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YOLO anonymous questions app became the #1 app in Apple Store in 2018. However, until today the app still remains popular among Snapchat users.

Similar to the Sarahah app, YOLO allows kids to ask and answer questions anonymously.

In this post we go through the following questions :

How does the work?

Is this app safe for children

Parent reviews on this app

What can you do if your child wants to use this app?

The YOLO anonymous questions app is linked to a user's Snapchat account, allowing them to get answers from their friends and strangers.

When your child signs up to this app using their Snapchat account they allow themselves to be targeted by strangers on the platform (also bullying and threats from people they don't know).

What is the YOLO anonymous questions app?

YOLO stands for "you only live once" is an app that allows kids to ask and answer questions anonymousl y

The app is embedded within Spanchat. Using this app users can comment and post answers anonymously.

Users can also create questions, to get answers from other users.

The app can be downloaded on iOs and Android devices.

Age requirement for this app

Users need to be at least 17 years old to use this. Previously, the age was set to 12 years old.

Due to bullying and other safety issues, it has now increased to 17 years old.

Google Play has given it a rating of PEGI18

How does the Yolo anonymous questions app work?

Users need to Login using their Snapchat account

Once the app is downloaded your kids can get anonymous messages from Snapchat to their YOLO account

Your kids have to add "ask me anything" sticker into their Snap Story

Whoever that sees your kids Snap Story then will just have to swipe up and be able to ask them any question anonymously

Your child then can decide if they want to reply to the question sent to them

Users can block other users without the app notifying the follower

Users can report questions without letting the other user know that they are being reported

Don't forget to check this out

Why is Yolo so popular?

This app is popular especially among teenagers because it is an add-on app on Snapchat.

In fact, the app was created in just 3 days and the makers made it 'Just for fun'. They were surprised to see the app going viral with no media attention given to it.

Yolo app review :

Apps like this can facilitate bullying. For instance, Sarahah an app that got removed from IOS and Android last year because of enabling bullying.

The anonymous messaging app can be a source of sending hate messages and insensitive replies to users.

Common Sense Media has given this app a one-star rating. It has warned parents to not use this app

Bullying on this app:

Yolo anonymous questions apps like this are known to be a ground for bullying.

There is no doubt that apps like this can facilitate such behavior since users can hide behind the screen and not be accountable for their actions.

Though the app is made with the purpose of users being able to get positive messages, the problem is that most of its users are teenagers.

Users have reported being harassed on this app. Despite reporting it to the app, no action was taken to stop the harasser from messaging the user.

What do the developers say about the app?

Popshow the developers of this app did not know the app would be a success. In an interview with TechCrunch they stated that :

"It was not supposed to be a success. It was just for us to learn " Henrion tells me in his first interview about his startup. "Let's just put it on the App Store and see how people behave. It went 100% viral. It's crazy. Even we didn't believe our eyes when we saw that [it went to #1]."

The developers may not have thought about the consequences of anonymous messaging apps like this on teens. Hence, we will have to see how this app is being used by that age group.

They will need to work hard to weed out bullying and hateful messages from the app to keep it safe for kids.

Safety Measure:

Before signing up for the app, users will be given a prompted message that states that the app has "no tolerance for objectionable content or abusive users."

The questions remain if users will abide by the app rule. This is something we have to wait and see.

Can Yolo anonymous question app reveal a user's name?

Based on the research conducted, so far, it is not possible to reveal a user's name on this app.

Hence, the app is able to maintain it's popularity through it being anonymous.

Is Yolo trustworthy and safe?

It is currently the number 1 app in the Apple Store among teens

The anonymous questions app can be a source of bullying for many of its users

It is so easy to sign up to this app which makes it appealing to many teens

School kids can abuse this app and use it to send hateful messages to avoid trouble from saying things loud in school. In other words, they can use this app to bully others.

