With the widespread use of smartphones among teens and preteens, the district is finding a number of mobile apps that are potentially problematic inside and outside the classroom.

Many of these apps are being used for cyberbullying, sexting and accessing pornography, all of which are prohibited in schools. We strongly recommend that all parents be proactive in monitoring smartphone and tablet use.

With that in mind, parents should be aware of these popular apps:

Ask.fm – Allows users to ask questions from other Ask.fm users with the option of anonymity; often used for cyberbullying

Down – This app was rebranded after it was removed from iTunes; matches Facebook friends for casual sexual encounters

Facebook – Although Facebook does restrict pornographic material, links from posts use Facebook’s in-app browser, which bypasses restricted browsers and can lead users to pornographic websites

Instagram – Adult content can appear frequently on this photo-sharing app

Keek – Allows users to upload video status updates and share video content through major social networks; no privacy settings

Kik Messenger – Instant messaging app that acts as a free texting app; no parental controls; becoming a common avenue for sexting

Omegle & ChatRoulette – Chat services that allow anonymous users to randomly chat with strangers using instant messaging, video (webcam), or microphone

Poof – Allows users to hide apps from their screen

Snapchat – Photo messaging app; users take photos, record videos, add text and drawings, and send them to other Snapchat users with a set time limit for how long recipients can view their “snaps” (from 1 to 10 seconds), after which they will be hidden from the recipient’s device and deleted from servers

Tinder – Online dating app; allows users 12+ to match with other users in a geographic area for dates

Tumblr – Microblogging service that allows users to create content and post media on a short-form blog; high amount of pornographic material

Twitter – Another network with worldwide popularity, Twitter is also liable to contain adult and other inappropriate content in many forms; in-app browser allows users to bypass restricted Internet browsers

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

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

Yik Yak – Allows users to post anonymous comments to other users in a 10 mile radius; used for threats/bullying; app was intended for “college age and above”