Is GROWLR: Gay Bears Near You safe for kids?
Urgent — not recommended
Strictly 18+ dating app; teens using it violates TOS and exposes them to adults.
How that verdict changes by age
Not recommended · Adults-only platform — teen use breaks its terms
| Minimum age | 18 |
|---|---|
| Strangers can contact | Yes |
| Location sharing | Yes |
| Disappearing messages | Not verified |
| Parental visibility | None |
What to do
Not for minors. GROWLR has a strict 18+ TOS age gate. Any teen use is circumvention of these rules and puts them in direct contact with adults in a dating/sexual context. Parents should monitor for this app's presence on teens' devices.
If you just found it on their phone
- Before anything is deleted, screenshot the messages and the other person's username and profile — that is the evidence if this needs reporting. If there is a sexual image of a child, don't save or forward it; report it to the CyberTipline.
- Have the conversation before the app comes off, and make it about who they were talking to rather than about the app.
- Block and report those accounts inside the app.
- Delete it together, then check whether it can be reinstalled without your approval — on most phones that is a separate setting.
Check GROWLR: Gay Bears Near You against your kid’s other appsTakes about a minute →
What it actually is
GROWLR is a location-based dating and social app for gay men (specifically "Bears" and those attracted to them). It connects users globally through messaging, video calls, photo sharing, and event listings. The app explicitly requires users to be 18+ and prohibits explicit sexual content in photos.
Next: check GROWLR: Gay Bears Near You against your kid's other apps →
Other apps to know about
Updated October 2026
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