We're in agreement though - this can happen on any platform, and we essentially only have anecdotal evidence that it may be worse on Kik, but it's definitely one of the apps I would check with an at-risk youth. It's easy to lose track of all the newfangled apps kids are using these days.
Your approach is ideal with a child you can have an open dialog with.
I dare say it is impossible to not lose track.
Even I, far more connected in the IT world than the average adult, often lose track. The average parent has no hope. And what is the alternative: preventing your child from using the internet?
As far as checking the apps, that works when the child is being careless; but many apps offer you ways to delete conversations and hide contacts.
>Your approach is ideal with a child you can have an open dialog with.
It is also quite rare, and when it does happen it is far later than it should be. Too many parents are willing to give their 9 year old a smartphone but are too embarrassed to even discuss the most basic sex related topics. Covering topics like porn, sexting, and predators isn't even a possibility. Even in my case, I have to discuss it because our parents aren't willing to.
That said, the 'controversy' section is an interview with two people. I could say the same about any app being used by children; if you know how to manipulate people and children use it, you can find children seeking validation that will do just about anything for it. Is there any actual reason that Kik is worse than normal technology?