W App - Anonymous Polls

[altecsole]

Probably more for your Safeguarding lead, but we've had a parent reporting this app to us. It's blocked by our web filter, but obviously available to pupils at home. We've now sent a letter to alert parents, so they can speak to their children about this.

 

Link for app stores:

 

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/w-app-anonymous-polls/id1645858841

Google: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=w+app+anonymous+polls&c=apps

[CyBeRkId2002]

I have been made aware of this app today and plan on drafting a letter tomorrow.

 

So I am clear it am I right that:

 

It allows individuals to post anonymous questions and links them up with other 'students' (I put that in quotes as there is no knowing who is signing up) to answer

 

They promote zero negativity, but unsure how this is possibly policed. Can only imagine the amount of cyber bullying on the platform.

 

Does it allow direct messaging of individuals within a matched school within the app, or via email. Trying to properly assess the risk -whether it is of predatory behaviour and a risk of students being contacted or predominantly cyber bullying and wellbeing.

 

I wondered if you would be kind enough to PM the letter you sent out as it would be great to have that as a jumping off point.