Spotafriend App Guide for Parents & Teachers
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What is the Spotafriend app?
- Spotafriend is an app strictly for teens designed to help them find friends
- Even though Spotafriend functions like dating apps Tinder and Bumble, it claims it is not a dating app
- When signing up for an account, users can either sign up with their Facebook account or email address
- After filling out information like gender, birthday, and location, users are asked to take a selfie for age verification. The photo is then reviewed and if approved users can use the app
- Users are shown other Spotafriend users in their area and are encouraged to rate them by swiping right or left
- If a user wants to connect with another user, they swipe right. If both users swipe right, then they become a match and can begin a private chat
- Super swipes can be used to prioritize your profile to a member you swiped right on
- An ultimate membership is available for purchase. The membership grants access to more super swipes, priority profile listings, and an unlimited ability to change accidental left or right swipes
Why should parents care?
- Although the app specifically states in the app store that it is not meant for kids under the age of 17, their marketing encourages kids 13-19 years old to use the app
- The app uses “age recognition software” but there have been instances of adults being able to easily bypass the age restriction and software
- This app can be used by predators to try and target victims nearby
- Spotafriend uses geo-location which is a very dangerous feature that shares the user’s location with strangers
- Users are encouraged to chat with strangers in their area
- Apps that encourage users to rate others based on their looks can have a negative impact on teens’ self-esteem
- Users can forward profiles to other social networks without the profile owner even being aware that their information is being shared
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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.
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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.
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Table of Contents
From the creators of MyLOL, Spotafriend is an app strictly for teens that markets itself as the hottest teen swiping app for meeting new friends.
Parent & educator training video
What is the Spotafriend app?
- Spotafriend is an app strictly for teens designed to help them find friends
- Even though Spotafriend functions like dating apps Tinder and Bumble, it claims it is not a dating app
- When signing up for an account, users can either sign up with their Facebook account or email address
- After filling out information like gender, birthday, and location, users are asked to take a selfie for age verification. The photo is then reviewed and if approved users can use the app
- Users are shown other Spotafriend users in their area and are encouraged to rate them by swiping right or left
- If a user wants to connect with another user, they swipe right. If both users swipe right, then they become a match and can begin a private chat
- Super swipes can be used to prioritize your profile to a member you swiped right on
- An ultimate membership is available for purchase. The membership grants access to more super swipes, priority profile listings, and an unlimited ability to change accidental left or right swipes
Why should parents care?
- Although the app specifically states in the app store that it is not meant for kids under the age of 17, their marketing encourages kids 13-19 years old to use the app
- The app uses “age recognition software” but there have been instances of adults being able to easily bypass the age restriction and software
- This app can be used by predators to try and target victims nearby
- Spotafriend uses geo-location which is a very dangerous feature that shares the user’s location with strangers
- Users are encouraged to chat with strangers in their area
- Apps that encourage users to rate others based on their looks can have a negative impact on teens’ self-esteem
- Users can forward profiles to other social networks without the profile owner even being aware that their information is being shared
Spotafriend app in the news
Police call the teen cellphone app, Spotafriend ‘alarming’ –The San Diego Union Tribune
It's possible to change your age once you're logged in, and multiple adults have had no trouble posing as teens [on Spotafriend] –Common Sense Media
What can parents do?
- If your teen has the Spotafriend app, have them delete it and discuss the dangers of the app
- Check out our Parent App Guide page and encourage your student to use apps in our Green Zone
- Discuss how apps that encourage users to judge others solely based on their looks can have a negative impact
- Teach your teen to never try and meet a stranger in-person that they met online
- Consider creating a cellphone contract with your children before giving them access to a device
- Outline which apps are okay to download and which apps aren’t. Ensure you mention that they must ask for permission before downloading anything
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