Website, Apps and social networks to be aware of:
SARAHAH – this is a fairly new App that is very popular, though you have to be 18 to use it.
The anonymous-commentary app launched in February; loosely translated, its name means “honesty” in Arabic. The app, theoretically, does what it says on the tin: It allows users to submit honest comments, questions, and critiques to their peers. How do you know they’re honest? Because the comments are submitted anonymously.
LIVE ME – this is a popular live streaming mobile app which allows its users to post live broadcasts and receive “tips” from other users for completing specific tasks during live broadcasts. These “tips” are in the form “gold coins” and can be exchanged for money. Users then have the ability to either delete the recording of the live broadcast or post it on their profile. The app also does not have any restrictions on the age an individual needs to be to create an account.
Understandably, this app has attracted young people who may not be equipped to understand the dangers of recording and sharing sexual videos or engaging in sexual activity while streaming live video feeds. They need to understand that anyone on the other end of the live feed can capture a still image or video of them engaged in that activity – all without their knowledge.
Roblox
Musical.ly
13 Reasons Why – Netflix series
Blue Whale – a game that is played via many social-media platforms
www.memrise.com – a free website facility that schools use to upload their vocabulary lists for each half term that students can access to practice. It has been brought to staff’s attention that you can ‘follow’ people via the site, yet you cannot block or stop people from following you. There is no facility to interact with these people, however, they can post information about themselves in their ‘bio.’ It is understood that some followers have highly inappropriate content in their ‘bios’ including links to websites that may well be just as inappropriate.
https://www.moviestarplanet.com/
Houseparty – Group Video Chat is a video-focused social media app. Friends (and friends of friends) can communicate with each other via live video and texts. Because there’s no screening and the video is live, there’s always the possibility of inappropriate content for children.
Doki Doki Literacy Club – This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed. The game apparently gets users to complete a game that shows how to kill themselves and kill other people, following a story that strips their emotions.
A Youtuber called Chad Wild Clay – posts Youtube videos that look and sound very child friendly but when you watch them they are actually about weapons – knives, knuckle gloves that can have blades attached, concealed knives in everyday objects. The most concerning thing is that these videos are targeting younger children and there is no age restriction attached.
Please be aware that this content is unsuitable and is not age restricted.
The most concerning thing is that if parents glanced at the youtube video they would think it is suitable for their children to watch as it is just like the videos where children are opening surprise toys. We would therefore urge you to check your parent control settings.
Chat Avenue – A Walsall primary School has shared a concern regarding Chat Avenue, where it appears that indecent pictures were sent to children.
MOMO Challenge – please be aware that this is a hoax and children should not open this website.
Avakin Life – a site with the potential risks of grooming. There is more information about this platform here.
Here is a list of 5 sites and Apps teens might still be using and parents should be aware of:
UPDATE: APRIL 2021
Colleagues at West Midlands Police have made us aware of the following social media library of apps that may give cause for concern.
| List of Apps to be aware of | View/Download |
