Wizz: Safe or Risky for Teens? What Parents Need to Know

What Is Wizz?

Wizz is a social discovery app that has gained significant popularity among young users worldwide. Launched in October 2022 by Voodoo, a French mobile video game developer, Wizz quickly went viral through TikTok re-shares, amassing over 20 million views. The app is now available in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia, with plans to expand to 23 more countries.

Is Wizz a dating app? How does Wizz work?

Sort of. Wizz operates on a simple premise: connecting users through spontaneous conversations. You can browse through profiles and use a swiping system similar to dating apps like Tinder and Bumble.

Swipe right to start a conversation with someone or left to dismiss their profile. This intuitive interface makes it easy to find potential friends who are online when you are, turning each swipe into a possible new connection.

When you create a Wizz account, you're required to:

• Add your date of birth.
• Share a clear photo of yourself.
• Complete a facial scan using Yoti, an AI-powered age verification system.

This process helps ensure user authenticity and limits the creation of fake accounts. Verified accounts display a blue checkmark on their profiles.

Who’s the target audience of Wizz

Wizz is designed primarily for teens and young adults, with users as young as 13 allowed to join. The app aims to create a safe and inclusive environment for young people to connect and form meaningful relationships. To enhance safety, Wizz employs an age-matching system that pairs users with people no more than one year younger or older than themselves. For example, if you're 15, you can only interact with users between 14 and 16 years old.

What features make Wizz stand out?

• Easy matching: Swipe to find and connect with real people online instantly.
• Live chat: Engage in real-time conversations with peers from around the globe.
• Group chats: Join groups to meet friends who share your interests.
• Age-matched chatting: Interact with users in your age group for a safer, more relatable experience.
• Safety measures: Wizz prioritizes user safety through age verification and content moderation tools.
• Free access: The app is completely free, ensuring inclusivity for all teens.

Wizz profiles display cool bios, photos, emojis that capture users' vibes, stickers for interests, and favorite music. This allows you to get a quick snapshot of potential friends before deciding to connect. While the app's primary purpose is to help users make new friends based on common interests, some users also treat it as a dating app, often including messages like "straight hmu" in their profiles or advertising their other social media pages.

Safe or Not? Is Wizz a Safe App for Kids?

It’s hard to draw such a conclusion about the safety of the Wizz app. That’s why I offer some real-user reviews for your reference. All the remarks are from the App Store:

A quick look at user reviews clearly indicates that Wizz may not be a safe platform for children. As a parent, it's crucial to be aware of several safety concerns associated with the Wizz app. Despite the platforms claims of prioritizing user safety, there are notable risks to consider before allowing your child to use it:

Age verification issues

Wizz requires users to be at least 13 years old and employs an AI-powered age verification system called Yoti. However, this system isn't foolproof. Here's what you should know:

• Users must provide their date of birth and upload a picture for AI analysis.
• If the AI can't verify age, a Wizz team member reviews the photo.
• Unfortunately, younger kids can potentially bypass this by: asking someone older to take a selfie for them or inputting a fake date of birth.

This means that despite Wizz's efforts, there's still a possibility of underage users gaining access to the app.

Exposure to inappropriate content

Although Wizz aims to create a positive environment, harmful content can still be found on the platform. You should be aware that your child might encounter:

• Profanity and sexual content
• Violence and drug-related material
• Inappropriate profile pictures and bios
• Conversations that quickly turn into sexting

Wizz uses AI moderation tools like Besedo for text and Sightengine for images and videos. However, these systems may not catch all inappropriate content before it reaches users.

Potential for online predators

The app's primary purpose is to connect strangers, which inherently carries risks. Here are some concerns to keep in mind:

Stranger danger: You won't know who your child is interacting with online.

Potential threats: Scamming and phishing; stalking and blackmail; catfishing (users pretending to be someone else); as well as grooming and sexual predation.

While Wizz attempts to match users within a one-year age range, the system isn't perfect. Adults and minors can potentially interact if they accept each other's friend requests.

To help protect your child, encourage them to report any suspicious behavior or content that violates Wizz's Community Guidelines. The app allows users to attach screenshots or videos to their reports, providing more context for the safety team to review.

Are There Parental Controls on the Wizz App in 2024?

Despite its young user base, Wizz App lacks built-in parental controls, which can be concerning for you as a parent. This absence of native safety features makes it challenging to monitor and manage your child's activity on the platform, potentially exposing them to various risks.

Given the potential risks associated with Wizz, many experts do not recommend allowing younger teens to use the app. If you still wish to permit your older teens (16+) to use Wizz, it's crucial to ensure they're well aware of the risks involved and adhere to safety recommendations.

