Online Safety - IMVU App

I have been made aware of an app called IMVU which is a social media app that allows players to generate an avatar and interact/socialise with other users’ avatars. The avatars do give away the users locations and the avatars appear to be child friendly, but also appears quite sexualised in appearance.

As with a lot of social media apps not everyone are who they describe themselves to be and this leaves young people very vulnerable. This app has an age of 13 years and above however children of primary school age have accessed this app.

For further advice and information on Apps and their appropriateness for young people the NSPCC and partners have produced an internet site that can help parents decide what is appropriate for their children  www.net-aware.org.uk

Unfortunately there are many apps or platforms that potentially can leave children vulnerable, the advice is that parents should build up their knowledge of social media apps using sites like net-aware and be inquisitive as to what their children have access to on their phones, tablets and computers. Please see the attached document, 'Online Safety Advice for Parents.'

 Many Thanks, Mr Hanley