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Tag: Internet Safety

  • Meta expands teen accounts to Facebook and Messenger, critics say more needs to be done – WTOP News

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    Meta is expanding teen accounts to Facebook and Messenger. The company said the move is part of its ongoing effort to keep kids safer online.

    One year after launching teen accounts for Instagram, Meta is expanding the program to Facebook and Messenger. The company said the move is part of its ongoing effort to keep kids safer online.

    With teen accounts, users under 18 are automatically enrolled with built-in protections.

    Meta says 97% of teens under 16 are staying within those restrictions.

    The company also highlights features such as sleep mode and supervision tools, which let parents set daily time limits and monitor activity.

    “Teen accounts are really meant to respond to some of the top concerns that we’ve heard from parents,” Jennifer Hanley, Meta’s North American head of safety policy, told WTOP in September.

    The accounts ensure teens under 16 need their parents’ permission to change the restrictions, according to Hanley. Among the offerings are tools that keep kids from engaging on the platforms for long periods.

    “After 60 minutes, a teen in the teen account gets a notification encouraging them to leave the platform,” Hanley said.

    But not everyone is convinced to tools are helping. A report from Cybersecurity for Democracy labeled 64% of the safety tools “red” because they fell short.

    The report’s authors, which included a former Facebook employee, said the tools were rated that way because they were either “no longer available or ineffective.”

    The report also warned that teens still encounter harmful “rabbit holes,” including imagery of self-harm.

    Hanley said Meta disagrees with the report and pushed back on the findings.

    “We’ve been overwhelmingly hearing great things from parents,” she said. “We know that teens are spending less time on our platforms, they’re seeing less sensitive content and they’re having less unwanted contact as a result of being in teen accounts.”

    Meta said it remains open to feedback and continues to improve its safety tools.

    “We’re always open to constructive feedback,” Hanley said.

    PG-13 content guidelines introduced

    After the September interview with WTOP, Meta announced an update to teen accounts.

    The tech company said Instagram will now guide teen content using PG-13 movie ratings by default. That means content seen by teens will be similar to PG-13 movies and teens won’t be able to opt out without a parent’s permission, according to Meta.

    Parents who want more control can choose a stricter setting, Meta said, and they’ll also have new ways to report content they think teens shouldn’t see.

    In a blog post, Meta called this “the most significant update” since teen accounts launched, saying it was shaped by feedback from thousands of parents worldwide.

    The company also said it will use age prediction technology to place teens into protections even if they lie about their age when signing up.

    Meta acknowledged in the post that “no system is perfect,” but said it’s committed to improving and keeping age-inappropriate content away from teens.

    Support for schools added

    Hanley also said Meta is expanding its efforts to help schools.

    Through its School Partnership Program, middle and high schools in the U.S. can sign up to get educational resources and tools to report harmful content more easily. Schools that enroll receive a verified badge and access to expedited content review.

    Meta said educators are often in the best position to spot issues such as bullying, and the program is designed to help them flag and address those concerns more effectively.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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    Mike Murillo

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  • KidsEmail.org Acquired by Internet Safety Expert JT Smith in Strategic Move to Enhance Child Digital Safety

    KidsEmail.org Acquired by Internet Safety Expert JT Smith in Strategic Move to Enhance Child Digital Safety

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    ROCKVILLE, Utah & ARBON, Idaho, May 8, 2024 (Newswire.com)
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    Jacob Andersen, the founder of KidsEmail.org, a leading child safety platform, has successfully sold the company to internet safety veteran JT Smith in a deal that underscores the market value of safe digital environments for children. The transaction amount remains confidential, but with over 130,000 parent accounts and a monthly subscription of $4.95, the sale represents a significant investment in the future of online child protection.

    Since its inception in 2009, KidsEmail.org has been at the forefront of the internet safety industry, offering robust tools for parents to monitor and control their children’s online communication. This ensures a safe, constructive internet experience tailored for young users.

    JT Smith, the new owner, brings extensive expertise in internet security, focusing on safe search and secure online experiences. This acquisition is poised to further solidify KidsEmail.org’s position as a leader in the child internet safety sector.

    Jacob Andersen commented on the sale, saying, “Transferring KidsEmail.org to JT Smith is a significant step forward in ensuring the continued success and expansion of the safe communication services we provide. The value of this transaction reflects the high demand and necessity for dedicated child safety solutions online.”

    JT Smith also shared his enthusiasm about the acquisition: “Purchasing KidsEmail.org represents a strategic enhancement of our capabilities to safeguard young internet users. With the established user base and revenue from subscriptions, we are excited to innovate and expand upon the strong foundation Jacob has built.”

    For further information, please contact:

    Jacob Andersen

    jacob@kidsemail.org

    Source: Kids Email

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  • Read-With-Me Books Publishes New Illustrated Book ‘I’ll Go Rhythm’ That Takes a Child’s Look at the Complicated World of Social Media Algorithms

    Read-With-Me Books Publishes New Illustrated Book ‘I’ll Go Rhythm’ That Takes a Child’s Look at the Complicated World of Social Media Algorithms

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    Algorithm, meet Charlie.

