What is Jott Messenger? Parent App Guide (Video)

NOTE: As of April 2020, this app is no longer available in the iOS App Store or on Google Play.

Jott Messenger is an app that allows students to send individual and group messages without a data plan or a WiFi connection

• Jott messenger creates a closed network with other devices (usually using a direct bluetooth signal) and can reach other users up to 100-feet
• Users create a profile that can link to their profiles on other social networks, explore other profiles, group chat, and join a squad (group of users)
• Share your goals, interests, photos and videos to your public story or to individual users

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Jott Messenger in the news

The names of other kids using [Jott Messenger] are being shared with not just strangers, but adult strangers. –Cyber Safety Consulting

• • “As with all messaging apps, users can basically send or receive anything, especially when pictures are involved.” –Common Sense Media

“The names of other kids using [Jott Messenger] are being shared with not just strangers, but adult strangers.” –Cyber Safety Consulting

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Why should parents care?

Without proof that they are a student, users can add any school and see the profiles of students that go there.

• Jott Messenger provides a way for students without the data plan needed to text, or a smartphone, to still message with their friends
• Students’ profile pictures are emailed to anyone they invite to use the app, including strangers and adults
• Like Snapchat, Jott includes a “self-destructing” feature that lets the user decide when a message, photo, or video will disappear
• Without proof that they are a student, users can add any school and see the basic profiles of students that go to that school

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What can parents do?

Just because a photo, video, or post “self-destructs”, doesn’t mean that the message will remain private.

• Ensure your student knows that just because their photo, video, or post “self-destructs”, it doesn’t mean their message will remain private
• Teach your teens to judge a photo or message before they send anything through Jott, texting, or on social media
  • Challenge students to contemplate whether or not their post could negatively affect their online reputation

If your teen uses Jott Messenger:

• Discuss the safety concerns of other students sharing your student’s personal information with strangers
• Ask them to delete the app