The Hoop app makes it easier than ever for students to meet strangers on Snapchat. Users are rewarded for making as many new connections as possible.
Digital Citizenship Blog at SmartSocial.com
Is the Yubo App Safe for Kids?
Nicknamed “Tinder for Snapchat” and “Tinder for Teens”, the Yubo app markets itself as a way to make new friends. But not everyone on the app may be who they say they are.
Is It Too Late to Establish Smartphone and Social Media Guidelines?
Josh Ochs’ advice to parents about setting up smartphone and social media guidelines for teenagers. These are his four most important tips he wants all parents to hear.
Byte App: The New Looping Video App
The Byte app lets users make and share 6-second video loops. It launched in late January 2020 with a lot of online hype about its similarity to its predecessor, Vine.
HOLLA App vs. HOLA App: Why Both are Dangerous for Students
Both the HOLLA app and HOLA app allow people to video chat with random strangers around the world. While many conversations might stay innocent, users report widespread profanity and lewd behavior on both apps.
The Negative Impact of TikTok on Teens
TikTok is a fun and creative outlet for users to post videos, but some of the content users post contain explicit language, suggestive themes, and lewd gestures. Smart Social recommends parents monitor their student’s use of the app both for what they view and what they post.
LINE App: Avatars, Stickers, and Hidden Chats
The LINE app allows users to chat for free, make new friends, and play in a social media network filled with cute stickers and avatars. But the Smart Social team wants parents to know some important safety settings for any student using LINE.
Why Every Family Needs a Password Manager
While many families don’t think they have anything worth “hacking” — that couldn’t be further from the truth. Having a password manager drastically reduces the possibility of your family becoming the victim of ransomware, identity theft, malware, phishing, and other cyber attacks.
‘My Daughter was Cyberbullied on Snapchat’ Warns Mom
One mom has a warning for parents after her teenager was cyberbullied on Snapchat. Learn how parents can prevent this from happening to their kids.
BitLife App: Should My Student Play It?
The BitLife app guides players on a simulated life from birth to death. Players make text-based choices, which can promote safe or risky lifestyles. Students are exposed to mature ideas throughout the game, including sex, drugs, and violence.
Bark Investigation: How Predators Contact Kids Online
Ever wonder what dangers your kids are exposed to on social media? A 37 year-old mom recently went undercover to find out. Learn the dangers and how to protect your kids.
Why Every Family Needs a Social Media Agreement
A smartphone and social media agreement can help families create healthy internet habits and set clear boundaries anytime a new device is brought into the home.
10 Ways to Stay Safe When You Travel
Smart Social wants your kids to be safe online – at home, school, and on vacation. We asked some experts for the best travel hacks to keep your family and home safe. Tips for your home, your devices, and your personal information.
The Negative Effects of Video Games (Parent Guide)
Like most hobbies, playing videos games can be safe in moderation. However, younger students who have not yet developed the ability to self-regulate their behavior need guidance and support to develop those skills. Learn the negative effects of video games and how you can protect your children.
Should I Buy My Student a Smartphone for the Holidays?
Many students want smartphones and might even feel peer pressure to own one. But smartphones are powerful devices that give students access to the entire world by way of the internet and popular photo, video, and communication apps. Smartphones have the potential to enrich a student’s life, but they can also lead to some serious […]
How To Make The Youtube App Safe For Students
YouTube app users add new videos each day, at an astonishing rate, making it challenging to keep unsuitable content away from kids. It’s a fantastic source for education and entertainment, but the Smart Social team wants parents to know the potential for danger is also limitless on the YouTube app.
Negative Effects of Snapchat for Teens
RSPH and the Young Health Movement published a report called #StatusOfMind, which examines the positive and negative effects of social media on young people’s health. Snapchat is ranked as the second worst app for teen mental health. In this video, learn the negative effects of Snapchat for teens and tweens.
Facetune App: Is this Safe for Kids?
The Facetune app makes it easy to edit or retouch photos, but team at Smart Social thinks there are dangerous consequences for teens who regularly use the Facetune app to modify their photos for social media.
Signal App: Is it Safe for Kids?
Signal is a free private messaging app that promises privacy for users through end-to-end encryption. Users can text and make phone calls and video calls using the Signal app. This guide will tell you if the Signal app, which is widely used among security experts, is safe for your kids.
Instagram App Guide For Parents & Teachers (And New Features)
Instagram is one of the most popular apps for teens. And more than 1 billion users worldwide are now logging on to share photos, videos, and stories. But is it safe for your family? Click here to read our complete guide to Instagram.
