Is the Voxer App Safe for Students?
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Is the Voxer App Safe for Students?
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Hello, I'm Josh, the founder of SmartSocial.com.
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Voxer is a free messaging app for smartphones that allows users to send real-time voice messages (like a walkie-talkie) to other users. With the app, users can also send photos, gifs, or text messages using the app.
Parent & educator training video
What is Voxer?
- Users can use Voxer to send individual or group chats
- Voxer offers end-to-end encryption, so when users create a Private Chat, only the person who is receiving the message can listen, read, or see it
Teen messaging statistics
- 91% of teens with cell phones actively text
- 1 in 5 teens have engaged in sending, receiving, or forwarding sexually suggestive photos through text message or email – and over 33% know of a friend who has sent or received these kinds of messages
Sources: GuardChild & Text Request
Voxer in the news
Users don’t need to go through a mobile service provider but can use Voxer with other users. This means an unwise teen can use Voxer to send bullying group texts, chat with strangers, or send inappropriate photos user-to-user.
You can even zoom in to find your [Voxer] friend's approximate location and the street he's currently on.
CNET
Why should parents care?
By default, profiles are public and other users can access your personal information like name, location, and phone number.
- Students are using the Voxer Walkie Talkie Messenger app to cyberbully other students
- Teens can partake in inappropriate behavior that doesn’t show up on their parents’ phone bill
- Users can screenshot and share content from Voxer even if the other user thinks that information is private
- When a user signs up, Voxer automatically shares their location
- Strangers can contact your student on the app by using your student’s name or email address
- By default, profiles are public and other users can access your personal information like name, location, and phone number
What can parents do?
Have a dialog with your teen to discuss the dangers of using anonymous apps and how they can hurt their online footprint.
- If your student has the Voxer app, have them delete the app
- When you’re ready for your student to be online, read our Popular App Guide for Parents and Educators, to learn which messaging apps are safe for teens
- Have a dialog with your teen to discuss the dangers of using anonymous apps and how they can hurt their online footprint
- Remind students that content they think is private can be made public online and on social media
- Remind your teen that they can always come to you if they are being cyberbullied or contacted by strangers online
- Challenge your student to connect with their friends offline, in healthy and productive ways
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This is great info, thanks for giving me some ideas on how to start a dialogue with my teen!
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This webinar is a very helpful eye-opener on the apps that are popular with my students.
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