Keeping track of how preteens and teens use smartphones is a difficult task, but the pitfalls of the digital
age leave us
no choice. The ease at which kids can be subjected to adult content, cyberbullying, illicit sharing of explicit photos, and
direct communication with predators is alarming. We encourage principals to use these tips (and others) in monthly
newsletters to parents or other communications. Consider sharing one tip at a time or focus on a particular subject.
Problematic Apps
Whisper allows users to create anonymous accounts
and share private information on subject matters
of their choice. They can then like content and be
hooked up for instant messaging with a perfect
stranger. Most content is adult in nature.
Tinder allows users to find (with preferences) indi-
viduals in their same geographic area for romantic
dates. Predators can create fake accounts to trick
kids into communicating with them.
Lipsi is a social media app with anti-social repercus-
sions. It allows users to create anonymous content
and cyberbully others. It is very difficult for law en-
forcement and school officials to track down abusers.
Instagram is very popular among adults as well as
kids. Young people are often subjected adult content
simply as a result of following humorous accounts.
Some users create separate accounts to avoid being
monitored. Parents should know how to switch be-
tween accounts and monitor the direct messaging
feature on the app, as more kids are using that func-
tion over their primary texting apps.
Media apps like Houseparty and TikTok have func-
tions and sharing features that allow for video mes-
saging, and predators are becoming more adept at
using these platforms to reach out to children. Addi-
tionally, there are no filters to screen explicit content.
Messaging apps like Kik and WhatsApp are popular
texting apps that kids use to get around parent mon-
itoring. All they require is an Internet connection (no
email or phone required to set up). Parents should
monitor those communications or not allow their
child to have the apps on their device.
Parent Responsibilities
Parents should review options for limiting screen
time on their child’s phone. Search “Screen time
helps” on the Web for tips on how to implement
these important restrictions on your child’s device.
Kids should NOT have unilateral access to download
and delete apps. Restrictions can be implemented on
most phones. We encourage parents to remove an
app when they load a new one to ensure that screen
demands are limited.
Recent studies show that parents have an even larger
issues with digital addiction. The decrease in parental
interpersonal interactions with children is hindering
childhood development in a very negative way. Don’t
be on your phone when your kids are around. When
you are in the car, have them take out their earbuds
and ask them questions to help them learn how to
have appropriate interpersonal communications.
Young people often use slang and acronyms to mask
their communications. WTTP - Want to Trade Pics?
KPC - Keeping Parents Clueless, are just a few of
these terms. Research and ask your child about any
term you’re unfamiliar with.
Recent surveys show that for many teenagers, shar-
ing nude photos is considered less intimate than
holding hands. More and more kids are sharing nude
photos as part of their interactions with potential
romantic interests, even before meeting! Help your
child understand the implications of sharing such
content. Nude photos of minor children is considered
child pornography and kids can be criminally charged
with possession or distribution if it is found on their
devices or if they shared it. These are serious conse-
quences they may not fully grasp.