It'll shoot you a notification faster than you can say "Picnic." So, you're always in the know.

You can try Mobicip's features with a 7-day free trial and have a test drive before committing to the full safety package.

Mobicip's final advice on Picnic

Is Picnic safe for your child? Well, here's the scoop: it's not always a simple yes or no. You know your child best, and that makes you the ultimate judge! Our recommendation – give Picnic a spin yourself. Get a feel for the app, see how it works, and decide if it aligns with your family's values and your child's maturity level. 

Remember those age recommendations! They're there for a reason. Holding off is a good idea if your child is below the recommended age. Now, if you think your kiddo can handle it with some guidelines and supervision, go ahead and set some limits. But if you're not quite sure, don't hesitate to block the app. Take the help of Mobicip to block and limit apps. In the end, you've got this! Trust your instincts, follow the guidelines, and keep the digital world a safer place for your kid. 

FAQ’s

1. Is Picnic's age verification process trustworthy?

While Picnic implements an age requirement it's not foolproof. Children can sign up with an incorrect age that can go undetected by the app. 

2. Are there any alternatives to Picnic for children?

Certainly! There are apps and platforms designed specifically for children prioritizing their safety. Messenger Kids, WhatsApp for Kids, Viber for Kids, and JusTalk Kids are some of them. But then, make sure they are safe before onboarding your child to the app.

3. How can I monitor my child's activity on Picnic without invading their privacy?

Parental control apps like Mobicip provide an approach to monitoring your child's activity while respecting their privacy. These tools allow you to set boundaries and gain insights without intruding on their space. 

4. What should I do if I suspect my child is chatting with strangers on Picnic?

If you have concerns regarding your child's interactions, initiate honest conversations with them. Encourage them to share any experiences they might have had. Explain to them what might go wrong and consider utilizing parental control tools to block the app and monitor their online activity.