The app is rated for aged 17+. At an interview with the BBC, Protect Young Eyes stated that "Anonymity... has always created a breeding ground for hate and very poor teen decision-making,

How to delete the Yolo app?

1. Open Snapchat

2. Click on Profile icon

3. Click on the Gear icon

4. Click on Connected Apps

5. Click on Yolo app

6. Click Center of Screen

7. You will be prompted "Remove the app"

8. Click on the Remove tab

9. And now you have unlinked Yolo from Snapchat.

What can you do if your child is using this app?

1. Find out the real reason for your child to be using this app. If they are doing it to seek validation from others then this can be a potential problem you may need to discuss with your child.

2. Always use the apps your kids are using so you understand how the app works and the dangers associated with it.

3. Remind your kids to be kind online. Even if they are sending messages anonymously.

4. If your kids are below the age of 17 years old do not allow them to sign up to Snapchat or this app. In fact, hold off Snapchat for as long as you can. Plenty of safety issues with this app.

5. Finally, let your child know they do not need to seek validation from strangers. Give them the confidence to believe in themselves.

6. Before giving your child access to social media, do check out the smartphone self-evaluation kit for kids and see if your child is ready for such an app.

psst, don't forget to :Download the THE GROWTH MINDSET KIT helping children to stay calm, confident and grounded even when growing up around social media.

Conclusion

Yolo anonymous questions app founders have stated how they want to keep this app safe for its users and develop an algorithm that can weed out negativity.

However, many anonymous messaging apps like this ends up being a place that facilitates bullying.

Remind your kids, that even when things are anonymous, a screenshot of messages can always be taken.

Someday these messages may backfire on them.

Let them know that everything they do online will be traced back to their digital footprint. Hence, be careful with what they say or share.

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Yolo anonymous questions app: Is it safe and trustworthy?

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YOLO anonymous questions app became the #1 app in Apple Store in 2018. However, until today the app still remains popular among Snapchat users. Similar to the Sarahah app, YOLO allows kids to ask and answer questions anonymously. In this post we go through the following questions : How does the work?

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Explained: What is Among Us?

What is Among Us?

Among Us is a social deception game which can be downloaded for free on Android and iOs, or to purchase for use on a PC. It can be played with a group of between 4 and 10 players either online by joining a game with strangers, or players can host or join games with friends.

How does Among Us work?

The premise of the game is simple - players are given the role of either a crewmate or an impostor. The crewmates must complete a list of tasks on a spaceship to get it ready for departure. Some tasks such as 'Clean O2 Filter' are relatively quick to complete, while others such as 'Fix Weather Node' require multiple steps. However, the game has at least one impostor who is trying to sabotage the ship and kill all the crew.

As the game continues the impostor undermines and starts to kill members of the crew. The game is paused when a body is discovered or to call an emergency meeting to discuss who the impostor might be and why. Players will have been paying attention to the behaviour of others in the game to try and figure out who the impostor on the ship is. During the discussion players will vote for who they think was acting suspiciously enough to be the impostor. If a player gets enough votes they will be ejected from the game, and whether they were a crewmate, or an impostor will be revealed.

To win the game the crewmates must complete all the tasks or discover the impostor. The impostor will win if they can avoid detection and kill off the whole crew.

Why do children like Among Us?

Although the game was released in 2018, it has seen a huge surge in popularity in the second half of 2020. The app reached the top of the Google Play and App Store charts, and has become popular with gamers who use services such as and .

The game is fast-paced and easy to play. With in-game chat, teamwork involved, and the facility to set up private games with friends, many players are attracted by the social aspect of Among Us. Players need to use their communication, teamwork and observational skills in order to win the game. The excitement for the impostor is to avoid detection.

Features of the Among Us game
Users can choose to join a public game, join a game created by a friend, or host a game themselves.
Hosting a game:

The Host function allows players to set up their own Among Us game which gives them the ability to customise the game's setting, choose the number of crewmates and the number of impostors.

When hosting a game, a code is generated which can be shared with other people to allow them to access the game if it is set to 'private'. If the game is set to 'public' it will be open to everyone.

The host also has the power to remove players from the game or ban them from ever re-entering. However, this can only be done before the game begins or during a discussion.

Joining a public game:

If a host has set a game to public, this game will be available for any user on the platform to join in the 'Public' section. While this gives users a greater number of games to choose for, it does mean that players will be interacting with people they don't know during game play, and will be relying on the host of the game to take action to ban a player if there is any inappropriate behaviour.

Chat function:

Whenever a dead body is found in the game, or an emergency meeting is called, players can use the chat function to discuss the in-game action and to debate who the impostor could be. The chat function is text based, is accessed through an icon on the top left of the screen, and features a Censor Chat option to filter inappropriate language.

Players can also use servers to talk to each other in the game.

Ads and In-App Purchases:

In-app purchases are a feature of the game, where users can purchase additional items such as skins, hats or themed accessories. There are a range of costs for different items.

Among Us is free to download but does feature ads between each game.

Age Rating and Privacy and Reporting Settings

Players do not need to set up an account or a profile to access Among Us, and the game has received a PEGI 7 rating indicating that it has mild violence and in-app purchases, and is rated as not suitable for persons under 7 years of age.

Among Us currently has limited in-built reporting or safety features apart from an option to Censor Chat from inappropriate language.

If another player is acting inappropriately the only person with the power to ban them is the host. This means that other players are relying on the host to take action as they have no blocking tools themselves.

What are the risks?

If your child is playing in a public game they will be interacting with people they don't know which could put them at risk.

There is an option to censor the chat for inappropriate language, but some words and phrases are not blocked by the filter. This means that your child could be exposed to inappropriate content.

The limited safety features mean that unless you are hosting a game you don't have the power to ban another player. There is also no reporting function meaning that players cannot take further action if a player is behaving inappropriately.

Advice for parents

Encourage your child to set up games that are private, to play with people they know, and to select the Censor Chat option.

If they are playing public games with people they don't know, remind them of the importance of not sharing personal information. Use our Talking Points guide to have a chat with them about making friends online.

If your child is the game Host remind them to block anyone who is disrespecting other players or is sharing inappropriate content.

Make sure your child knows that if they encounter anything that upsets them online they can come to you for help.

For more advice for parents, our Talking Points guide to online gaming can help you start the conversation with your child. For parents who need to know more about gaming, Play It Safe - An Introductory Guide to Online Gaming for Parents has information about the types of online games, the risks to watch out for, and tips for keeping your child safe.

What do parents think?

Ciaran, Dad to an 8 year old boy who recently started playing Among Us shares some advice on talking to your child.
"It sounds simple, but we're all so busy and as parents can sometimes make assumptions that they are safe online and mean to look at it, but I think a great exercise would be to have a chat with your son/daughter and ask them to explain the game and ask the question, 'how do you keep yourself safe on Among Us?' You could follow that with, 'has anyone ever been bold when playing that you've seen?' . I was surprised with the honesty. I guess sitting down with them whilst they play would be a great idea also, no better learning than like this in person."

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Among Us is a social deception game which can be downloaded for free on Android and iOs, or to purchase for use on a PC. It can be played with a group of between 4 and 10 players either online by joining a game with strangers, or players can host or join games with friends.

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Explained - What is TikTok?

What is TikTok?

TikTok is a social media platform for creating, sharing and discovering short videos. The app is used by young people as an outlet to express themselves through singing, dancing, comedy, and lip-syncing, and allows users to create videos and share them across a community.

Are There Any Age Restrictions?

TikTok has a minimum user age of 13 years-old.

In Ireland the Digital Age of Consent has been set at 16 years-old. For children under that age consent must be given by the parent or guardian of the child.

How to Create an Account?

Users can either sign up using their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or email account.

