yikyak
YIKYAK
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WHAT IS IT?
Yik Yak is a social media app that allows users to make anonymous posts within a certain geographical area, typically a college and uni campuses. WHAT WE SAY: Treat with caution 🔞Exposure to Inappropriate Content Since YikYak is an anonymous, location-based platform, users can post without filters. This can lead to exposure to offensive, explicit, or disturbing content—especially risky for younger users. 🔐 Privacy Concerns Although posts are anonymous, YikYak collects location data and device info. This creates privacy risks, as anonymity can be compromised if data is misused or leaked. 📢Lack of Accountability The anonymous nature of the app makes it difficult to identify and hold users accountable for their actions. 📱 Cyberbullying and Harassment The anonymous nature of the app makes it easy for users to bully or harass others without accountability. Hurtful posts can spread quickly contributing to a culture of cyberbullying and harassment. Victims may feel helpless, as there's no clear way to identify or report the person responsible. This environment can lead to anxiety, depression, and in severe cases, long-term emotional harm. 🚨Sexual harassment Yik Yak is also used to share sexually explicit content and harass users based on their gender or sexual orientation. This can be particularly distressing for young users who may not have the tools or resources to deal with such behaviour. 🧑💻 Online Predators & Grooming YikYak’s mix of anonymity and location-based posts can create serious risks when it comes to online predators. Since users can see and interact with others within a 5-mile radius, it’s possible for someone with bad intentions to target young people or vulnerable individuals nearby. 🚨Criminal Activity Instances of criminal activity such as grooming, harassment, exploitative content, doxxing, and extremist or violent material have been discovered in conversations. The platform has been used for making racist and hateful comments, as well as threats. |
SAFETY TIPS:
Parental supervision: Check their interactions and adjust privacy settings accordingly. Conversations: Have open discussions with children and young people about the topics associated with online use - bullying, grooming, sexual and criminal exploitation, body image, as well as accessing support and how to report. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you discover criminal content when online then report it directly to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation. If you're worried about online grooming or sexual behaviour online then report directly to the police or contact CEOP. For Children & young people if they're worried or want to talk, encourage them to contact Childline Online or call 0800 1111. Check out our Resource Centre for further information and useful online safety tips. 
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