Apps with a Disguised Social Media Outlet

There are many apps which may appear to have a creative and interesting purpose, including movie-making or artistic outlet possibilities.    Parents should however, be very aware of the potential of some apps to includes social media components or of the potential for the makers to push out updates which include a newly added social media component.

When there is a social media component to an app, this means that strangers can potentially contact your child or visa versa.  This might be in response to a photograph posted or artwork or a creation of some kind.  The child might enjoy this opportunity and get lulled into a feeling of comfort as they accept comments and compliments on something they have posted. The concerning thing is that even though we THINK we have talked to our students and children at length regarding appropriate guidelines for appropriate and safe behaviour online, often the enjoyment of the digital social interaction takes precedence over this knowledge.

We know that as parents we need to keep our children safe.   Just as we guide them in how to cross the road or how to behave at a public park, we know that it is our job to provide guidance, education and assistance with behaviour in an online world also.   Most of us also acknowledge that the online world is a significant part of young people’s worlds and that to block, ban it, or ignore it is not the best policy.

What can we do?

  • Ensure that we utilise the opportunity of our BYO Program in Yrs 4-6 to provide a shared message from both home and school about appropriate use of technology and the Internet.
  • Keep the communication channels open – between parents and school, parents and students and school and students.
  • When mistakes are made – be open in our communication and allow our students to learn from the mistakes and to move on with improved knowledge and insight.
  • Engage with the technology with your child and keep sharing, talking and exploring together.
  • Be aware of the sources of information that help us – whether this be the school or news warnings or word of mouth.   Technology changes so rapidly that we need to approach this in a very collaborative sense if we are to stay abreast of possible dangers or concerns.

From a very practical perspective – a good thing to check for every app that is downloaded to your child’s device is the age rating/recommendation.   Upon being sent an app request through Family Sharing – parents should look briefly at the age rating and always feel comfortable saying ‘no’ to this request.  Feel comfortable also, to ignore the request and to then take the time to investigate further and then to give a response when you have determined whether the app is suitable or not.

These are the apps about which we are most concerned at the moment:

Musical.ly – rated 12+

We recommend that children do not use this app – even if the privacy settings are activated, this does not stop your child accessing other footage that may be explicit, rude or inappropriate.

Information from the eSafety Commissioner

Roblox – rated 12+

Lots of reports lately about the access that this provides to your child by strangers.   It is seen as the new Minecraft but                 allows the acceptance of ‘friends’ when they have no idea of knowing who these people are.  The age rating is there for a               reason – if allowing this app, parents should definitely check conversations and chats and warn their children not to                      engage.

https://www.net-aware.org.uk/networks/roblox/

Pic Collage – rated 12+

Although this app appears innocent and creative – it gives the user access to a social media platform where they can share images, have others comment on their creations and post comments themselves.  If you choose to allow this app, please check this app and monitor your child’s use of it.

Instagram – rated 15+

This app is rated 15+ for a reason.  We recommend that children do not have access to this app.

Fact Sheet

This guide is quite useful with some fantastic tips.

Another interesting site.