    Press Release
    –

    Nov 2, 2021


    SEATTLE, November 2, 2021 (Newswire.com)
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    Journey down the rabbit hole of the internet through the eyes of Charlie, a creative kid who loves to play drums and hang out with friends. Charlie meets AL, an algorithm who can promise Charlie everything and anything, but at what cost? Follow Charlie on a path of self-discovery and the realization that the online world isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be….

    This is the debut book for publisher Read-With-Me Books and author Justin Webb, who dreamed up the story during a long run through the winding trails surrounding his home in Middle Tennessee. “I hope this book helps parents like me who struggle with finding the right balance between the many screens that are omnipresent in our kids’ lives and having rich, full lives full of family, friends and real-life adventures. At it’s core, ‘I’ll Go Rhythm’ explains the importance of not basing your own self-worth on your online presence and is a good reminder of the importance of spending real time having real conversations with the ones you love.”  

    This is illustrator Kayla Stark’s sixth illustrated children’s book. For “I’ll Go Rhythm” she experimented with using a combination of cut paper and acrylic paint on watercolor paper. Texture and shape are prominent in the illustrations as is the exploration and elevation of a simpler, more childlike illustration style. Among her previous titles are “Friends at the Firehouse”, “Mr. Rat Pack Really Wants That”, “Trying Again (My Feelings, My Choices)”, “Bread for Words: A Frederick Douglas Story” and “The Fox and the Crow”.

    The hardcover edition of “I’ll Go Rhythm” is available for immediate purchase on Amazon or local booksellers and at read-with-me-books.com; the electronic version is available on Amazon, Apple, Google and other major e-book retailers.

    For a complimentary hardcover or electronic copy of the full book to review/feature, contact us at info@read-with-me-books.com

    Read-With-Me Books is dedicated to providing interesting materials for adults and kids to enjoy reading together and learning the power of the printed word while spending quality time learning the power of personal connections.

    Press Contact: Jerome Baker 904-710-9816

    Read-With-Me Books, 2015 2nd Avenue, Suite 2505, Seattle, WA 98121

    833-RWITHME (833-794-8463) * Info@read-with-me-books.com * Read-With-Me-Books.com

    Source: Read-With-Me Books

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  • Tittle for Parents App Gives Parents a Tool to Teach Kids Responsible Mobile Device Usage

    Tittle for Parents App Gives Parents a Tool to Teach Kids Responsible Mobile Device Usage

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    Tittle for Parents provides a solution for screen time, device usage, location management, web tracking and more.

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Jun 5, 2018


    SINGAPORE, June 5, 2018 (Newswire.com)
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     Parents now have a new and improved mobile device resource available to them. Tittle for Parents is a smart parenting solution that allows parents to both protect their children on mobile devices and teach about safe and appropriate use. Younger children have access to cell phones now more than ever before. Parents enjoy the accessibility of being able to connect with their children more readily, but they also have concerns about safety, the content children are accessing, and excessive screen time. Tittle for Parents addresses all these concerns.

    Developed with parents in mind, Tittle for Parents aims to help them seek a balance with mobile device control, protection and discipline while also offering new features like tasks and web tracking. Instead of banning usage completely, Tittle strives to provide parents with a tool they can use to encourage a safe and responsible user experience for their kids.

    Tittle for Parents comes with a multitude of features for parents’ different needs. By allowing parents to block or enable the Internet and apps like games and social media, parents can limit or change a child’s access in his/her mobile device more effectively. Parents can also establish house rules like less screen time and more device-free hours by setting up multiple schedules in the app to limit usage during school, meal times, family time, and bedtime.

    The location and geofencing features in the app also enable parents to track and be updated on the children’s location. In addition, Tittle for Parents now has a new web tracking feature that gives parents the access to review their child’s website history when their child surfs the net with Tittle’s custom browser, providing a safeguard from inappropriate content by easily blocking URLs.

    Adding on to the myriad of features is the new task feature, which parents can use to create simple tasks for their children, such as specific chores so children gain a sense of responsibility. Parents are encouraged to set goals and rewards to motivate their children. A communication feature enables parents and kids to send each other messages for each task.

    The Tittle for Parents app team is dedicated to making the app as user-friendly as possible so set up is easy for all. Parents can pair their device with their child’s right in the app, all without having to log into another browser or app. Navigation within the app is a breeze for even non-tech savvy parents.

    The latest update is now available in both Google Play Store and App Store. Download now to enjoy the full features for 14 days. Visit tittleforparents.com for more information.

    About Tittle for Parents

    Developed with parents in mind, Tittle for Parents is a smart parenting app to help parents seek a balance between screen time control, protection and discipline. Instead of banning usage completely, the company strives to encourage a safe and responsible user experience. For more information, visit TittleforParents.com.

