Kik

Kik is a messaging app that allows users to communicate using a username instead of a phone number, meaning anyone can contact your child without knowing their phone number. Kik has been cited in hundreds of documented cases of child predation, grooming, and exploitation. It has no meaningful parental controls. Law enforcement agencies including the FBI have repeatedly flagged Kik as a platform used to target minors. The app's anonymous username system means your child can be contacted by anyone who finds or guesses their username. Kik has attempted to improve moderation but the fundamental anonymity feature remains the core risk.