With group chat apps like BAND, team and group communication is easier than ever. The BAND app is a popular way for sports teams, school clubs, and other private groups to communicate with each other. This app allows parents, students, and coaches to stay connected and up to date on upcoming events, important team announcements, team members, and more. 

We have researched this app and this SmartSocial guide will walk parents through everything they need to know to safely and effectively use the BAND app.

Parent training video

What is the BAND app?

• BAND is a group communication tool that makes it quick and easy to communicate with members of a team or group
• This app offers a shared calendar, photo album, shared files, group messages, and private messages between members
• Team communication apps like BAND eliminate the hassle of removing a single person from a large group message thread when they leave the group
• Users can communicate without the complications of messaging on cross-platform devices with standard text message chains 

Where is the BAND app available?

Apple App Store Rating: 12+

Google Play Rating: T (Teen)

App developer website: NAVER, South Korea

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Is the BAND app safe?

• Group members must be invited within the BAND app, so there is minimal risk of strangers interacting with your child or accessing their information
• Parents are typically encouraged to join the BAND group with their children so they have access to everything their child sees, except private messages that are sent directly to the child
• Group leaders who want to invite kids under the age of 13 to the group can set up their group under “BAND for Kids.” This will set the group settings to “private” and automatically turn the chat features off by default 
• The BAND app is certified by the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which is a U.S. federal law that prohibits online service providers from collecting and using information from children under the age of 13 (Source: BAND)
• Cyberbullying or the sharing of inappropriate content is always a concern with any app that allows teens to communicate through private messaging

Why do students want to be on the BAND app?

• In most cases, the coach or group leader has decided the group will be communicating using BAND and asked members of the team/group/club to join the app to avoid missing important information
• Announcements are much easier to stay on top of through BAND because they can be sent through the chat features and events can be shared in the app’s calendar as well
• BAND helps students stay connected to their group without making their communication public

What can parents & educators do?

• We recommend parents join the BAND app with their child, not only to stay in the loop as far as team communication but also to be aware if any potential cyberbullying issues arise
• Be aware of the settings that the group owners have set for the group your child is in, such as whether it is set up as a “BAND for Kids” group or not and who the other adults in the group are
• Set boundaries as a family about appropriate online behaviors ahead of time, including creating a family digital media agreement so everyone is on the same page

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
• Free Team Communication App: Parent’s Guide to Spond

Conclusion

Team communication is an important aspect of any group activity – from team sports to school clubs. The BAND app simplifies this process, making it not only easy but safe for all participants to stay connected. 

With its comprehensive suite of features like a shared calendar, group messaging, and robust privacy settings, BAND provides a streamlined way for team members to communicate without the clutter and security concerns of other communication methods.

Using apps like BAND, group leaders can ensure that all communications are timely, relevant, and above all, safe for the kids involved.

‍