Popular Apps for Teens That Parents Should Be Aware Of

Smartphones and apps are central to teens’ lives, providing entertainment, communication, and creative outlets. But not all apps are as harmless as they seem. From hidden messaging features to exposure to explicit content and online predators, popular apps for teens can carry serious risks. As a parent or caregiver, understanding which apps teens use most—and why they can be dangerous—is essential for protecting your child’s safety and mental health.

Why Parents Need to Monitor Apps for Teens

Monitoring the apps that children use is crucial for several reasons. Many apps can expose kids to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, or even risky behaviors that can impact their mental and emotional well-being. Additionally, certain apps may not have strong privacy settings, putting personal information at risk. By monitoring app usage, parents can engage in meaningful conversations with their children about online safety, set boundaries, and educate them on recognizing and dealing with potential dangers. This proactive approach fosters trust and helps create a safer digital environment for kids as they navigate social interactions and self-expression online.

What Is an App?

An “app” (short for application) is a software program designed to perform specific tasks on a device like a phone or tablet. Apps can range from social media platforms and video games to productivity tools and messaging services. While many are safe and helpful, others can expose teens to cyberbullying, predators, inappropriate content, or mental health challenges.

Most Popular Apps for Teens in 2024

Here are some of the most commonly used apps by teenagers—and why parents should pay attention:

Among Us

A space-themed multiplayer game that encourages real-time conversations. Though rated 9+, the game was originally rated 16+ due to violent elements. While the in-game chat filters profanity, conversations can still shift in concerning directions.

Risks of the App: Conversations with strangers and mild violence.

Parlor

A controversial social networking app that was removed from major app stores. It has been associated with violent rhetoric and extremist content. Even though it’s less accessible now, it’s still important to know if your teen tries to access alternative downloads.

Risks of the App: Exposure to harmful ideologies and hate speech.

Snapchat

Snapchat lets users send photos and videos that have disappeared. Despite this feature, screenshots can still be taken. The platform is notorious for “sexting” and sharing explicit content among teens.

Risks of the App: Sexting, hidden communications, and potential grooming.

Instagram

Instagram is a photo and video-sharing app that Meta (Facebook) owns. While it offers privacy settings, teens often interact with strangers, receive inappropriate DMs, and expose themselves to mature content.

Risks of the App: Exposure to adult content, FOMO, and body image issues.

VSCO

A photo editing and sharing app with fewer social features than Instagram. However, users can still follow and interact with others, leading to unknown social interactions.

Risks of the App: No private messaging, but there is still potential for unsafe connections.

TikTok

This popular video-sharing platform features dance trends, comedy, and short-form content. TikTok is especially appealing to younger users, but default public profiles can expose teens to strangers, explicit content, and online bullying.

Risks of the App: Predators, cyberbullying, and exposure to explicit content.

WhatsApp

A global messaging platform that allows users to send texts, videos, and images. Teens can be added to group chats with inappropriate content, even without giving out their number directly.

Risks of the App: Exposure to strangers and inappropriate group content.

Facebook

Some teens still use Facebook to stay connected with peers and family. While it appears relatively harmless, Facebook offers private messaging, hidden message folders, and search history deletion, which teens may use to hide their behavior.

Risks of the App: Secrecy, unwanted interactions, and hidden activity.

Why These Apps Can Be Dangerous for Teens

While many apps have parental controls or privacy settings, they still pose risks when not used responsibly. Here are some common dangers:

  • Cyberbullying through anonymous or private messaging
  • Sexting and the sharing of explicit images
  • Exposure to adult content and inappropriate conversations
  • Location tracking or personal data sharing with strangers
  • Mental health impacts from social comparison, harassment, or addiction

Parents may not always be aware of how their child is using these platforms or who they’re interacting with. Even harmless apps can provide hidden features that facilitate dangerous behavior or emotional distress.

Teen Mental Health and Digital Safety – Support from AWA in South Florida

At Adolescent Wellness Academy (AWA), a leading teen mental health treatment center in South Florida, we understand how overwhelming navigating the digital world with your child can be. Many teens facing anxiety, depression, trauma, or social issues turn to digital spaces—sometimes in harmful ways.

We offer a range of evidence-based programs to support teens and families:

Our Programs:

  • Day Therapeutic Program: Our therapeutic day program is a comprehensive full-day program covering 4-5 hours of treatment daily as well as educational support to ensure your teen stays on track in school.
  • After-School Program: Our IOP program is an afterschool program covering 3 hours of treatment 3 to 5 days a week. 
  • Teen Counseling: Our Teen Counseling program provides flexible, afterschool support for teens, addressing emotional challenges and promoting healthy development.

All programs include:

  • Family therapy and parent support groups
  • Comprehensive assessments and individualized care plans
  • Clinician-guided peer support and alums mentorship

Whether your teen is struggling due to online experiences or deeper mental health concerns, AWA provides a safe space to heal, grow, and thrive.

Contact AWA – Teen Therapy in Miami-Dade and Broward

As we continue to support teens’ mental health and well-being, we understand the growing concerns surrounding the impact of social media and popular apps. At Adolescent Wellness Academy, we are dedicated to providing resources and guidance to help parents navigate these challenges with their children. If you worry about how these platforms affect your teen, we invite you to reach out.

