The warning comes after a Gold Coast man was charged with the murder of a 26-year-old New Zealand woman earlier this month after the pair met through the ­controversial app.

Tinder, which has become increasingly popular among young adults and teenagers, matches couples based on their physical attraction to each other and allows them to chat and meet up.

Some of the features of the app that have concerned parents are the GPS location ­function, which allows users to know the location of other users, the accounts are linked to user’s Facebook profiles, and the required minimum age for using is 13 years.

All Saints College, St Joseph’s Campus, Lochinvar learning technologies co-­ordinator Liz Stokes said the age restriction was particularly worrying.

“It is concerning, younger people and particularly 13- and 14-year-old children don’t know and aren’t prepared for what is out there and what kind of people could be using it or what they’re using it for,” she said.

“It can pose a threat to their safety; the kids are vulnerable too and don’t understand some of the dangers of releasing information about themselves.”

Central Hunter crime manager Detective Inspector John Zdrilic said parents needed to be vigilant and speak to their children about online dangers.

“My overwhelming advice is for parents to be informed,” he said.

“Know what your kids are doing and know the consequences of their actions.

“If they speak to someone online or send a photo online they need to know the consequences of what others might do with that information.

“Talk to them, be open about it and be informed.” 

Inspector Zdrilic said Tinder was not the only app that parents and their children needed to be wary of.

“There’s now multiple applications out there and people need to be wary with any applications that, for the most part, you don’t know who you’re talking to,” he said.

“Be conscious and wary of who you’re talking to.

“I certainly wouldn’t make arrangements to go and meet anybody on your own and be wary of anyone who insists on meeting on your own.

“Also be wary of people who ask to perform inappropriate acts including exposing yourself and engaging in conversations that are inappropriate or of a sexual nature.”

Inspector Zdrilic said parents who were concerned about online safety could visit www.thinkuknow.org.au that has cyber security and safety guides for individuals and families.