#teen-safety

#teen-safety

NGL quickly climbed the App Store charts after its launch in late 2021, joining a group of similar apps popular among teens that allow users to send and receive anonymous questions and messages. But it's been embroiled in controversy for most of its existence. Anonymous messaging apps are problematic because they can encourage bullying among teens - Snapchat banned third-party apps like NGL, LMK, Sendit, and YOLO from its platform in 2022 after a parent sued the company for its alleged role in her teenage son's suicide.

In the same announcement, the company says it's rolling out a new in-house "age assurance model" that classifies a user's age based on the type of characters they choose to chat with, in combination with other on-site or third-party data information. Both new and existing users will be run through the age model, and users flagged as under-18 will automatically be directed to the company's teen-safe version of its chat, which it rolled out last year, until the November cutoff.

Snapchat has launched a new digital literacy program, called "The Keys," which aims to highlight the dangers of online interaction for young users, and better equip them with knowledge on how to protect themselves, and avoid problems in social apps. "Developed in collaboration with Common Sense Media, informed by safety experts, and reviewed by members of Snap's teen Council for Digital Well-Being, this program aims to educate teens about four key risks they may face online - bullying, illicit drug activity, nude and intimate images, and sextortion - and teaches platform-specific skills for helping to stay safe on Snapchat.

Carly Calland recalls her son Jacob as always busy and active, but after a catastrophic e-scooter crash, he tragically lost his life just 18 minutes after leaving home.

The mob attacked Angel Mendoza in a Bronx playground due to mistaken identity, as he was a friend of two teens previously involved in a gang fight.

At approximately 3:30 PM, two 16-year-old boys at the 59th St. R station were assaulted and robbed by three individuals, highlighting the ongoing concerns of youth safety in transit areas.

The Orange County district attorney's office has charged a Santa Ana High School student with murder and assault in the fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old classmate.