You don’t have to understand the latest app that your child is using because apps will come and go. However, it is important that you understand the opportunities and problems associated with the types of apps your child is using, and why your child is wanting to use those apps.
This site from NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) reviews many apps for Safety Features, Privacy & Location, Reporting & Blocking, and Content.
Recommendations
Some apps are very problematic. Unfortunately, many students are naive to the potential problems until they occur. Consider these topics for discussion with your child:
- Accidentally incurring costs through data over charges, in-app purchases or impulse purchases.
- Accidentally viewing content that is disturbing and hard to get out of your mind.
- Accidentally sharing information that you didn’t want shared on the internet.
- Students may not be aware of or understand the default privacy settings for the app.
- Being unaware of or not understanding the app’s terms of service.
- Students may unknowingly agree to something they didn’t want or intend to agree to.
- Posting content that creates reputation damage.
- Students may not be aware that what they post can suddenly be shared far more widely than they expected.
- Posting content that limits options for future relationships or careers.
- Students may not be aware that what they post remains on the internet and can affect their future.
- Being bombarded by ads that normalize problematic ideas or unhealthy images.
There are some potentially problematic app-use behaviours that you should keep an eye out for. If you notice that your child is exhibiting any of the following behaviours, consider working with your child to develop healthier app-use habits:
- Wanting to use apps anonymously.
- Wanting to interact with random people.
- Wanting to hide app use from parents.
- Wanting to hide app use from friends.
- Frequently viewing and aspiring to be like ‘photoshopped’ people.
Further Reading
From Common Sense Media: 11 Social Media Red Flags Parents Should Know About