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2. VSCO: While similar to 9. Omegel: This interactive app Risk Factors
Instagram, this app does not automatically pair users with
require the user to actually one another allowing them to Apps do pose various risks for our youth
obtain an account to view chat, and usually the other user today, but so does allowing our teens to
postings. Additionally, there is a stranger. drive when they get their license. Some
is no “like” button or a place of the most common risks when using
to comment. Because of this, Other apps to consider include: Line, social media include the following:
users are much more likely to Blendr/Tinder, Monkey, Secret, and • Privacy: Children and teens should
post bolder photos because ASKfm. have private accounts. If a private
there are no documented Live Streaming apps: Live account is not available, that app
repercussions. Streaming apps should also is NOT for them.
3. Sarahah: An app, typically linked be monitored or kept private if • Followers: Do not allow your child
with SnapChat, that allows users applicable. Live Streaming apps or teens to have any followers
to anonymously comment and differ from the aforementioned apps they do not personally know or
rate your photos; however, the in that they allow videos/images interact with on a regular basis. A
recipient does not have access to be shared “live” versus video good barometer is understanding
to know who sent the comment, or photos that could have been your child's true circle of friends.
nor has the opportunity to taken days/weeks prior. Some of For instance, do they have more
respond. the most current and widely used followers or friends than their
4. KIK: This is a private messag- live streaming apps consist of the inner circle or perhaps more than
following: Periscope, HouseParty,
ing app. It has managed to land YouNow, Broadcast Me, Meerkat, their entire school? If so then their
itself on some of the Parent’s Twitch, UStream, Streamago. account is not truly private.
“worst apps” lists due to its Additionally, other forms of live • Location Services: Whether you
ability to have you connect with streaming, that can be kept more refer to it as location services,
people outside of your phone private, consist of the use of GPS, geolocater or the like, apps
list. Think of it as text messag- FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Skype should never have access to your
ing with virtually anyone. and WECHAT. It is important to child’s location. When this feature
5. SoundCloud and Musically: remember though that everything is turned on, your child could post
These apps are believed to be streamed through the internet has a picture or video and anyone
“safe”, where users create and the ability to be accessed - even if with access will also know their
share music. However, the di- you think it is private. location. That even means if their
rect messaging feature, if used, posting from home strangers
allows for users to contact each Locked apps: While every app could have your home address!
other, creating chat streams. requires a username and password
6. MarcoPolo: This app, is a cross there are apps specifically designed Social Media Best Practices
to store or conceal information. Many
between Snapchat and Voxer, of these apps do have a purpose in Simply put, you are the parent. As a
and is considered a video walkie- the interest of safety and security; parent you need to have full access to
talkie app. While it is similar to however there are some that target your child’s social media accounts and
Snapchat, MarcoPolo does save teens and allow them to hide inap- passwords. You need to be able to ac-
your videos so you can continue propriate photos, videos, or other cess and look at their devices whenever
to engage in conversations with information. you want. Their technology devices are
other users or friends. usually paid by you, the parent, and
7. BurnNote: Allowing users to 1. Vaulty: This app conceals therefore, it is yours. Treat it that way!
unlimited photos and videos,
Beyond this point, encourage your child
send only text messages; this armed with a “mugshot” feature, to create a balance between the virtual
app uses a timer that will erase capturing photos of anyone who world and real world communication and
the messages after the receiver tries to unlock the app. socialization. Each child is different and
views them. The anonymously may require different parameters. As
timed messages get deleted 2. Calculator%: This app is an the parent, you determine their needs
from both the sender and re- icon that looks like a normal
ceiver, and cannot be saved or calculator, but with a passcode, and the parameters that need to be set.
Below are some ways to create balance
have a screen-shot taken. can hide photos & videos. and set parameters:
8. FireChat: An app that allows you 3. Hide It Pro: Under the guise of
to chat, while offline. For parents an icon and the name “Audio • Communication: Have frequent
who monitor usage through Manager”, this app essentially, talks about your digital footprint
wifi, this app can be a way for hides photos, videos, music, etc. and what constitutes as safe,
children to find a loophole in an private, and appropriate. Discuss
effort to continue to interact. how these things contribute and
add to a person’s reputation and
character.
Educational Viewpoints -67- Spring 2018