NGL

NGL

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MINIMUM AGE: 18+
 
WHAT IS IT?
NGL (short for not gonna lie) is a space for users to “share their feelings without judgment from friends or societal pressures”, according to the app’s homepage. 

NGL encourages users to send anonymous messages, opinions, and feelings, requested specifically through a question “prompt”. For example, you could encourage people to “send anonymous confessions”, describe you in 3 words, or have them tell you what they think about you. 

To get started, you need to enter your Instagram username. Once you’ve created a question or prompt to share, you can post the link on your story – even when Instagram’s parental controls are active.

To answer, people follow the link and leave their thoughts, messages, and feelings through their own Instagram account – although their username isn’t shared along with the answer. Their anonymous messages will then begin to collect in the app’s “Inbox” for you to read. 

WHAT WE SAY:
Avoid. 

• Anonymous chat is never recommended for children or young people.
• The app has faced a backlash for the ease at which users can post inappropriate and potentially distressing content.
• It's easy to come across adult themes including sex, drink, drugs and abusive comments if filters are not switched on.
• NGL also has a “pro” version, where you can pay to receive hints about who shared the anonymous message. These hints don’t reveal their name or IG handle, but they can include tip-offs such as their location, or device used, which makes the concept rather less “anonymous” than it’s made out to be.   
  
• In addition, you can choose to share any messages you receive in your NGL inbox, ranging from anonymous confessions to controversial opinions. All you have to do is click “reply” in the NGL app, which will then create an Instagram story version of the response. You can share this anonymous response to your follower list – so it’s worth noting that “anonymous” doesn’t mean private, either. ​
  

SAFETY TIPS TO CONSIDER:

• Even though users have to be 18 to use NGL there is no age verification required, so anyone with an Instagram account can set up an account. You don’t have to enter your date of birth, or any other information about your age, on signup for NGL. 

• Make sure that children and young people always use their device in a room whereby adults are present.
• Discuss 'friends' - there is no such thing as an 'internet friend'. Encourage children and young people to only engage with other users whom adults know in the 'real-world', and that they know and trust.
• Use protection settings, such as time limitations, or only allow social media usage with parental guidance.
• Outline clear rules for your children. Pay attention to their development. As they get older, they should generally be given more freedom.
• Communication will also become more important as children get older. Explain that you are not trying to control them but want to agree upon a set of ground rules.
• Try to stay up-to-date on Internet trends and best practices.
• Talk to your children about the risks of disclosing personal data.
• 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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