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App Overview

Is GroupMe safe for kids? An honest GroupMe review for parents.

View in Google Play store

App Store Rating

Everyone

Category

Communication

Updated October 17, 2024

App Overview

GroupMe is a mobile app that provides users with the ability to create and manage group chats. The app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices and is free to use. GroupMe was launched in 2010 and has since become popular among students, friends, and families for planning events, sharing photos and links, and staying connected.

The app allows users to add people to a group by either entering their phone number or email address. GroupMe also integrates with other social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter. Users can create and join multiple groups, and there is no limit on the number of members that can be added to a group chat.

GroupMe also offers features such as the ability to customize chat backgrounds, add emojis and GIFs, and share locations. The app also provides a search function that allows users to search for messages, files, and links that have been shared in a group chat.

As for safety concerns, GroupMe can be safe for kids to use if parents take necessary precautions. One of the biggest risks associated with group chat apps is cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is the use of electronic communication to bully, harass, or intimidate someone, and it can happen in any online environment, including GroupMe.

To prevent cyberbullying, parents should educate their children about what it is and how to recognize it. They should also encourage them to report any instances of cyberbullying to an adult, either a parent or a teacher. Parents should also monitor their children's use of GroupMe by checking in on their group chats and reading their messages.

Another potential danger associated with group chat apps is the sharing of personal information. GroupMe allows users to share their location with other members of a group chat, which could be a privacy concern. Parents should advise their children not to share personal information, such as their home address or phone number, with anyone they do not know in person.

In addition to these safety concerns, parents should also be aware of the app's age restriction. GroupMe's terms of service state that users must be 13 years of age or older to use the app. Parents should ensure that their children are using the app within the appropriate age range and that they are not providing false information when signing up for an account.

In conclusion, GroupMe is a popular group chat app that can be safe for kids to use if parents take necessary precautions. Parents should educate their children about cyberbullying, monitor their use of the app, and advise them not to share personal information. By taking these steps, parents can help ensure that their children are using GroupMe in a safe and responsible manner.
While GroupMe may be a useful tool for communication and organization, it is important for parents to be aware of the potential dangers that it may pose for children. GroupMe, like many other messaging apps, allows users to send and receive messages from strangers, and there is a risk of children being exposed to inappropriate or harmful content through the app. In addition, there is a risk of cyberbullying or online harassment occurring within GroupMe groups, particularly if the groups are not moderated or if children are participating in groups with older or unknown individuals.

In order to protect their children from the potential dangers of GroupMe and other messaging apps, parents can use a parental control tool such as Bark. Bark is a parental control app that monitors children's online activity and sends alerts to parents if it detects potentially harmful or inappropriate content. Bark can be set up to monitor GroupMe and other messaging apps, as well as social media, email, and other online platforms. In addition to alerting parents to potential dangers, Bark also provides resources and guidance on how to address any issues that may arise.

In summary, GroupMe is a popular group messaging app that is rated for players aged 12 and up. While it may be useful for communication and organization, it is important for parents to be aware of the potential dangers that it may pose for children, including exposure to inappropriate or harmful content and the risk of cyberbullying or online harassment. By using a parental control tool such as Bark, parents can monitor their children's online activity and take steps to protect them from potential dangers.

Can Bark Monitor GroupMe?

GroupMe is just one of 30+ apps that Bark can monitor for things like bullying, predation, sexual content, and more. Specifically, Bark can monitor texts, images, and videos of both group and direct messages on GroupMe.

Bark can allow your child to use GroupMe more safely, should you allow them to download it. For a more comprehensive review, you can read our full-length app review!

Don't have a Bark Phone yet?

What Else Can Bark Do?

On top of monitoring GroupMe, Bark puts you in the driver’s seat to decide when they can use it. For instance — if you want your child to use GroupMe only an hour a day or on weekends, Bark gives you that ability. Plus, you can change the rules at any time if you need to make adjustments on the fly.

And because there’s more to online safety than just monitoring, Bark also lets you block websites and track your child’s location for peace of mind.

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