Call us today at 1-866-457-1763 to discuss your concerns and explore our services. We are here to help. You can also visit our locations in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties or learn more about our programs and resources by contacting us here. Together, we can foster a healthier environment for our youth.

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Ornella Barille - Therapist (Davie)

Ornella is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and has extensive experience working with diverse populations, including children, families, and young adults. Ornella has worked in both K-12 schools and at the college level, where she has developed a strong commitment to helping adolescents thrive by supporting their personal and academic growth and empowering them to reach their full potential.

Her therapeutic approach centers on creating a safe and welcoming environment where clients can feel comfortable exploring their needs and expressing themselves authentically. Ornella utilizes a blend of mindfulness, existential therapy, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to empower clients in navigating life’s challenges.

Ornella’s compassionate approach fosters self-awareness and encourages clients to build effective coping strategies to achieve their therapeutic goals.

Jamie Namer - Therapist (Davie)

Jamie specializes in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) guiding individuals and families toward healthier, more fulfilling lives. With a focus on positivity, self-growth, and holistic healing, Jamie integrates spiritual perspectives and deep empathy into the therapeutic process. Using solution-based methods and emotionally focused therapy, Jamie helps clients navigate past trauma, enhance self-discovery, and strengthen relationships.

Jamie’s approach combines therapeutic techniques with mind-body healing practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and visualization. Experienced in working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups, Jamie specializes in addressing issues like anxiety, grief, self-confidence, burnout, family dynamics, depression, PTSD, and life transitions. The goal is to promote overall well-being and support clients in living a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia – Clinical Director (Davie)

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, resilience-building, and collaboration. As the Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she is dedicated to supporting high-risk teens in navigating trauma, emotional distress, and life’s challenges with a holistic and trauma-informed lens. Dr. Mejia specializes in working with adolescents facing issues such as suicide risk, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and family conflict, utilizing techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. With extensive experience in community mental health, private practice, and clinical supervision, Dr. Mejia has a proven track record of empowering teens to overcome obstacles and thrive. She holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy bringing a depth of knowledge and compassion to her leadership role.

Kimberly Geller

Kimberly Geller - Primary Therapist (Davie)

Kimberly is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Kimberly creates a nurturing and secure environment where clients can freely explore their emotions and embark on their journey toward healing and growth. Kimberly specializes in client-centered approaches that helps tailor her therapeutic methods to meet unique needs and goals. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, she empowers clients to develop effective coping skills and achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey. Kimberly ensures that each person she works with feels understood and valued throughout their therapeutic process.

Zainub Fatta - Therapist (Davie)

Zainub holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health issues in adults, teens, and children. She specializes in treating diverse mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, anger management, etc. She also has a lot of experience treating addiction and substance abuse problems within various treatment centers. Zainub views mental health from a systemic perspective, emphasizing the significance of how one’s environment and childhood impacts them, which is why she also specializes in family therapy and couples therapy, when it comes to achieving holistic well-being. Passionate about empowering individuals to find their voice, she considers it a privilege to listen to their vulnerable stories and provide the support they need. Her therapeutic approach focuses on uplifting clients by building their confidence and challenging them to break old, negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

Krystine Garay

Krystine Garay – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Krystine Garay is a licensed mental health counselor, marriage family therapist, and certified telehealth practitioner. Raised in Miami, Florida, and a member of the Hispanic community, she provides services in both English and Spanish. With five years of experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on domestic violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, co-occurring disorders, and mental health issues.
Krystine holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree with dual specializations in mental health and marriage and family counseling from Barry University. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology from Carlos Albizu University.
Her clinical experience includes rotations at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she assisted children with co-occurring disorders using mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and dialectical-behavioral techniques.
Krystine believes in the power of personal growth and progress, and she is dedicated to fostering positive change in her clients’ lives.

Alyssa Mencucci – Therapist (Miami)

Alyssa is a dedicated master’s level clinician specializing in providing compassionate
therapy for adolescents and children facing severe mental health challenges. With a
deep understanding of the developmental stages and psychological needs of
adolescents and children, Alyssa offers expertise in addressing trauma-related issues,
guiding individuals through the complexities of grief, managing anxiety and depression,
navigating personality disorders, and supporting those dealing with PTSD. Alyssa uses
evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, play therapy,
and trauma-focused interventions to create a safe and nurturing environment for
healing. Alyssa believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the
unique needs and circumstances of each individual. She creates a safe and nurturing
environment where adolescents and children can explore their emotions, develop
coping skills, and embark on a journey of healing and growth.

Dr. Jacqueline Pablos – Clinical Director

Vulnerability and connection are at the heart of Dr. Pablos’ therapeutic approach. As the
Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she aims to create a safe space for
clients to embrace their emotions and express their needs in healthier ways. Dr. Pablos
specializes in treating depression, anxiety, body image issues, bullying, eating
disorders, and self-harm behaviors using techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and
ACT.
With extensive training in hospitals and counseling centers, Dr. Pablos has a strong
background in helping teens and adults with co-occurring mental and physical health
disorders. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, with specialized training
at institutions like Florida International University, Jackson Memorial Hospital,
Clementine Monte Nido, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Kimberly

Kimberly Carlesi – Therapist (Miami)

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals
with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing
environment for her clients’ healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic
modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. With a
focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized
interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.