SaferKid™ App Rating

Yik Yak

By Yik Yak, LLC
SaferKid Age Rating
18+
No one under age 18 should use this app
NONE
LOW
HIGH
Bullying Risk
Red high
Meet Strangers Risk
Red low
NONE
LOW
HIGH
Cartoon or Fantasy Violence
Yellow high
Profanity or Crude Humor
Yellow high
Mature/Suggestive Themes
Yellow high
Horror/Fear Themes
Yellow high
Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drug Use or References
Yellow high
Sexual Content or Nudity
Yellow high
Unrestricted Web Access
Yellow high
This is an independent review. We are not affilated with Yik Yak, LLC
Bottom Line

A teen who was bullied on this app for attempting suicide started a petition to have it removed from the app store. The service allows users to anonymously post messages that anyone nearby could see. The result was so horrifying that the company eventually disabled it from happening at geographic locations where schools exist. There is no way to be sure that this was done effectively or well, and there really is no reason for your child to take the risk of using it. It basically adds a virtual "bathroom wall" to your location so that you can write anonymous things.

Talking to Your Children

See our guide to bullying for more details.

More Info

We are compiling a list of the many, many cases of bullying reported related to this app.

App store description
Yik Yak is a location-based social network that helps you connect with the people right around you. By letting you express yourself, exchange thoughts, and explore your world, Yik Yak helps you feel at home within your local community.
Related Links

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