Popular Apps for Teens That Parents Should Be Aware Of

We all use beneficial apps on our smartphones and tablets, but when it comes to teens or tweens, it is important to be on top of the most popular apps for teens. You may have heard of some of the most popular apps, such as Snapchat and TikTok. Some apps that teens use are not as innocent as parents and caregivers may be led to believe.  

What Are “Apps”?

Apps are, in short, a way to perform nearly any task on a device, such as a phone or a tablet. The term ‘app’ stands for ‘application’. An application is a computer program. But the majority of apps today are programmed to run on mobile devices.

The Popular Apps for Teens

Below is a list of some of the most popular apps for teens that parents should be aware of. 

Among Us

Among us is a multiplayer game of teamwork coupled with betrayal. The space-themed game can accommodate 4-10 players that strive to hold a spaceship together while returning it back to civilization. Players are encouraged to have ‘real’ conversations with members of the app they are playing with. The game initially had an age rating of 16+, due to strong violence, but has since changed to a rating of 9+.  The chat feature does filter out profanity, but conversations can veer off from the game. 

Parlor

Parlor is a social app that enables people to have conversations while talking about the same thing with other users. People can share photos and messages. But the app can be confusing. It was recently banned and there is concern about conversations related to guns and violence. The app was recently cut from Amazon Web Services as well, in addition to Apple and Google, which have each decided to stop distributing the app. Currently, there are enough extremist and violent views associated with the app that it is worth caution. 

Snapchat

Snapchat enables users to send videos and photos that seemingly disappear after they are received. Some kids use the app to send racy pics or messages that they do not want anybody else to see. Screenshots can be taken, however, to keep images before they vanish entirely. “Sexting,” or sending sexual messages and images, is a concern among parents. 

Instagram

Instagram is a widely popular photo-sharing site that is owned by Facebook. Instagram, or IG, enables users to use neat filters or create collages to share across Instagram, Facebook, or other social media platforms. Mature or inappropriate content and comments can be found throughout the app. Users can change their settings to block their location to specific followers or make their accounts private, but many users tend to be more casual about settings and are not careful, making connections with people they don’t know well or at all. 

VSCO

VSCO, also known as Visual Supply Company, is a photo-sharing app. It is similar to Instagram. Unlike Instagram, however, private messages cannot be sent through the app. It is a good idea, however, to watch for who follows your child. Accounts can also be made private and location information can be removed for safety. 

TikTok

Originally Musical.ly but now TikTok, this app has over 1 billion users and is available in over 150 countries. TikTok is popular for fun, quick, mobile videos. Anyone, including teens and kids, can create their own videos with filters that are set to some of the most popular music available. One concern is that user accounts are visible to the public by default. Users can be vulnerable to bullying and content that is explicit. Parents need to make sure teens’ accounts are set to private so nobody can reach out to each child individually. TikTok does also offer a restricted mode that can filter out anything deemed inappropriate, so parents may want to enable this mode as well. 

WhatsApp

WhatsApp may seem innocent on the surface, but nearly any social app requires some degree of monitoring from parents who want to be careful about their teens’ exposure. WhatsApp is a messaging app that enables users to send messages, photos, and videos worldwide. Although teens and tweens may only be able to talk with people who are contacts on their phones, some age-inappropriate content can be shared. This is an issue if users are added to group conversations by other friends, which could expose adolescents to concerning content. 

Facebook

Facebook remains the top social media site, even among teens, despite many other social media platforms available today. This is perhaps due to the fact that many peers of teens continue to remain on the site so they stay too, out of fear of missing something happening on the platform. Facebook may seem relatively harmless, but messages can be made “hidden” and search history can be deleted, meaning certain aspects of secrecy or hidden web searching can be hidden. 

Why Popular Apps for Teens Can Be Dangerous

Many popular apps for teens can seem harmless since many other parents allow their teenagers to use them too; however, many parents don’t know the entirety of which apps are used by their teens or do not understand what they are used for. Apps that may seem harmless may include feat]ures that enable teens to engage in activities that are harmful or to share personal information or locations with strangers. Cyber-bullying, avenues for purchasing drugs, and exposure to explicit content are common risks of popular apps for teens.

Teen Mental Health Treatment in South Florida – AWA

At Adolescent Wellness Academy, a teen mental health treatment center located in South Florida, we understand the complexities and challenges of guiding our loved ones, especially adolescents, towards recovery from mental health challenges. Recognizing the delicate nature of this journey, we are committed to offering compassionate, specialized care even in situations where individuals may be hesitant to seek help. We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment that fosters healing and growth through our tailored programs:
  • Day Therapeutic Program: A structured daytime treatment offering therapeutic support and education that integrates seamlessly with the adolescent’s daily life.
  • After-School Program: An innovative approach that provides therapeutic activities and supports post-school hours, allowing teens to continue their education while receiving the care they need.
When you join our therapy or afterschool programs, you enter a caring and non-judgmental community. This support network involves teens, their families, peers, and our team. Our team of clinicians, alumni, and other parents are here to offer invaluable assistance. Parent Support Groups (PSG) and assessments ensure that the support is tailored to each family’s needs. Contact us today for more information about teen mental health at 1-866-548-8677 or visit our locations in Miami-Dade and Broward.

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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.

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.

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.