Social Media 

A large number of our students appear to be using one or all of these apps in some form. The most popular social media apps being Instagram and snap chat.  The official legal age to be using these apps is 13 years of age. 

We suggest you speak with your children over this long weekend about these apps and social media platforms. Ask them if they are using them and have a look at their phones and devices.  Is their profile private? What sort of comments are they making on other people's pages? Whilst their profile might be private, comments they make on other people's pages might not be.

Some advice on snapchat:

Snapchat has "Terms of Use" that need to be read and discussed. These terms include verifying the user is at least 13 years of age and, if under age 18, they have parental permission. The user also agrees to grant Snapchat access to their address book and allows it to upload that information to its servers. 

Some teens assume that because video and photo texts or "Snaps" as they are called, disappear in just a few seconds the app is totally harmless. However, photos can be saved as screenshots. With the screen capture capability, it's possible for private pictures to be circulated on the Internet. Make sure your child realizes that what they post now could surface later in life when they least expect it. One's online presence leaves a trail. Help them make smart decisions to keep themselves and their reputations safe. 

You can find more info on this link:

http://familyshare.com/parenting/10-things-parents-and-kids-should-know-about-the-snapchat-app

Some advice on Instagram:

Instagram is available on your child’s iPod, iPad, iPhone, or Android phone or device. Many parents have been surprised to learn their child, under the age of thirteen, had a secret Instagram account they were accessing from their iPod. If in doubt, check it out. Some students have as many as 3 or 4 different accounts. Sometimes they will show you one, but have another.

Instagram is another social platform, therefore, your teen can become friends with strangers posing as another teen. They have the option to “follow” other Instagram users in the “Popular” section. This is one of the ways they can come in contact with strangers. Many times teens feel it is popular to follow many people similar to collecting “likes” on Facebook. Always check their friend’s list to make sure you know the people they are communicating with.

A particularly interesting aspect of Instagram is DM or Direct messaging.  The Direct Message feature allows ANYONE to contact an instagram user via text even if their account is private. Even if you’re following your child on Instagram , using Direct Message will bypass you completely. You might not have any idea the comments that are being made via DM.

See the attached article below: A parent's guide to Instagram. This resource is from www.netsafe.org.nz, a great NZ website with helpful tips for parents around digital citizenship, social media sites and general internet use.

There is plenty to discuss and think about. Given the legal age is 13 for a large majority of these platforms, should your children be using these apps at all?