Counseling Courier 2014-2015 School Year YIK YAK New Smartphone App to be Aware of as Educators and Parents Each year, we work together with parents, guardians, faculty and staff to encourage our students to use social media in a healthy, safe way. As the forums utilized by students are constantly changing, we continue to update parents on ways to monitor students’ presence on social media and alert them to potentially dangerous apps. Byram Hills Central School District H.C. Crittenden Middle School Armonk, New York GUIDANCE CONTACTS (914) 273-4250 ext. 7 6th Grade Counselor Heather Graham 273-4250 ext.3933 7th Grade Counselor David Mack 273-4250 ext. 3933 8th Grade Counselor Claira Perfetto A new app called “Yik Yak” has gained attention for posing potential harm to school communities. This app has become increasingly popular and allows users to post anonymous comments that can be read by others within a specific geographical area. The perceived anonymity of Yik Yak proves problematic with adolescents and has been misused as a means to post hurtful content, harassing comments and threats. In nearby school districts including Mount Sinai schools and Yorktown Heights, students have been arrested for making dangerous threats against their schools using Yik Yak. As a community, we would like to continue to be proactive in addressing this issue by providing helpful tips for parents and guardians in preventing the misuse of social media. It is important that parents check and be aware of what apps are on their child’s phone. Parents are also able to restrict access to apps based on their child’s age under “settings.” If you have additional questions as to how to place an age limit under “settings,” contact your service provider for help. Remember, the cell phone is the property and responsibility of the parent or guardian. Additionally, always keep the lines of communication open between you and your child in regard to appropriate use of social media apps and websites. Adolescents should be encouraged to think about consequences prior to posting comments on social media. 273-4250 ext. 3934 School Psychologist Gina Cunningham 273-4250 ext. 3935 Guidance Secretary Marianne White 273-4250 ext. 7 HOMEWORK CENTER Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays 2:30-3:30 Rm. 138 Get a head start on your homework! Math Homework Center Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 2:30-3:30 Rm. 143 Thank you for your support on this issue. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s school counselor. Mrs. Sylvester