YOLO

YOLO

MINIMUM AGE: 13+
 
WHAT IS IT?
It's an anonymous Q&A app, that lets you can log in with Snapchat, where you can ask for "feedback" directly from your followers and post to Snapchat stories. 

WHAT WE SAY:
Avoid. 

• Anonymous chat is never recommended for children.
• Anonymous chat has the danger of teaching children that they can say whatever they want without consequences.
• Some of the worst cases ever online of cyberbullying have happened on anonymous based apps.
  
• Under group chats, there’s a ‘Join your School’ feature. If you allow the app to use your location, YOLO will suggest nearby school group chats which you can join. You can then chat to other users anonymously. We recommend not using this feature!
  
• There’s no way to know who sent you something on YOLO unless the sender chooses to reveal their own identity. But if you do find out who sent you something negative or upsetting, you or your child might want to block or remove them from their Snapchat friends list.
  
• You have to do this through Snapchat, rather than YOLO. Follow Snapchat’s guidance on how to remove and block friends.

SAFETY TIPS TO CONSIDER:

• YOLO is very closely tied to Snapchat.
  
• Any time anonymity is involved, bullying can quickly become an issue - remind children and young people of the dangers of talking anonymously to people.
  
• Anyone using the app can use Snapchat's privacy features to decide who can interact with them via YOLO.​
• 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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