In the same vein as Ask.fm, Snapchat, and Kik, the new instant messaging app Whisper (found at Whisper.sh) allows users to share confessions, secrets, and/or pictures with others.
Shannon Younger, from Chicago Now - Tween Us, shares additional information about Whisper:
Shannon Younger, from Chicago Now - Tween Us, shares additional information about Whisper:
Whisper is rated 17+ by the App store
Predators have been known to use Whisper to Read specifics about a Seattle case here.
Whisper reveals a user's location, if location services are enabled.
The app requires a pin to look through the history. This is an example of why parents need their child's user name and password or pin for absolutely everything, and if parents are going to permit tweens and teens to use Whisper or similar apps, it is absolutely essential that they monitor their child's use.
Teens and tweens use Whisper to cyberbully other kids.
Whisper's Terms of Use states that users "acknowledge and agree that transmissions over the internet can never be completely secure and you understand that any message and/or information that you transmit to us might be intercepted and read by others, even if we take measures to prevent such interception." Many tweens and teens simply do not understand that whatever they put on the internet. The Terms of Use also say "WhisperText cannot guarantee uses will not encounter objectionable content on the Service."
Whisper is popular and expanding. Whisper doesn't appear to be going anywhere and in fact is hoping to grow, making it more likely to attract tween users.
Parents can help keep their kids safe by asking them one simple question about each of their online connections: "Do you know this person in real life?" Find out why and get more tips from Dr. Kortney Peagram, bullying and violence prevention expert, here.
Parents are encouraged to read the complete TweenUs article: What Parents Need to Know about the Whisper App