[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” min_height=”65px” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px||-80px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”3233.8px” custom_margin=”48px|auto||auto|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2024\/02\/13081357\/2024-02-Is-Wizz-Safe-for-kids_Hero.jpg” alt=”Is the Wizz App dangerous?” title_text=”Is Wizz Safe for kids_Hero” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”90px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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Snapchat, Instagram, Myspace, AIM\u2026 since the internet age began, teens and pre-teens have found ways to connect online and meet others. After all, these are the years when many of us become more socially aware, more curious about others, and start friendships that can last a lifetime. This is often encouraged by parents as research has shown that <\/span>both real life and internet friendships can be beneficial for children<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Wizz is the latest app to connect young people online<\/b> -and it\u2019s been cooking up controversy among parents worldwide.<\/p>\n The Wizz app, which has been dubbed \u2018Teen Tinder\u2019 for its similarities to adult dating apps, has recently been removed from both the App Store and Google Play Store<\/a> over serious safety concerns and the alleged use of the app in sextortion scams. Although this will hinder new users from downloading the app, what about the approximately 20 million youngsters using Wizz today?<\/b><\/p>\n In this safety guide, we\u2019ll address the risks your child could expose themselves to by using the Wizz app and, if you still want to allow older teens to use it, we recommend ways that you can make the app safer.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Owned by Voodoo, a French mobile video game developer, Wizz is marketed as a \u2018social discovery app\u2019 that allows users as young as 13 to join and connect with users of a similar age.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n After first launching in the UK in October 2022, the Wizz app quickly went viral through TikTok re-shares and <\/span>20 million views. <\/span><\/a>Soon after, Wizz became available in the US, Canada, and Australia, and has the goal of reaching 23 more countries.<\/span><\/p>\n Wizz claims to be the \u2018ultimate online platform for random chats with people from all over the world\u2019 and the fun, according to the app\u2019s tagline, comes from the unexpected. This description might already be setting off alarm bells, yet<\/span> it\u2019s Wizz\u2019s dating app style features that have drawn concern among parents worldwide.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Like with adult dating apps Tinder and Bumble, users of Wizz can look at a stranger\u2019s profile and choose to swipe left to dismiss, or right to start a conversation with them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Despite its similarities to apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Wink, Wizz is not strictly marketed as a dating app but rather as a way to make new friends around the world based on common interests.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But, with features that mirror the most successful dating apps, <\/span>it\u2019s only inevitable that people would use Wizz in the same way.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n After looking at a few profiles, you\u2019re sure to come across sentences such as \u2018straight hmu\u2019 (I am straight\/heterosexual, hit me up), sexually suggestive emojis, and hints to slide into DMs on Instagram or Snapchat.\u00a0<\/span> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Wizz is advertised as a \u2018safe space\u2019 for young users to meet others of a similar age – and it tries to support this by having several measures in place. <\/span>Wizz users must be 13 and over<\/b> and they are required to take a selfie with Yoti, an app that uses AI to verify age via a selfie. If Yoti cannot verify successfully, a Wizz team member reviews the photo to confirm the user\u2019s age. If it still can\u2019t be determined, the individual cannot use the app.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Unfortunately, these measures aren\u2019t foolproof and parents have complained about a few flaws that can expose young Wizz users to online dangers that include\u2026<\/b><\/p>\n Age verification can be falsified<\/b><\/p>\n Users of Wizz must verify their age by providing their birthdate and taking a selfie with Yoti, where an algorithm instantly estimates their age based on their face. It could be possible to input a fake birthdate and ask someone older (or younger) to take a selfie for them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Allows children to mingle with adults<\/b><\/p>\n Even when not falsified, the age verification system does not work reliably. Minors and adults frequently appear in the same space and can be connected if they accept each others’ friend requests.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n No parental controls<\/b><\/p>\n Yes, despite the young user base, the Wizz App has no built-in parental controls.\u00a0<\/span>Fortunately, an all-in-one, parental control app like <\/span>Qustodio<\/span><\/a> can bridge this gap by blocking or limiting your child\u2019s access to the Wizz App, and setting time limits on usage.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2024\/02\/13083709\/2024-02-Is-Wizz-Safe-for-kids_Inside-Image.jpg” alt=”How to use Wizz App safely” title_text=”2024-02-Is Wizz Safe for kids_Inside Image” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n After learning more about the Wizz App and its potential perils, many parents would be rightfully put off by the idea of their child using it.<\/span><\/p>\n While we don\u2019t recommend the app for younger teens,<\/b> we believe older teens could be trusted to use Wizz responsibly. Here are some safety recommendations if you choose to allow your teenager to use the app.<\/span> 1. 16+ only<\/strong><\/p>\n Wizz allows users as young as 13 to use the app, but in our opinion, this is too young to be exposed to the mature content commonly seen on the app.<\/span><\/p>\n Based on this and <\/span>parents’ reviews<\/span><\/a>, we recommend that the app should not be used by teens under 16<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n 2. Manage privacy settings and \u2018Find new friends\u2019 preferences<\/b><\/b><\/p>\nWhat is the Wizz App?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Is Wizz a dating app?<\/b><\/h2>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nIs the Wizz App dangerous for kids?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
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How the Wizz App can be used safely<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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