A dozen social apps that should be on every parent’s radar

All of these social media apps can be downloaded on cellphones. They allow users to upload photos, videos, or messages, which can, in turn, attract approval or comments from other people. Most apps have some sort of privacy system that allows users to make their posts public or available only to approved followers. Teens should be encouraged to use these controls with the understanding that as soon as something is online, it’s no longer private.

Gifboom: Very short videos

Instagram: Photos and videos.

Keek: Limits audience for videos to 36 friends

Kik: Messaging with photos and videos.

Path: Limits audience to 150 friends.

Pheed: A social network for the ”wild at heart.”

Reddit: Links and texts. Especially popular with teenage boys.

Snapchat: Photos are supposed to self-destruct after a few seconds.

Tumblr: Blogging with photos, audio, and videos.

Twitter: Updates in 140 characters or less.

Viddy: Videos in 15 seconds or less.

Vine: Six-second videos.