    Source: Tittle for Parents

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  • New Software Platform GoEnnounce Has Expanded Into 20 States, Educating Middle and High School Students in the Proper Use of Social Media

    New Software Platform GoEnnounce Has Expanded Into 20 States, Educating Middle and High School Students in the Proper Use of Social Media

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    Press Release
    –


    updated: Mar 14, 2017


    Naples, FL, March 14, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​GoEnnounce, the new social platform where students build e-portfolios highlighting achievements, has expanded into 20 states nationwide. Since it’s launch to schools in July 2016, GoEnnounce’s popularity is spreading quickly, in part, because of its social media training curriculum used by educators to implement the course.

    As social media use continues to rise amongst teens and pre-teens, kids post things on the internet and may not realize that it can stay there permanently, sometimes having a very negative effect. BBC reports how 78% of children under 13 are already using at least 1 social media channel despite being under the legal age. 1 The earlier kids are trained in appropriate, responsible behavior regarding technology use, the better.

    “I saw immediate potential for GoEnnounce to fulfill a need that is not being met in the market currently. It’s a wonderful tool for educating kids in the safe use of social media while showcasing their accomplishments to potential colleges and employers.” – Arthur Allen, CEO, ALA Services Technology Companies.

    Arthur Allen, CEO, ALA Services Technology Companies

    GoEnnounce empowers students with a safe, social media solution that allows them to also build their personal brand. Kevin Honeycutt, an International Keynote Speaker and Technology Integration Specialist describes how, “Now every kid must learn to be a brand unto themselves. GoEnnounce builds the life skills for students to market themselves, while competing with the rest of the world.”

    In 2015, 40% of college admission officers visited applicants’ social media pages to learn more about them. 16% of admissions officers found something that negatively impacted an applicant’s chances of getting in. 2 When trying to get a job, social profiles are even more important.  92% of employers admit to using social media for recruiting, 3 out of 4 hiring managers check social profiles even when not provided by a candidate and say that 1 in 3 candidates are rejected because of something found on a social profile. 3

    As students share achievements in their own voice, GoEnnounce imparts important digital literacy lessons on how powerful digital communication across social media channels can be. The platform also fulfills districts’ accountability needs to record graduation requirements, as a student-centric e-portfolio that allows students to track their unique participation in activities such as community service, clubs & athletics. 

    Michael King, Principal of Dodge City Middle School in Kansas and NASSP 2012 National Digital Principal of the Year describes how he chose GoEnnounce to fulfill Kansas’ state mandate for portfolios.  “We recently incorporated GoEnnounce into our individual plan of study as an e-portfolio in student led conferencing. Student reflection is more powerful than data collection.  Administrators must look at students as individuals, not fixed data points. GoEnnounce is a student-centered approach.  GoEnnounce as an e-portfolio will support our students in preparing for a better and brighter future while experiencing ways to promote individual aspirations and practicing appropriate digital citizenship.”  

    A Digital Arts Teacher in Tennessee, Tim Wood, brought in GoEnnounce to Columbia Central High School after learning about it at a Career-Technical seminar in the summer of 2016.  “The portfolios fulfill a state curriculum requirement and give the students a fun way to showcase themselves and their accomplishments,” Wood said.  He describes the web portfolios as having an interface and profile like Facebook or LinkedIn, but operating much differently and being very safe and secure.

    Craig Badura, a K-12 Integration Specialist at Aurora School District in Nebraska, praises the curriculum for making Digital Citizenship lessons interactive & applicable. “The teachers are now trying to modify the schedule to give us more time,” Badura says. “The lessons are that engaging.”

    GoEnnounce began to fulfill a need for schools to offer this type of software service to students. Software Industry veteran Arthur Allen, CEO of ALA Services Technology Companies made a significant investment in GoEnnounce in July of 2016. This has fueled the company’s growth by increasing the sales and marketing reach nationally and recently internationally. “I saw immediate potential for GoEnnounce to fulfill a need that is not being met in the market currently. It’s a wonderful tool for educating kids in the safe use of social media, while showcasing their accomplishments to potential colleges and employers.” – Arthur Allen, CEO, ALA Services Technology Companies.

    About GoEnnounce: GoEnnounce is a student-centric, social media based, e-portfolio for middle & high school students. The portfolio solution fulfills districts’ accountability needs to track graduation requirements, while empowering students to build their personal brand as they track & share unique participation in activities such as community service, clubs & athletics. GoEnnounce is implemented in middle schools & high schools via a digital citizenship curriculum where students practice lessons on safe and positive internet use. The courses offered cover everything from digital literacy to digital copyright to commerce and cyberbullying. GoEnnounce addresses social media issues in schools by changing the conversation to encourage positive social media behavior.  

    To learn more visit: www.goennounce.com

    Media Contact:
    Meghan Davis​
    ​Phone:239.228.4559
    Email: Meghan@goennounce.com​
     

    Source: GoEnnounce

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