App + Game Reviews

1.1.1.1: Faster Internet

Cyber Expert Reviewer:

Yasmin London

Former Police Officer

Reviewed on Dec 6, 2022

This is a VPN (Virtual Private Network) app, and it’s most problematic feature is that it will allow your child to get around any parental controls or filters you have in place on their device. Via a VPN, kids will be able to directly access unfiltered, unrestricted internet. VPNs work by creating a barrier between the user and any outside traffic, so safeguarding tools like Family Zone and other parental safety controls will not be able to carry out their important functions. Even a school’s safe network can be circumvented via a VPN. We recommend that you remove this from your child’s device promptly.

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Rapid Expert Review

App Store Rating

Ages 18+

Our Experts Recommend

Ages 18+

Hazardous

Parents' Guide to 1.1.1.1: Faster Internet

Known Risks (0 - Low; 5 - High)

Sexting & Hook-ups

Privacy & Security

Adult Content

Online Bullying

Deception

Violence

Predators

Gambling

Costs

Screen-time

What parents need to know

Bypass the school's safety network

Parental and school control tools perform the exact function that VPN apps were created to block. These control tools are an external form of internet traffic that interrupt a user's access in some way. So for this reason alone, the VPN needs to be removed from your childs’ device, to ensure they can remain completely protected.

How to know if your child has a VPN

Do you know how to find a VPN on your child's device? Use the phone’s search tool and type in 'VPN'. This will identify whether any apps that provide a VPN are downloaded. A lot of devices will also display either a 'VPN' icon or will show a notification stating that a VPN is in use. Children have been known to switch off their VPN app when not in use, so this method isn't foolproof. If you are a Family Zone parental control tool user, you will receive an alert notification if your child attempts to install a VPN. This is by far the most robust resource in identifying and ceasing the use of a VPN.

Why did your child download this app?

Your child may argue that having a VPN installed is essential for their safety. Your kids might argue that it helps protect their identity online, but the risk of them accessing inappropriate content outweighs this argument from a safety perspective. Teens have been known to use VPNs to access or participate in some of the darker activities that the Internet has to offer, including illegal activities such as purchasing drugs.

Lends a hand to cyberbullying

VPN’s all too often lend themselves to cyberbullying. VPN’s make content impossible to track and monitor, giving children a sense of anonymity which allows for the behaviour to take place without consequence.

Deleting and canceling subscription

Most VPN apps require users to create an account and login. Your child may have signed up for a monthly paid subscription, or they could have potentially paid for the app upon download. For step-by-step instructions on looking for and canceling subscriptions on your child's device look at the ‘How To's' section below.

Tips and tricks for safe, responsible use

Why have you installed this app?

Have you downloaded this app to access something you're not allowed to access? Chances are you are being denied access for your own safety and wellbeing. If you strongly feel that the content you are accessing through the VPN is safe or reasonable, have a chat with your parents. They may approve that extra screen time, or that app or game you are sneakily playing (within limits). However it is still unsafe for anyone under 18 to have a VPN app on their device, so it needs to be removed.

Remove from your device

For your own safety and wellbeing online it is important that you uninstall this app. Check out the 'how to’s' section below for instructions on removing this app from your device.

How tos

Removing a VPN

Apple

Go into ‘Settings’
Click on ‘General’
Select ‘VPN’
Click on the blue ‘i’ next to the VPN
Scroll down and click ‘Delete VPN’

Android

Open ‘Settings’
Click on ‘Connections’
Click on ‘More Connection Settings’
Select the VPN you wish to remove.
Click ‘Forget VPN’
Click ‘OK’ to apply settings.

Canceling Apple subscription

Open the Settings app.
Tap your name.
Tap Subscriptions.
Tap the subscription that you want to manage.
Tap Cancel Subscription. If you don’t see Cancel, the subscription.

Canceling Android subscription

On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Play Store.
Check if you're signed in to the correct Google Account.
Tap Menu. Subscriptions.
Select the subscription you want to cancel.
Tap Cancel subscription.
Follow the instructions.

Features

Augmented or Virtual Reality
Celebrity Following
Chat
Data Storage
Decoy and Deception
Disappearing Messages
Gambling
Gaming
In-App Purchases
Internet Browsing
Live Streaming
Location Tracking
Messaging
Multiplayer Gaming
Music Streaming
Navigation
Phone Calls
Photo and Video Sharing
Video Streaming

Your Child's Online Rights

The Gold Standard: COPPA [Implemented globally, legally enforced only in the U.S.]
California: CCPA
U.K and Europe: GDPR-K
Australia: Online Safety Act 2021

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