Apps and Young Users: Warnings and Safeguards🔐

    Collaboration and communication apps have become ubiquitous  in everyday functioning, but there can be risks and benefits to using these web-based tools, especially for children and teens. Few would question that the Internet substantially influences children and teenagers, yet children and teens often lack the self-regulation skills needed for decision-making in the complex digital world. Applications on a smartphone can easily pull children into the digital world where cyberbullying and the constant availability of sexual content represent a potential source of stress for children. Apps historically noted as potentially dangerous for children and teens include Snapchat, Whisper, Blendr, and WhatsApp. An unfortunate reality exists where new apps are continually being developed to look harmless and to mask the more dangerous apps in use by young people. Careful oversight and monitoring by more knowledgeable parents and adults are increasingly important. The ability to block inappropriate apps and content is essential for schools, teachers, and parents.

       The goals of my presentation include:

1.     Inform parents of what is happening in the complicated digital world where children are concerned.

      2. Demonstrate the types of challenges children are facing with actual recent news stories.

      3. Express the importance of parental monitoring.

   4. Equip parents with tools they can use for decision-making and monitoring.

       You may view my slides by clicking Apps and Young Users: Warnings and Safeguards 

       The following video shows the some effective parental control apps.