YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Are your kids trying to hide things from you on their cell phones?  Did you know there are apps, available for download on both Apple and Android phones that could make it easier for kids to keep things from their parents.

They're being called secret apps and they're often disguised as a calculator.  They allow people to hide pictures, videos and text messages.
"It is shocking because our kids are already smarter than us when it comes to technology and here we are now giving them secret apps that they hide from parents," said Mahoning County Juvenile Court Judge Theresa Dellick.

Judge Dellick says there are a number of secret apps that can be downloaded.  A quick search of the phrase "secret calculator" can turn up more than 100 apps, many of which are free for download.

Once downloaded, some apps require people to punch in a four digit pass code followed by the percent sign "%" to unlock hidden files.

"It is scary because number one, they could be placing themselves or others in harms way, emotionally, physically, legally.  I mean, again, bullying, sexting, all of these things are hidden in these secret apps and they are just as dangerous," said Judge Dellick.

Judge Dellick says lying is a normal part of teenage development.  Kids like to test their boundaries.  Her court suggests parents have open conversations with their kids about why lying is wrong.  Set expectations about phone usage and let kids know there are consequences.  Check privacy and safety settings.  Stay current on phone apps and be mindful of your own use.

"As a parent, the example you set will be the example they follow.  So, when you see a child doing something or a juvenile doing something that is wrong or that is an abuse of that technology, you probably don't need to look much further than the parent," said Juvenile Justice Center magistrate Anthony D'Apolito.

Judge Dellick says it is important that your kids don't share their location, communicate with strangers or send inappropriate texts, pictures or video.  Peer pressure can be tough.  She suggests helping your kids come up with a back up plan in case they become the recipient of inappropriate content.