In today’s digital age, mobile applications have become invaluable tools for parents. Whether you’re embarking on a lengthy car trip or simply need a moment of peace, there’s likely an app that can assist. But what happens when an app intended for children turns sinister, delivering alarming messages instead of friendly interactions?
This unsettling scenario unfolded for some parents in the UK recently, leaving them understandably shaken.
A mom named Lisa Harris shared her experience on social media after her young daughter downloaded an app that appeared to be linked to her favorite cartoon, “Blaze and the Monster Machines.” Titled “Call Blaze and The Monster Machines 2021,” it seemed harmless at first. However, what she heard from the other room was anything but cheerful.
In a video she posted, Lisa described how her daughter had been playing with the app when she began to hear a “demonic voice” coming from the device. “I was like, what on earth is my child watching?” she recounted. “That sounds really sinister!” Upon investigating, Lisa found that after completing a simple matching game, children were rewarded with a phone call from Blaze. Instead of a friendly greeting, a chilling voice introduced itself as “Happy Slappy” and promptly began making threats.
“Maybe we could perform some fun games together,” the voice said before adding, “What’s this knife in my whirly twirly hands? Making you a little nervous, huh? That’s all right ’cause this knife is gonna improve your look—when it’s sticking right out of you. Ha ha ha!”
Naturally, Lisa was horrified. Her daughter, just four years old at the time, was left frightened and confused. Another mother, Sarah Peters, reported a similar experience with her seven-year-old daughter, who struggled to sleep after hearing the unsettling message.
Both mothers were outraged, questioning how such a twisted app could ever be permitted in app stores. Lisa, in particular, was baffled by how the app received a PEGI3 rating—equivalent to a “suitable for all ages” label in North America. The process behind app ratings relies on developers filling out a questionnaire, which is, frankly, a flawed method of ensuring safety. Developers are asked to provide accurate information, but anyone familiar with the internet knows that accountability rarely exists in these scenarios.
After reporting the app, Google took it down, but Lisa expressed concern over what actions would be taken against the developer. “I feel they have not taken into consideration the damage they’ve done to our children by allowing apps like this to get through,” she lamented. In response to this incident, Lisa founded a child safety group called Children’s Online Protective Services and initiated a petition on Change.org for a more effective content rating system.
She has since discovered countless other apps that are misclassified and unsuitable for young audiences. Consequently, Lisa has prohibited her daughter from downloading any apps without supervision.
Despite facing some backlash for allowing her daughter to explore apps independently, Lisa remains focused on raising awareness. “I felt compelled to share this video because I couldn’t bear the thought of another child experiencing this,” she stated. “As a mother, it’s my duty to protect all children, not just my own.”
Her actions have highlighted the urgent need for a better system to evaluate app content, as many parents rely on these ratings to safeguard their children. Unfortunately, these ratings often fail to deliver the protection we expect.
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In summary, the recent revelation of disturbing content in children’s apps serves as a crucial reminder for parents to remain vigilant and proactive in monitoring their children’s online interactions. The inadequacies in the app rating system must be addressed to ensure the safety of young users.
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