08/14/2021
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Do you REALLY know what your kids are doing on their phones? With kids out of school, most of them will be able to spend more time on their phones, xboxes, computers, and ipads. During these summer months, we will be sharing some information about on-line and web based apps that are very popular with kids of all ages, and the dangers you need to be aware of as parents. Most of these apps are fun, and can be enjoyable - but they can also be the way an online predator gets in to your child's life. Remember: Wherever kids are going online, predators will follow.
Today we are sharing information about Houseparty. What it is, what parents need to know, AND what the dangers are.....
What is Houseparty?
Houseparty is a video-chat based social media platform which allows you to video chat with multiple users at the same time while playing games.
This app has been around for a while, but it's exploded in popularity recently, especially with younger users. The app is free, but there are in-app purchase options for those who want more than the basic features.
What makes the Houseparty app different from the traditional video-chatting app is that there are also games, like Chips and Guac, that you can play alongside friends. Once you create an account, you can connect with people in your contact list who are also on the platform and have video chats with them. When you go "online," you have the option to do things like share your screen, mute yourself and turn off your camera.
What parents need to know?
Because there's no screening and the video is live, there's always the possibility of inappropriate content for kids, but that will largely depend on the friends who are communicating.
The biggest risks are communicating with people you don't know well, pictures and screenshots getting shared around, and spending lots of time in virtual hangouts.
Parents should also note that users can send links to their profiles on the app via a text message to whomever they want, and it's possible to take a screenshot -- even of private groups -- and share it.
While there are no ways to moderate the conversations, the alert that a stranger is entering the room is a notable safety feature for younger kids since they can exit a conversation if someone they don't know -- or don't like -- joins.
Houseparty provides no channel for reporting abuse.
What are the dangers?
The features can be twisted, so that teens can target each other, lock each other out of groups, or take embarrassing screenshots to share on social media.
Location: This is a major red flag for parents, as Houseparty’s default geo-location feature can be used by predators to pinpoint children’s exact location.
Most importantly, understand that kids do not use social media in the same way as adults do. Kids explore more, and share what they find, sometimes to show off or shock. Do NOT base your experience on Houseparty to determine safety for your child.
If you are told, or witness any online enticement of your children, you can report it here: https://report.cybertip.org/
