There is a smartphone application that all parents should be aware of.  The application is called “AfterSchool”.  It is being marketed as a “funny, anonymous school news” application, and encourages students to compliment and send funny messages all while being anonymous.  The app has a troubling feature that only allows teenagers to access it.  It uses a student’s Facebook credentials and the phone’s locating service to determine the student is either in the school or a member of the school’s student body.  Inherently, this feature eliminates a parents ability to access the contents of the application.

Here is a link to help articulate what this smartphone application is all about:  Safe, Smart & Social

• Internet Safety for Kids – Tutorial for parents

• Parents’ Guide to Cyber Security

• Kids Rules for Online Safety

• Online Safety Quiz

Digital Citizenship – a guide from Maryville University that is not just for teachers.