Unfortunately, apps that allow anonymous messaging between teens are seeing a resurgence. In recent weeks, the anonymous app NGL has exceeded 15 million installs. Parents, and teens, need to be aware of the real danger of anonymous messaging. While the mechanics of various anonymous messaging apps can differ, the concept is consistent. These apps allow…
Read MoreSocial Media & Drugs: What Parents Need To Know
Sammy Chapman was an amazing kid, sweet, funny, curious, and an A student. His parents Sam and Laura worked hard to keep him away from dangerous people and places. But, like most parents, they had no idea that drug dealers were preying on their children using social media platforms. And they had no idea illegal,…
Read MoreTime to Get Serious About Social Media Safety
Big Social Media has had a particularly rough two months of press. Almost daily, articles have graced the front pages of newspapers highlighting grave social media-related dangers affecting our families. We hope that parents and educators do not become overwhelmed by the sheer breadth of these reports, but rather that all this evidence serves as…
Read MoreCyberbullying: 6 Reasons Why It’s Common
Of the many social media-related dangers that affect our children, cyberbullying is one of the most common and concerning. We have found that about 40% of 5th graders self-report having been cyberbullied via social media, with year-to-year increases as students age. Cyberbullying victims can suffer short and long-term mental health and even physical effects. Of highest concern, cyberbullied students…
Read MoreIs Social Media Actually Dangerous for Kids?
Just Listen to Facebook’s Own Research If you are looking at our website, you likely agree with the proposition that social media is dangerous for children. But in case you might be wavering in that conclusion or if you find yourself in a conversation with a friend or colleague who dismisses these concerns as paranoia, please take…
Read MoreWatch Out: Skullbreaker Challenge
There is a new, potentially lethal, challenge going viral on social media called the Skullbreaker Challenge. Make sure you know how to protect your tweens and teens. What are challenges? Challenges are online dares. They may be physical in nature, such as requiring people to dump a bucket full of ice on their heads (the…
Read MoreWatch Out For: Social Media-Fueled Eating Disorders
Each month we alert you to a site or trend that you need to be aware of to protect your teenaged social media users. This month we are warning you about: Eating Disorders. While many are generally familiar with what eating disorders are, many parents may not realize how social media can exacerbate eating disorders and contribute to an…
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