What is Wattpad? Parent App Guide
., start learning from this page to earn points towards a Starbucks gift card!*
Hi, I'm Josh, the founder of SmartSocial.com.
Keep reading, and soon you'll get a chance to share your thoughts and earn points for a reward!
What is Wattpad? Parent App Guide
., start learning from this page to earn points towards a Starbucks gift card!*
Hello, I'm Josh, the founder of SmartSocial.com.
Don't leave this page until you fill out our feedback form that will appear after you learn from the resources...
Parent & educator training video
What is Wattpad?
Wattpad is a relatively unmoderated online storytelling community.
- A relatively unmoderated online storytelling community
- Users write and share their stories on Wattpad
- Users like and comment on other users’ stories
- While writers are encouraged to rate their stories, many stories are unrated
Wattpad stories fall into 2 rating categories:
- Mature - Content intended for readers 17+
- For Everyone - Content that is appropriate for all ages
Wattpad statistics
- There 45 million Wattpad users
- 30 minutes is the average amount spent on Wattpad per session
- 80% of users are under the age of 30
Wattpad in the news
There’s a danger of exploitation when the writers are so young and Wattpad is acting as their agent. The Washington Post
"There’s a danger of exploitation when the writers are so young and Wattpad is acting as their agent.” The Washington Post
“Nearly a third of the writings are unrated, and some decidedly explicit stuff shows up [on Wattpad].” Common Sense Media
What do parents say?
Teens can easily find inappropriate content [on Wattpad] plus they can message each other including likely predators.
- “Loads of inappropriate content - Teens can easily find inappropriate content plus they can message each other including likely predators.” -Mom of Teen
- “I discovered my 14-year-old daughter was writing stories on this app that were sexually explicit, totally inappropriate, and publicly shared. The app connected to her Facebook profile, which, while totally locked down, still shows her profile picture, which at times is a photograph of her.” -Mom of Teen
Why should parents care?
Wattpad can be a predatory site since readers have access to writers’ personal Facebook profiles and email addresses.
- The majority of Wattpad’s content is mature
- Teens are posting explicit and inappropriate stories that are connected to their personal Facebook profiles (and shows their profile photo)
- Users can embed inappropriate images and videos into their stories
- Wattpad can be a predatory site since readers have access to writers’ personal Facebook profiles and email addresses
- The app also has private messaging capabilities
What can parents do?
Consider alternative ways your teen can share their creative writing publicly.
- Consider alternative ways your teen can share their creative writing publicly
- Discuss the types of content that are appropriate for your teen to encounter online and teach them to avoid inappropriate content in your absence
If your teen is interested in creative writing or reading:
- Encourage your student to start journaling in a notebook
- Plan a trip to the bookstore, together, so your teen can pick out books you’ve approved
Become a member or log in to learn more on this topic
This is great info, thanks for giving me some ideas on how to start a dialogue with my teen!
Sharon M.
Parent VIP Member
Josh's presentation about social media was unbelievably fantastic. Our students learned so much about what kids should and shouldn't be doing. The fact that it is such a thoughtful process made it all worthwhile.
Director of College Advising
Educator Webinar Attendee
This webinar is a very helpful eye-opener on the apps that are popular with my students.
Irene C.
Educator Webinar Attendee
Join Our Next Live Parent Q&A Events (and earn a $5 Starbucks gift card)*
%20(1).jpg)
Optimize Parental Controls: Balancing Safety & Privacy for Families
Understand how to set up parental controls and monitor your students without being intrusive.
Sneaky Ways Video Apps Keep Teens Watching
Join this live parent night event and find out what tricks video apps are using to keep your kids watching
.jpg)
Optimize Parental Controls: Balancing Safety & Privacy for Families
Understand how to set up parental controls and monitor your students without being intrusive.
*Only for families in partner school districts or individual paid VIP members: to receive a gift card, simply attend the live event, join in the activities, and your family will be eligible to earn one gift card per year (while supplies last).
.jpg)
.jpg)
Become a Very Informed Parent (VIP) to get our social media suggestions in your email every Tuesday & Thursday.
Hello, I'm Josh, the founder of SmartSocial.com. Protect your family by taking my 1 minute quiz
This quiz will help you understand how safe your family is
Schools & Districts: Partner with us to protect your community online
Our remote presentations (and website) teach over a million students each year how to shine online. We teach students how their accounts can be used to create a portfolio of positive accomplishments that impress colleges and employers.
Join Our Smart Social Podcast
each week on iTunes
With over 240 episodes, Josh Ochs interviews psychologists, therapists, counselors, teachers, and parents while showing you how to navigate social media to someday shine online.
Listen on: