How Safe is the Phhhoto app?

, you're logged in!
April 12, 2017

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.

What is the Phhhoto app?

The Phhhoto app encourages users to share photos/videos with strangers and friends

  • Phhhoto is a camera app that shoots moving pictures that continually loop to make short movies
  • Users can like, comment, share, and follow other users on the Phhhoto app
  • This app is also a photo-sharing community where users can see the best-animated photos picked by other users
  • Users can buy or add special filters to their moving pictures. Special filters are only available for about 24 hours
  • The Phhhoto app encourages users to share photos/videos with strangers and friends, either in public or private using a Phhhoto “party” which is a chatroom-like feature

Why should parents care?

There is no option to make an account private on the Phhhoto app.

  • Students without smartphones or email addresses can get access to the app. Users can use a landline or any number to verify their account if they are on a tablet or wifi-only device
  • There is no option to make an account private, users can only block specific users from seeing their Phhhoto posts
  • If your student joined a “party” and that party has expired, they do not have the ability to delete a photo unless they are the party host
  • Users can screenshot an image that has been posted in a “private party” and can share that on other social networks

Login or join the VIP membership today to view all resources about the Phhhoto app!

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.

Quotation marks

This is great info, thanks for giving me some ideas on how to start a dialogue with my teen!

StarStarStarStarStar

Sharon M.

Parent VIP Member

Quotation marks

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.

StarStarStarStarStar

Director of College Advising

Educator Webinar Attendee

Quotation marks

This webinar is a very helpful eye-opener on the apps that are popular with my students.

StarStarStarStarStar

Irene C.

Educator Webinar Attendee

Table of Contents

NOTE: The Phhhoto app is no longer available in the iOS App Store or on Google Play. The makers of Phhhoto have created a new app called HYPNO that's now available in the iOS App Store.

The Phhhoto app encourages users to share photos/videos with strangers and friends

  • Phhhoto is a camera app that shoots moving pictures that continually loop to make short movies
  • Users can like, comment, share, and follow other users on the Phhhoto app
  • This app is also a photo-sharing community where users can see the best-animated photos picked by other users
  • Users can buy or add special filters to their moving pictures. Special filters are only available for about 24 hours
  • The Phhhoto app encourages users to share photos/videos with strangers and friends, either in public or private using a Phhhoto “party” which is a chatroom-like feature

Parent & educator training video

Teen photo sharing statistics

  • Teens readily post personal information online. 64% post photos or videos of themselves
  • 48% of teens say it is common for inappropriate or explicit photos to get shared with people other than the intended recipient

Sources: Online Safety Site & Statistic Brain

Phhhoto app in the news

[Phhhoto] has high risks for bullying, sexting, adult content, and meeting strangers. Safer Kid
Your child might not be doing anything wrong [on Phhhoto], but the people they follow could be–and that’s where it’s almost impossible to track and monitor. iParent

Why should parents care?

There is no option to make an account private on the Phhhoto app.

  • Students without smartphones or email addresses can get access to the app. Users can use a landline or any number to verify their account if they are on a tablet or wifi-only device
  • There is no option to make an account private, users can only block specific users from seeing their Phhhoto posts
  • If your student joined a “party” and that party has expired, they do not have the ability to delete a photo unless they are the party host
  • Users can screenshot an image that has been posted in a “private party” and can share that on other social networks

What can parents do?

Encourage your student to delete the Phhhoto app and use social networks that can positively impact their Google results.

  • Teach your student to never engage in a conversation with a stranger online or on social media--and to never share personal information or pictures with them
  • Remind your teen to only post photos that they would be proud to show to college admissions and employers
  • Encourage your student to delete the Phhhoto app and use the social media networks in our Green Zone that can positively impact their Google results
  • Read our Instagram Parent App Guide to learn how students can share photos on Instagram (when you’re ready for them to be online) to create a portfolio of positive accomplishments

Share Your Thoughts With Our Team

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Attention 9th-12th Grade Students:
Join Our College Exploration Summer Program

Embark on a transformative summer journey through daily Zoom workshops, where students in grades 9-12 can explore careers, majors, and colleges.

Apply For This Program Here

District Leaders: 
Join Our Online Educational Conference to Learn ChatGPT, AI, Social Media Safety & Parent Engagement Strategies

Apply For Free Access Today

The 2023 Summer Educational Technology Summit is a three-module online resource featuring 45+ industry-leading educators from across the country, presenting on strategies to tackle some of the most pressing issues in education today.

Become a Very Informed Parent (VIP) to get our social media suggestions in your email every Tuesday & Thursday.
Dotted arrow to right
Learn about our
"Very Informed Parent" 
VIP Program
Right arrow
Josh Ochs headshot Round
Schools & Districts: Partner with us to protect your community online

Our remote presentations (and website) teaches over a million students each year how to shine online. We teach students how their accounts can be used to create a portfolio of positive accomplishments that impress colleges and employers.

Partner with SmartSocial.com
Right arrow
SmartSocial podcast logo
Join Our Smart Social Podcast each week on iTunes

With over 240 episodes, Josh Ochs interviews psychologists, therapists, counselors, teachers, and parents while showing you how to navigate social media to someday shine online.

Listen on:

Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
Youtube
Spotify

Here are some of the latest resources at SmartSocial.com: