As a parent of a fifth-grader, I find myself inundated with concerns about the changes awaiting him as he transitions from the comfort of elementary school into the tumultuous world of middle school. My anxieties range from managing homework to navigating the often treacherous waters of popularity — not to mention the rollercoaster ride of hormones. It’s a tricky time, filled with challenges I remember all too well.
Yet, my worries extend beyond the experiences I faced as a teen, particularly in the realm of social media. My son is already somewhat engaged with the online world. We have ongoing discussions about digital safety (the golden rule: never share your personal details online) and the vital importance of kindness in all interactions. I’ve implemented parental controls on his devices, and he willingly shares his passwords with me for oversight. However, I recognize that these measures have their limitations as kids grow older.
Imagine my dismay when I discovered a rising trend among teens: anonymous social media apps that can serve as a breeding ground for cyberbullying. These apps enable users to post comments without revealing their identities, allowing for a platform where unkindness can thrive. As noted by various sources, these “anonymous apps” are notorious for fostering negative behavior since kids often feel emboldened to say things they wouldn’t normally dare to.
The most pressing concern here is the potential for cruelty among peers. Still, other issues arise, such as the risk of oversharing personal information and encountering harmful strangers. Plus, there’s the unsettling possibility of stumbling upon inappropriate content.
To be honest, my grasp of teen app usage doesn’t extend much beyond Snapchat (which, it seems, is also a hotspot for cyberbullying), and I mainly use it for its fun filters. So, I took it upon myself to investigate two particularly concerning anonymous apps that are currently popular, in case your tween or teen is thinking about downloading one, so you can either delete it immediately or have a serious discussion about safe and responsible use.
Sarahah
This app appears to be causing quite a stir and is currently very popular. Over the summer, it topped the charts in the iOS app store, boasting 300 million users. Originally intended for anonymous feedback in workplaces, Sarahah has morphed into a tool for teens to exchange anonymous messages. After downloading, users can share their profile link, opening the floodgates for messages from anyone — anonymously.
Reviews have been alarming, with comments like, “I’m getting suicidal thoughts from this app,” and “My friend is receiving messages like why are you still alive? Just kill yourself already.” This is absolutely heartbreaking. If my child asked to download this app, it would be a resounding NO.
TBH
Another app, TBH, which stands for “to be honest,” is also making waves. At first glance, it seems innocent enough. Marketed as “the only anonymous app with positive vibes,” it prompts users to answer pre-set questions about their peers, such as who is “Hotter than the sun” or who is “Most likely to get into Harvard.” However, these seemingly harmless questions can quickly devolve into a popularity contest, potentially isolating those who don’t receive validation. Given that adolescence is already a minefield of insecurities, this is a recipe for disaster.
Other anonymous apps such as Kiwi, Ask.fm, and Kik are also worth monitoring. While some apps like YikYak have faded away, new ones will continue to emerge.
The bottom line is that parents need to stay informed about what’s out there and the potential risks these platforms pose to our kids. Open communication is essential; we should encourage conversations about their online experiences, feelings, and establish clear boundaries for usage. While we can’t eliminate technology and social media from our children’s lives, we can equip them with the knowledge to navigate it responsibly. Most importantly, we must emphasize kindness — both in person and online.
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In summary, it is crucial for parents to educate themselves about the latest apps their kids might be using, maintain open lines of communication, and instill values of kindness and responsibility in their online interactions.