[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ hover_enabled=”0″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″ da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve written before about the dangers of Ask.fm<\/a> and its link to cyberbullying and teen suicide, and although we\u2019d love to be able to share some good news about the social network, its recent attempt to create a safer user experience doesn\u2019t make it any more appropriate for young users.<\/p>\n Parents, don\u2019t be fooled. Although the Ask.fm team\u2019s efforts to improve the safety of their app may be a step in the right direction, they certainly don\u2019t guarantee a safe user experience. Despite adding additional moderators, the average time that an illicit post (e.g. cyberbullying) is removed is approximately 15 minutes. As you know, a lot can happen online in a short amount of time. A hurtful message, even when deleted, can have long-term effects on a child\u2019s reputation and self-esteem.<\/p>\n The real problem with Ask.fm goes far beyond how many moderators they have or whether or not they advise their users to report bullying. The more disturbing issue here is that the app encourages young users to navigate childhood by seeking out advice and emotional support from strangers. The app\u2019s website claims that Ask.fm makes the journey of self-discovery easier for teens by fostering \u201cuninhibited, truthful conversations.\u201d It even goes so far as to say that the app builds self-confidence, which of course is the very opposite of what it did to Hannah Smith and the other teens who have sadly taken their own lives after enduring relentless cyberbullying<\/a> from other Ask.fm users.<\/p>\n Clearly, there\u2019s no app that can replace good parenting and a strong family support system\u2014not even Qustodio (though we like to think we help!). Keep the lines of communication open with your child. Teach them how to use social media responsibly, and more importantly, encourage them to come to you with questions about growing up\u2014not strangers on the internet.<\/p>\n Note: The opinions above belong to Melissa Maypole, parenting writer and Qustodio contributor. Download Qustodio\u2019s free software<\/a> to begin managing, monitoring, and understanding your kids\u2019 online media consumption today. For more information on digital parenting and online safety, follow us on Twitter<\/a> and Facebook.<\/a><\/p>\n References<\/p>\n Ask.fm Social Network for Teens Launches Safety Centre http:\/\/www.infosecurity-magazine.com\/view\/37200\/askfm-social-network-for-teens-launches-safety-centre\/<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" We\u2019ve written before about the dangers of Ask.fm and its link to cyberbullying and teen suicide, and although we\u2019d love to be able to share some good news about the social network, its recent attempt to create a safer user experience doesn\u2019t make it any more appropriate for young users. 15 Minutes of Shame Parents, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" We\u2019ve written before about the dangers of Ask.fm<\/a> and its link to cyberbullying and teen suicide, and although we\u2019d love to be able to share some good news about the social network, its recent attempt to create a safer user experience doesn\u2019t make it any more appropriate for young users.<\/p> 15 Minutes of Shame<\/p> Parents, don\u2019t be fooled. Although the Ask.fm team\u2019s efforts to improve the safety of their app may be a step in the right direction, they certainly don\u2019t guarantee a safe user experience. Despite adding additional moderators, the average time that an illicit post (e.g. cyberbullying) is removed is approximately 15 minutes. As you know, a lot can happen online in a short amount of time. A hurtful message, even when deleted, can have long-term effects on a child\u2019s reputation and self-esteem.<\/p> ### There\u2019s No App for Navigating Adolescence<\/p> The real problem with Ask.fm goes far beyond how many moderators they have or whether or not they advise their users to report bullying. The more disturbing issue here is that the app encourages young users to navigate childhood by seeking out advice and emotional support from strangers. The app\u2019s website claims that Ask.fm makes the journey of self-discovery easier for teens by fostering \u201cuninhibited, truthful conversations.\u201d It even goes so far as to say that the app builds self-confidence, which of course is the very opposite of what it did to Hannah Smith and the other teens who have sadly taken their own lives after enduring relentless cyberbullying<\/a> from other Ask.fm users.<\/p> ### Be Your Child\u2019s Guide<\/p> Clearly, there\u2019s no app that can replace good parenting and a strong family support system\u2014not even Qustodio (though we like to think we help!). Keep the lines of communication open with your child. Teach them how to use social media responsibly, and more importantly, encourage them to come to you with questions about growing up\u2014not strangers on the Internet.<\/p> Note: The opinions above belong to Melissa Maypole, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility for Qustodio. Download Qustodio\u2019s free software<\/a> to begin managing, monitoring, and understanding your kids\u2019 online media consumption today. For more information on digital parenting and online safety, follow us on Twitter<\/a> and Facebook.<\/a><\/p> #### References<\/p>15 Minutes of Shame<\/h2>\n
There\u2019s No App for Navigating Adolescence<\/h2>\n
Be Your Child\u2019s Guide<\/h2>\n