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.
Digital Citizenship Blog at SmartSocial.com
Social Media Safety: What Parents Should Know
Talking with your kids about social media safety is an important step towards making sure they are safe and happy online.
Social Media Hiatus: 5 Lessons Learned
A social media detox can empower kids and change them in positive ways. In this guest blog post, the director and owner of a tech-free community service summer program for teens shares some of the lessons that can be learned during a social media hiatus.
Beware: Fachat App Is like the New Chatroulette
The Fachat app lets strangers around the world pay to video chat with one another. The main goal of the app is for strangers to talk to each other, which makes Fachat incredibly dangerous for students.
The Negative Effects of Social Media for Teens
RSPH and the Young Health Movement (YHM) have published a new report, #StatusOfMind, examining the positive and negative effects of social media on young people’s health. Learn how social media can negatively effect children’s ability to sleep, trigger anxiety, increase body image issues, and what you can do to help.
MeetMe App: Too Dangerous for Kids
MeetMe connects strangers based on similar interests and locations. Users can private message, live stream, and set up in-person dates. They can also exchange gifts and money through the app. Police have warned that predators use MeetMe. The Smart Social team believes it’s way too risky for young users.
Call of Duty Mobile: Is the App Safe for Kids?
Call of Duty is one of the most popular video games of all time. Now millions of gamers are taking their violent, multiplayer battles on the go. There are several potential dangers for kids that parents should know about the new Call of Duty mobile app.
TikTok App Guide For Parents (Video)
The TikTok app is a make-your-own music video platform that is now one of the top most downloaded apps in the world. But as its popularity among teens rises in the US, there are a number of growing safety concerns and privacy issues that parents should know about.
20 Easy Tips for Using Social Media Responsibly
Negative social media use can lead to some serious consequences, like missed job opportunities or college rejections. Read these tips from social media safety experts to teach kids how to stay safe, positive, and responsible whenever they go online.
Kahoot App: What Parents Need to Know
The Kahoot app makes learning fun. Teachers love it and kids do, too. We’ve thoroughly researched the Kahoot app and found all the great features– and some negative ways some students are now using it to cheat and cause classroom chaos. Our comprehensive guide has everything parents need to know.
Snapchat App Parent Guide 2019
Snapchat is extremely popular among teens. It’s also widely regarded as dangerous among law enforcement. Teens can have a lot of fun using the photo and video messaging app, but there are some major privacy and safety concerns we want parents to know about.
Teen Social Media Statistics 2019 (What Parents Need to Know)
New social media statistics from Common Sense Media shed light on teens’ changing social media habits. It will come as no surprise to many parents that teen social media has increased dramatically. Understanding the trends of teen social media use will help your student build a positive digital footprint.
Is the VSCO App Safe for Teens?
VSCO is a photo editing and sharing app, similar to Instagram, with various filters and photo enhancements. Users can’t set their profiles to private, which means anything teens are posting to VSCO can easily be viewed by strangers.
Threads by Instagram: Is it Safe for Kids?
Threads by Instagram is a brand new messaging app that allows users to stay in constant contact with their closest friends. One of the options in Threads raises some serious privacy concerns. Users can let the app track them and send out automatic updates on their behalf.
7 Teens using Social Media for Good Deeds
There’s so much bad publicity these days about kids and social media. But there are also kids and teens out there using social media in positive ways that show you’re never too young to make a difference. Learn how these 7 teens used social media for good deeds.
Fire Challenge: A Life-Threatening Internet Challenge
Some kids are lighting themselves on fire or letting their friends ignite them. The dangerous social media stunt called the “Fire Challenge” has landed some kids across the country in the hospital. Yet the life-threatening social media challenge continues. Click here to keep your kids safe.
How Kids Can Benefit from Good Posture, Eye Contact, Proper English, & Solid Handshakes
Working to build inner confidence is a gift that will continue to pay off throughout life. Students will benefit from good posture, great eye contact, solid handshakes, and using proper English.
Lasso App from Facebook: What is it?
The Lasso app lets users create and edit videos to share on the app. The app is very similar to the popular Tik Tok app. Kids can have fun using Lasso, but the Smart Social team wants parents to be aware that complete strangers can watch your kid’s videos.
Following Your Kids on Social Media: Tips for Parents
Parents: should you be following your kids on social media? The Smart Social team consulted with some experts and they all agree– yes! So how can parents keep their kids safe online and encourage good digital behavior without being too intrusive? Read our article to learn more.
The Amino Chat App is Risky for Teens
The Amino Chat App encourages users to join different communities based on a wide range of interests. But everyone using the chat app is anonymous and that poses some serious safety concerns for teens.