Why Do Teens Like it?

TikTok is a fun app that allows teens to create and share videos with their friends.

Since the early days of social media (in particular on YouTube,) lip-syncing videos have proved a popular form of user-generated content among teens. The popularity of TV shows such as Lip Sync Battle has also helped drive interest in this type of platform.

Teens also enjoy competing in the different challenges which can be entered via the trending hashtags on the app. The app has a very dedicated, young community of users. For many of these users, gaining likes, followers and getting their videos featured on the app are important priorities. Creating and sharing their own content is now a big part of how teens spend their time online. Teens are moving away from being spectators online to becoming content creators. This app can be a really creative way, fun way for teens to express themselves and create their own social content.

How Does it Work?
Like most other apps and social networks, users can follow other users, like and comment on other user's videos. Teens can send emjois to their favourite singer on TikTok.
Users can select the song they wish to use in their video first, then record themselves miming along to the music. Alternatively, users can record their video first and then select a song. The app has lots of ways to add more fun to user's videos, for example, there are options to shoot in slow-mo, time lapse, fast forward, filters, effects or even play the song backward etc. Once users are happy with their video, they can post it to their followers and share it on other social networks for example; Messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram etc. There is also a duet feature which allows you to connect with another user and lipsync together.

The search tool allows users to view other videos. Users can also view content under the trending hashtags and submit videos using these hashtags (similar to how Instagram works). The hashtags are also used to submit videos for challenges - for example; #Lipsncychallenge, #Comedychallenge, etc.

Can I Have a Private Account on TikTok?

TikTok accounts are public by default for users over the age of 15. Consider setting your account to private/friends only. Go to your profile using the head icon in the lower left corner and tap the three dots icon in the upper right corner. Select "Privacy and Settings" and click on "Privacy". Here you can secure your account by making your account private. See image above. With a private account only approved users can see your videos, however, your profile remains public.
TikTok Privacy Settings Update 2021
In 2021, TikTok updated the app's default privacy settings which includes setting the accounts of users aged 13-15 to private by default, restricting the comments on posts of users in this age range to 'friends' or 'no one', disabling the download video feature for users under the age of 16, restricting direct messaging and hosting live streams to accounts 16 and over, and restricting the buying, sending, and receiving of virtual gifts to users below 18. Read more about the updates here.

Can I Block a User?

To block a user, go to their profile, press on the "..." in the upper right corner, and select "block this user." You can unblock a user on the same menu.

Users can report comments, videos, chats, or other accounts.

Users can also flag inappropriate content. To report a TikTok press on the button with three dots and then click "report abuse."

What Are the Potential Risks?

Users may be exposed to bad language and content of a sexual nature. Users can comment on other videos, this leaves the potential for online bullying or negative comments. The app does appear to promote positive comments and encourages users to 'say something nice', however, if you come across an inappropriate comment there is an option to report abuse. With anything shared online, we recommend getting to know how the app works, check your privacy settings and always use the Granny Rule!
Useful Links:
TikTok does have a Digital Wellbeing centre where you can monitor your screentime here.
Three TikTok features every parent should know.
Like all apps and social networks, TikTok does have community guidelines. If your child is using the app, we recommend familiarising yourself with their guidelines here.

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TikTok is a social media platform for creating, sharing and discovering short videos. The app is used by young people as an outlet to express themselves through singing, dancing, comedy, and lip-syncing, and allows users to create videos and share them across a community. TikTok has a minimum user age of 13 years-old.

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A video exploring how young people use technonlogy today.

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The Full Picture is a short film exploring how young people use social media to connect and share. The film highlights the influences and pressures young people face online and encourages them to see the full picture. Social media helps us share our lives but it does not tell the whole story.  The campaign encourages young people to be mindful of what influences them and how they respond to pressures online.

For support and advice visit: www.webwise.ie/thefullpicture

Produced by Motherland
Directed by Ellius Grace