What is the Periscope App? Social Media Safety Guide
Become a member or log in to learn more on this topic
Superintendents, Directors and Principals: Request a partnership on this page to unlock our resources for your whole community.
Note: Periscope is no longer available for download and its services have transitioned to Twitter.
What is the Periscope App?
- The Periscope app was owned by Twitter
- Periscope was a location based app. It made it easy to find out where users live or which school they probably attend
- Users could watch real time videos from other users from around the world
- Users could broadcast video live from anywhere using mobile device and internet connection or watch other users' videos and interact with them by sending messages and hearts (which means you like their videos)
- The more hearts a user got, the higher they would "flutter" on the screen
- When you followed others users, you would get notifications each time they broadcast live videos
- Sometimes, students would share on Periscope their school name and/or their plans for the day
Why should parents worry about students using Periscope?
Some teens get in trouble using the Periscope app.
- This is a location based app. Sometimes, younger kids share their school name and what they are going to do after they finish recording.
- Kids are sharing their names and personal information. This information is available for every registered user.
- Kids use the Periscope app as a chat app. Everyone can send them a message and/or ask a question.
- It’s easy to find users if you know their Twitter username.
- Some teens get in trouble using the Periscope app:
Two Utah teens were arrested after livestreaming on Periscope how they broke into a truck and stole tubs of ice cream - NBC News - Parent's say:
Periscope is ALREADY on its way to becoming a parent's worst nightmare following numerous reports of sexual harassment and bullying - Daily Mail
Login or join the VIP membership today to view all resources about the Periscope app and Twitter!
Become a member or log in to learn more on this topic
Superintendents, Directors and Principals: Request a partnership on this page to unlock our resources for your whole community.
This is great info, thanks for giving me some ideas on how to start a dialogue with my teen!
Sharon M.
Parent VIP Member
Josh's presentation about social media was unbelievably fantastic. Our students learned so much about what kids should and shouldn't be doing. The fact that it is such a thoughtful process made it all worthwhile.
Director of College Advising
Educator Webinar Attendee
This webinar is a very helpful eye-opener on the apps that are popular with my students.
Irene C.
Educator Webinar Attendee
This app is listed in the SmartSocial.com Green Zone.
This app is not safe for students to use unsupervised, but a Green Zone app can serve a positive purpose to help a student to navigate social media and someday build an online brand. Read more below to find out why this app is in the Green Zone.
This app is listed in the SmartSocial.com Gray Zone.
Gray Zone apps often contain lots of private & disappearing messages, and strangers can use this to chat with students. Parents should participate in these apps with students to keep them safe. This zone can be a great place for family time since many of these apps can be entertaining, and let your students express themselves. Read more below to find out why this app is in the Gray Zone.
This app is listed in the SmartSocial.com Red Zone.
Red Zone apps often have lots of anonymous features, adult content, and easy contact with strangers. Supervision is strongly suggested on each of these apps or move your kids to a safer zone. All apps require parental supervision, these apps more than others. Read more below to find out why this app is in the Red Zone or view our list of 100+ Apps to find a safer app with your student.
Join our weekly newsletter to learn about the 100+ app reviews at SmartSocial.com
This trend is categorized as a Dangerous Social Media Challenge.
Viral challenges encourage students to do dangerous things to garner likes, views, attention, and subscribers. These challenges can be found across several social networks and may encourage students to perform dangerous activities. SmartSocial.com keeps parents updated on these social media challenges before an incident may occur in your community.
For a limited time, this guide is available for everyone.
Districts: Click here to set up a call with us to discuss how to make this available for your community all year long.
Parents: Consider becoming a member to get access to all of our guides all year long.
Table of Contents
Note: Periscope is no longer available for download and its services have transitioned to Twitter.
What is the Periscope App?
The Periscope app is owned by Twitter.
Periscope is a location based app. It's easy to find out where users live or which school they probably attend.
- Watch real time videos from other users from around the world.
- Broadcast video live from anywhere using mobile device and internet connection.
- Watch other users' videos and interact with them by sending messages and hearts (which means you like their videos). The more hearts you get, the higher they flutter on the screen.
- Browse live or recent broadcasts.
- Follow users to get notifications each time they broadcast live videos.
Sometimes, students share on Periscope their school name and/or their plans for the day.
How does the Periscope App work?
Periscope is a mobile app that works on Android, iPhone and some tablets. To create a Periscope account you use your Twitter account or phone number.
It’s easy to find your students on Periscope if you know their Twitter usernames.
How to find, watch, and broadcast videos on Periscope
- Follow people from Twitter
- Find most viewed broadcasters
- Find broadcasters by location
- Watch trending videos
- Students use the Periscope app as a chat app. Everyone can send them a message and/or ask a question
- To start broadcasting your own video you need to give the Periscope app access to your camera, microphone, and location.
Why should parents worry about students using Periscope?
Some teens get in trouble using the Periscope app.
- This is a location based app. Sometimes, younger kids share their school name and what they are going to do after they finish recording.
- Kids are sharing their names and personal information. This information is available for every registered user.
- Kids use the Periscope app as a chat app. Everyone can send them a message and/or ask a question.
- It’s easy to find users if you know their Twitter username.
- Some teens get in trouble using the Periscope app:
Two Utah teens were arrested after livestreaming on Periscope how they broke into a truck and stole tubs of ice cream - NBC News - Parent's say:
Periscope is ALREADY on its way to becoming a parent's worst nightmare following numerous reports of sexual harassment and bullying - Daily Mail
What can teachers and parents do to keep students safe online?
Show your students how the Periscope app can negatively affect their reputation and their future.
- If your kids use Periscope - have a conversation with them.
- Show your students how this app can negatively affect their reputation and future if they share inappropriate content.
- Ask students not share their real names, age, phone or address.
- Explain to your kids they shouldn’t agree to meet people from the app.
- Explain to your kids that anyone online can watch their live videos, take screenshots and bully them with the recordings.
- Tell your students they can always come to you if they have questions or concerns about their online activity or about other online users.
- Remind your students to be Light, Bright & Polite in real life, as well as online.
Comment below if you have any questions or tell us for which app we should create our next safety guide.
Logged in and still not seeing content? This course may not be part of your membership plan. Click here to join.
Share Your Thoughts With Our Team
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
.jpg)