With the widespread use of smartphones among preteens and teens, the district is finding a number of mobile apps that are a distraction in the classroom and are being used for cyberbullying, sexting and accessing pornography, all of which are prohibited in schools.
New apps and technologies can make it especially difficult to keep track of online interactions and behavior. We strongly recommend that all parents be proactive in monitoring smartphone use.
With that in mind, here are some popular mobile apps to be aware of –
Facebook & Twitter – Many major social networking apps are equipped with Internet browsers that bypass blocked or monitored browsers when users click links from posts; both of these networks are liable to contain adult content in some form, and are possible avenues for cyberbulling
Instagram – Adult content can appear frequently on this photo and video sharing app used for many major social networks
Kik – Instant messaging app that acts as a free texting app; no parental controls; becoming a common avenue for sexting
Vine – Twitter app that allows users to create and share six-second videos; Twitter raised minimum age limit to 17+ for Vine after pornographic clips began appearing
Keek – Allows users to upload video status updates and share video content through major social media networks; no privacy settings
Ask.fm – Allows users to ask questions from other Ask.fm users; option of anonymity; often used for cyberbulling
Whisper – Users submit anonymous questions or confessions as a text over a picture; other users are allowed to comment and private message; carries a 17+ rating on the App Store
Snapchat – Photo messaging app; users take photos, record videos, add text and drawings, and send them to recipients with a set time limit for how long recipients can view their “Snaps” (1 to 10 seconds), after which they will be hidden from the recipient’s device and deleted from servers
Tumblr – “Microblogging” service that allows users create content and post media on a short-form blog; high amount of pornographic content
Tinder – Online dating app; allows users 12+; intended to match users in a geographic area
Yik Yak – Allows users to post anonymous comments to users in a 5-10 mile radius; commonly used for threats and other forms of bullying; app was disabled in Chicago following multiple safe school violations; developer has said the app was intended for users “college-age and above”
Note: The popularity of these programs has given rise to apps that carry different names but more or less have the same functionality. In fact, many of the copycat apps have more flexible guidelines when it comes to inappropriate content.
It’s also crucial to review security and privacy settings on your child’s device to protect against unwanted material or contact.
I’m on top of my kids now, ever since I caught some pictures in Instagram that was not suitable to view, I have sat down with them after school everyday and talk about there ipods to not be taken to school, cause it interrupt their focus in every subject, they have been good on it, me and my husband are monitoring them anytime they ask to go online to do there home works, I will love to share on any updates.
I’m on top of my kids now, ever since I caught some pictures in Instagram that was not suitable to view, I have sat down with them after school everyday and talk about there ipods to not be taken to school, cause it interrupt their focus in every subject, they have been good on it, me and my husband are monitoring them anytime they ask to go online to do there home works, I will love to share on any updates.
Great article pointing out all the possible negative effects this technology could possibly have on our kids. I propose for the next news letter you do an article on all the positive effects that these programs have had on our kids. This is not going to go away. Science is here to stay!!! Let’s try to embrace these changes in technology and use them to our advantage rather than always pointing out the negatives as has been my experience at my children’s schools.
Good points, Colin. Our intent with this article was to help make parents aware of some apps that we have found to be problematic in schools. Educational technologies are certainly a great benefit to our students, and we are thrilled with technological advancements that are used to enhance learning environments. We just want to provide parents with information about these particular apps.
You have got to be kidding! I had to read through Colin’s comment to make sure I was reading it correctly. Science is here to stay so let’s embrace these changes in tecnology??? Hahahaha! As PARENTS, we know the positive advantages to many of these technological advances. Our KIDS, on the other hand don’t have the experience to see the extreme danger that can accompany them. Our kids are faced with very different challenges than we had growing up. I will NEVER embrace the fact that pornography is so readily accessible to a child. Nor will I embrace the use of technology for cyber bullying or sexting as it were. Very few parents have a clear view of what goes on with our children when they are out of our care. And those of us that think it won’t happen to us are living in a delusional world. It is the responsibility of the district to keep our kids safe while in their care. This is a way they are fulfilling their responsibility. Thank you for this informative email.
I am sorry. Did I say pornography and Cyber Bullying are good things anywhere in my comments? Did you actually read my comment?
Great article pointing out all the possible negative effects this technology could possibly have on our kids. I propose for the next news letter you do an article on all the positive effects that these programs have had on our kids. This is not going to go away. Science is here to stay!!! Let’s try to embrace these changes in technology and use them to our advantage rather than always pointing out the negatives as has been my experience at my children’s schools.
Good points, Colin. Our intent with this article was to help make parents aware of some apps that we have found to be problematic in schools. Educational technologies are certainly a great benefit to our students, and we are thrilled with technological advancements that are used to enhance learning environments. We just want to provide parents with information about these particular apps.
You have got to be kidding! I had to read through Colin’s comment to make sure I was reading it correctly. Science is here to stay so let’s embrace these changes in tecnology??? Hahahaha! As PARENTS, we know the positive advantages to many of these technological advances. Our KIDS, on the other hand don’t have the experience to see the extreme danger that can accompany them. Our kids are faced with very different challenges than we had growing up. I will NEVER embrace the fact that pornography is so readily accessible to a child. Nor will I embrace the use of technology for cyber bullying or sexting as it were. Very few parents have a clear view of what goes on with our children when they are out of our care. And those of us that think it won’t happen to us are living in a delusional world. It is the responsibility of the district to keep our kids safe while in their care. This is a way they are fulfilling their responsibility. Thank you for this informative email.
I am sorry. Did I say pornography and Cyber Bullying are good things anywhere in my comments? Did you actually read my comment?
Thank you for the awareness and sharing. I’m very on top of my kids technology, but good to know the school, the community at large and other parents should be also! It takes a village. I really appreciate the support of other adults, teachers and mentors that take it upon themselves to help “ALL” children and people to be appropriate for the betterment of society. Thanks again.
Thank you for the awareness and sharing. I’m very on top of my kids technology, but good to know the school, the community at large and other parents should be also! It takes a village. I really appreciate the support of other adults, teachers and mentors that take it upon themselves to help “ALL” children and people to be appropriate for the betterment of society. Thanks again.