‘Pick-up’ apps show teenagers how to connect with strangers nearby

CHILDREN as young as 12 are in danger from “Tinder for teens” copycat apps that have been slammed as online playgrounds for paedophiles.

Apps that appear Tinder-like are concerning police and online experts.

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CHILDREN as young as 12 are in danger from “Tinder for teens” copycat apps that have been slammed as online playgrounds for paedophiles.

Police and top cyber-experts are warning against the new apps, which mimic adult hook-up app Tinder but are being marketed­ to 12- to 18-year-olds.

Among the apps are Yellow and Spotafriend, both of which use GPS locators to allow users including Sydney teens and pre-teens to connect with strangers near them and “swipe” on profiles.

Cyber-safety educators are concerned the apps could be used for bullying.

Spotafriend professes it is “not a dating” app but rather a way for teens to make new friends. However, articles include “how to seduce a girl online” and tips for flirting and meeting up with strangers.

It also boasts it is the only app on which “your parents can’t spy on you”.

Yellow, which claims to be used by more than five million teens globally, is rated 12+ on the iTunes app store yet carries a warning for “alcohol, tobacco, or drug use” and “sexual and nudity”.

While both apps claim they are “for teens only”, The Saturday Telegraph was able to set up an account within less than five minutes.

A quick scan of the apps revealed Sydney girls as young as 13 posing provocatively in bras.

Some girls were wearing school uniform, or had listed their suburb.

Police Minister Troy Grant said as a father the apps “scared the hell” out of him.

“They’re basically online playgrounds for paedophiles, they’re a recipe for disaster,” Mr Grant said.

“Unfortunately apps like these expose the horrible­ dark side of social media and the best way to deal with it is education.”

Mr Grant said parents should warn their children about the dangers of talking to strangers online, and said he would also consider any legislative­ improvements needed to protect kids.

NSW Police Sex Crimes Squad commander Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett said specialist officers were monitoring the social media developments.

“Any app, online game or social media platform that allows­ the user to be in contact with people they do not know, and have only met in the online environment, can put them at risk,” Supt Howlett­ said.

Cyber-safety specialist Ross Bark said that kids needed to be more aware of the dangers of grooming.

“The problem is a lot of parents­ haven’t even heard of these apps, so have no idea their kids could be using them to meet strangers,” Mr Bark said. ‘There are no checks and balances in place for the apps, so it’s very easy for a sexual predator to use.”

Cyber-safety educator Leonie­ Smith is concerned the apps could also become tools for bullies. “Within minutes of going on them girls are usually harassed for nude photos,” Ms Smith said.

Yellow and Spotafriend did not respond to questions.

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