Group and team communication can sometimes be difficult. Using a group communication app, such as Spond,  to simplify announcements, calendar events, and more can be a huge help.

Spond is a free app that offers team and club communication management, including the ability to collect payments.

This guide for parents and students will cover everything you need to know if you use Spond to communicate. 

Educators and parents: Guide your students' reflection and discussion with this student worksheet. (Log in to your Google account and select File-->Make a Copy)

Is Spond a safe app?

One of the first questions you likely have is whether or not Spond is a safe app for teens to use. While features constantly change, Spond shares updated information about what they are doing to safeguard students here.

• Each admin has full control to determine who can contact the students in their club/team/group, so be sure and ask your group leader what settings they have used
• There is no verification process for group leaders so before joining a group, be sure that the group leader is who they say they are and they are someone you trust
• Spond does include messaging and private messaging features, so online bullying may be an issue. Coaches and/or group leaders should monitor group messages, and parents should set household rules for private messages
• You must use a phone number or email address to verify an account. Once used, that will permanently be linked to your profile
• Groups cannot be found by searching, so you must have an invite to join

What is Spond? Parent, Student, and Educator Video

What is Spond? 

• Spond is a group communication tool and team management app that makes it easy to manage teams, clubs, or groups 
• It allows groups to invite members to practices or events, communicate important information, and collect payments
• Members of the group can receive push notifications of important events or new messages within the app, making it easier to be sure everyone has the information they need
• Spond can automatically sync with your calendar, so members do not have to manually add events

What is Spond rated?

• Spond is privately owned, the app is free to use, and it is available for download on both Android and iOS mobile devices
• Apple App Store: 4+
• Google Play Store: E (Everyone)

Why do students want to be on Spond?

• Students are often invited to Spond by a coach or other group leader
• It helps them stay connected with the group and stay aware of any events or announcements 
• Teammates can share photos and information with each other and work to strengthen relationships outside of practice time

Why should parents & educators care? 

• Parents and guardians are encouraged to create an account and join the group with their children so they are able to stay connected with the group and not rely on students to pass on information
• Parents can connect with other parents in the group to arrange carpools, volunteer time, and more
• Since other group members will share pictures, parents can often find photos of their child that they would not have otherwise seen

More resources for parents, students, & educators 

• Best Chat Apps: What Parents, Educators & Students Need to Know
• Remind App Guide (2023): What Parents, Educators, & Students Need to Know
• GroupMe App Guide for Parents, Educators, & Students (2023)
• Telegram Messenger Parent Guide

Conclusion

Spond can be a great option for team communication. As with any app that allows students to chat with each other, there is always a risk of online bullying or students coming across inappropriate content. Since parents, coaches, and other adults are often in the Spond group, this risk is likely lower than with other apps, but students should still be made aware of what to do if they ever find themselves in a difficult situation online. Spond is free to use and quickly gaining popularity due to its ease of use. This team communication app can be a great way for groups to stay connected and up to date about group events.