Family Tech Blog

Tag: register

  • WhatsApp Update Adds Video Calling

    WhatsApp Update Adds Video Calling

     

    We recently wrote about WhatsApp and explained a few things parents should know about the messaging app. Now, a new updated requires we update our information as well. This new update brings video calls to the app that is owned by Facebook.
    Video Chat is Awesome!

    WhatsApp is largely considered safe because of its authentication and encryption settings but with the addition of video calls the app enters a completely new realm. Video calling is very convenient and a great way to stay connected to family and friends that you aren’t always near. Apps like Skype and Facetime have been mainstays in allowing you to use WiFi to talk to someone while looking at their face. Something that is priceless for someone as easily distracted from a phone call as I am. The concern with this new feature, though, is how it could be used by those who have ill intentions.

    What Parents Should Know

    I’ll say it like I do in so many articles, you have to be monitoring what your children do in any messenger app. With new features like GIFs and video calling being added all the time we are just seeing more and more opportunities for our kids to get into trouble. Will all kids use these features for evil? Of course not, but it’s too likely that someone they know (or worse, they don’t know) will be using it to cause harm.

    I don’t necessarily recommend not allowing your teenager to use WhatsApp. I do, however, recommend using something (even if it’s just your own eyes) to monitor what conversations your kids are having. If you aren’t comfortable with video chatting being available to your teen then you need to disable it or ask them to use a different app for messaging.

    We did a whole write-up on some key terms related to messaging. These terms and the rest of the terms in our Mobile Device Vocabulary series are too important to miss. I recommend you subscribe to this site so you can check it out. Only $60 per year will get you full access to this site. Sign up now.

  • Instagram Update Proves they’re Serious About “Stories”

    Instagram Update Proves they’re Serious About “Stories”

     

    Stories is Here to Stay

    Not long ago instagram added a new feature that looked strangely similar to Snapchat’s “stories.” In fact it wasn’t just similar, it was the same thing. They even used the same name for the feature. After about two days of people calling Facebook (who runs instagram now) a bunch of copycats, users were posting multiple stories a day to their instagram accounts and loving it. Funny how we adopt things so quickly after being so “put off” by them.

    boomerangWell, with an update to intagram this week, the focus on stories has been increased. The new update brings boomerang, (a service where you make mini video loops) mentions or tags, and links for “verified” accounts to the stories feature. So you can now make a mini video, tag your friends in your story post, and if your account is verified (only available to celebrities and brands) you can post links to your latest content.

    What does this mean for parents?

    It’s quite simple, really. Stories cashes in on the concept that young people want to post something that is seemingly temporary. The posts in your account’s story only last for twenty four hours. This keeps updates fresh and keeps users coming back to post more and more content. It also causes young persons to feel like they aren’t posting something permanent. We all know this isn’t true. Anything posted online is there to stay.

    Along with a false sense of security, stories is now yet another way for brands and celebrities to alert your kids that they have some sort of message for them. You know that we at BecauseFamily advocate for parents to be the first influence in their children’s lives. It can be difficult to be the first influence when other influences are notifying your child every time they have something new to show them. This update gives the ability to notify your kids with a link to take them out of the app to some other content elsewhere on the internet.

    Don’t Uninstall but Have a Conversation

    seemoreWhile I don’t recommend instagram for kids under 16, I know many parents have children who use the service. My advice is to talk to them about this update and let them know that they maybe shouldn’t click on links in instagram when they aren’t sure where they’ll lead. Remember to have your accountability software (Like Accountable2You) installed so that if they end up somewhere inappropriate you will know about it and can have a conversation. Just be smart and encourage them to be smart. It’s important for parents to stay as ahead of the social media game as they can.

    A subscription to this site is a great way to let us help you stay ahead. You can sign up for just $60 for 12 months. (Normally $180) This offer is only available until the first of 2017 so sign up today and get the most out of SAFE.BecauseFamily.org.

  • Mobile Device Vocabulary Lesson 2: Gaming (1)

    Mobile Device Vocabulary Lesson 2: Gaming (1)

     

    Smartphones and tablets have brought a whole new set of tools to game developers. It’s critical that you, as a parent, understand some of the language used in the descriptions of these games. Since you know your kids you’re the only one that can decide if a certain game is dangerous for your child or not. For instance, our oldest is pretty analytical and has an addictive personality. Because of these traits we are very careful how much time he has in front of a screen, especially in un-controlled, purely recreational activity. We know that he can get obsessive very quickly so we have some pretty strict boundaries on his screen time. Hopefully the following terms (the first three of six gaming terms) will help you better understand some game descriptions so you can pick the right ones for your kids.  (more…)

  • Your Family Device Security Checklist

    Your Family Device Security Checklist

     

    There are many steps to take in order to start protecting your family online. Below is the checklist from our book What’s in Your Pocket? (more…)