Technology has been with us for more than 20 years and good parenting demands that we are informed of what is happening in our children’s online worlds too. We have to guide our children about the significance of their digital footprint, that the things they post are permanent and highlight the dangers in cyberspace.
Just this week, I received an article from Safe on Social, highlighting a new App that I believe is very dangerous for our children. Melon is the latest app being introduced to young people and parents really need to know about. My understanding is that it is connecting users with new people based on social media friends and offers private messaging, video chat, and a people search feature.
According to Safe on Social, it’s gaining popularity in Australia, whilst being featured in articles across the world that are calling it out for the frequency of cyberbullying, and the high concentration of men looking for girls that will do whatever they ask on camera. This again highlights why we constantly encourage you to set boundaries on devices in bedrooms. If they really have to use their devices in their rooms, ensure the doors are open and put a curfew in place.
In conclusion I wanted to highlight that parents need to note that although the App is free to download, it does start asking users to pay when they use filters. It is clear that this site is not a recommended site for school aged students. I encourage you to check which apps you children are using, but do not introduce them to it by asking specifically about it.
If you want more support or information about Social Media and Digital Reputation, click on this link: http://thac.nsw.schooltv.me/newsletter-resources/2/692
Mrs Jacoline Petersen
Director of Student Counselling
Sourced from Safe on Social and SchoolTV
