As parents and educators, we need to be vigilant about the apps our students are accessing. Most social media is blocked while students are on our TCS network. However, if students turn off their WiFi and use cellular data, we cannot block the content.
Most of the apps reviewed below have an age restriction. Since there is no viable way to prove age, many students use a false birthday to gain access. Use this review to educate yourself about these apps and make an informed decision regarding use by your child. If you do not want your child downloading apps without your permission, you can set restrictions easily on their phone.
To set restrictions:
Sneek (Formerly uMention)
"The fastest way to share photos with your entire school" according to the iTunes description of this app. You simply take a photo, add any caption and post it anonymously. It goes nationwide instantaneously. It is rated for 17 year olds for frequent, intense mature, suggestive themes, profanity, and crude humor. No age verification process. I tried to log into Sneek and it would not allow me access until I granted permission for it to access my photos and microphone....NO WAY.
Shots of Me
This is a "selfie" app. It allows users to post a pic and share it with users. It allows a caption and private messaging only. So, while the public will not see the comments, cyberbullying could take place through the private messaging. This app seems harmless but it allows locations and time a photo was posted making it really easy for a predator to locate someone. You can turn off the location in the apps settings if you were aware of it.
Fess
This is a free app specifically marketed for high school students. You must have a Facebook account to use this because they troll your Facebook friends to make sure you have high school age friends. Fess allows the user complete anonymity to post whatever they want. This type of platform is where a large majority of cyberbullying occurs. Fess has some guidelines on cyberbullying, but the follow through has not been verified. Parents be aware that this app and apps like this (Yik Yak, Whisper, Secret, etc...) are used by students to post threats or other inappropriate statements about other students.
OoVoo
Kids can use OoVoo as young as 13 years old (no verification process) on their smartphone or on a computer. This app allows them to video chat with up to 12 friends (or strangers/predators), send video messages, upload videos to YouTube and instant message. I think it is self explanatory why you would not want your child to be able to send videos to strangers or view videos from strangers.
Cydia:Jailbreak and Icon Hiding Apps
This is an app that allows a tech savvy child the opportunity to hack into their own device to lift restrictions that parents have imposed. They can then download apps that are not even available through your typical platform (iTunes, Google Play). It also allows the ability to hide icons on your phone, so parents would think they do not have the app, when it could just be hiding. The only vigilant thing you can do is look for the Cydia app icon and then you know there is likely some thing going on you need to investigate.
For more app reviews, please click here.
Sources: iTunes, CNN, CBS News