KidsGuard Pro: Trusted parenting app

Ensuring that your child navigates online platforms like Wizz safely is crucial in today’s connected world. KidsGuard Pro is an effective phone monitoring tool that helps you oversee your child's activities on Wizz. It has incorporated a wide array of features to detect and address any potential issues before they become problematic:

How to Make Wizz a Safer Playground for Youngsters

To ensure your teen's safety while using Wizz, you need to take proactive steps. While the app claims to prioritize user safety, there are potential risks you should address. Here's how you can make Wizz safer for your teen:

Adjusting privacy settings

Work together with your teen to fine-tune their privacy settings on Wizz. Start by setting the location to "Worldwide" to avoid revealing specific location details. Turn off options like "Show my State" and "Visible in Find new friends" to limit visibility. These adjustments minimize the risk of sharing personal information with strangers.

You can also manage your teen's "Find new friends" preferences by choosing gender, age, and location restrictions. Consider selecting the option to view only verified users, which can help reduce the number of fake profiles or bots your teen might encounter.

Setting usage guidelines

Create a family media agreement to discuss appropriate content and topics for sharing on Wizz. This fosters a healthy understanding of digital interactions and boundaries. Encourage your teen to practice respect in their online interactions and remind them that offensive language can upset others and violate Wizz's Community Guidelines.

Discuss the importance of making smart choices and resisting peer pressure both online and offline. Stress that online actions, much like real-world actions, have significant repercussions. What may seem like fun in the moment could adversely affect them and others in the future.

Monitoring activity

Since Wizz lacks built-in parental controls, consider using external tools like Qustodio or Safes to monitor and manage your teen's app usage. These parental control apps allow you to:

• Block the Wizz App from being opened
• Receive alerts when your child first uses the app
• Set time limits for its usage
• Pause the internet to immediately prevent access to the app

Regularly engage in open discussions about the potential dangers of interacting with strangers online and the risks associated with sharing personal information. Stay informed about the app's latest features and community guidelines to better guide your teen in navigating the platform safely.

Encourage your teen to report any offensive or inappropriate content they encounter on Wizz. Familiarize them with the app's safety features, such as the options to 'Block User' and 'Report User' in profile settings. Emphasize the importance of trusting their instincts about people they meet online and recognizing that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

By implementing these safety measures and maintaining open communication, you can help your teen use Wizz more responsibly and securely.

Alternatives to Wizz App

If you're looking for safer alternatives to Wizz, you have several options that prioritize user safety and offer engaging social experiences. These alternatives can provide a more secure environment for teens to connect with others and explore their interests.

Safer social apps for teens

Bumble BFF: This feature within the Bumble app allows you to find new friends in your area based on shared interests. It's designed for platonic connections, making it a safer option for teens.

Yubo: Known as the 'Tinder for Teens,' Yubo is a social discovery app that enables users to connect with others who share their interests. It has implemented safety measures, including 100% user-age verification and real-time video moderation for livestreams.

MeetMe: This social networking app helps you find new friends nearby and chat with them. It's popular among teens and young adults looking to expand their social circles.

Friended: Specifically designed for teens, Friended allows you to make new friends and connect with others your age in a safe environment.

BeReal: This unique app prompts users to post one unfiltered photo daily at a random time. It encourages authenticity and can be a refreshing alternative to more curated social media experiences.

When using these apps, always exercise caution and follow safety guidelines. Never share personal information with strangers, and be aware of potential risks associated with online interactions.

Offline social activities

While online platforms can be convenient for making connections, it's essential to balance digital interactions with real-world experiences. Here are some offline alternatives to consider:

Join local clubs or groups: Participate in activities related to your interests, such as sports teams, art classes, or book clubs.

Volunteer: Engage in community service projects to meet like-minded individuals who share your values.

Attend school events: Take part in extracurricular activities, school dances, or other social gatherings organized by your educational institution.

Explore your neighborhood: Use apps like Nextdoor to connect with people in your local community and participate in neighborhood events.

Pursue hobbies: Engage in activities you enjoy, such as music, photography, or cooking, which can lead to natural connections with others who share your passions.

By combining both online and offline approaches, you can create a well-rounded social experience that prioritizes safety and genuine connections. Remember, the goal is to form meaningful friendships and expand your social circle in a secure and enjoyable manner.

Conclusion

The Wizz app has a significant influence on the social lives of teenagers, offering a platform to connect with peers worldwide. While it provides opportunities to make new friends, it also brings potential risks that parents need to be aware of.

Parents play a crucial role in guiding their children through the digital landscape, helping them navigate potential dangers and make responsible choices. By fostering open communication and considering safer alternatives, families can work together to ensure a positive and secure online experience for their teens.

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