Category: Social Media
Official rating: 17+
Zoe rating: 16
Jodel is a social media platform where users can anonymously post questions, opinions, images, or chat with others in their local area. With Jodel, you write posts that can be read by other users within a 10-kilometer radius. All posts can be voted up or down by other users, and you can also reply to them. There’s no need to create a profile, and followers or friends don’t exist. You simply read what others in your surroundings have to say and react to it (anonymously). Since users can be completely anonymous, unfortunately, some may experience receiving unpleasant or unwanted messages or comments directed towards them. Moreover, companies and advertising agencies have noticed the significant number of young users on Jodel, leading to a considerable amount of hidden or direct advertising targeting the youth.
Parental Guide to Jodel
Limit Notifications
“Nudging” is a method used by social media platforms to encourage users to engage with content on their services. A significant portion of social media “nudging” happens through notifications. To protect yourself and your children from continuous distractions and disturbances, it’s a good idea to limit or completely remove notifications from social media platforms like Jodel. Under your phone’s settings, you can access the app’s general settings and disable notifications or choose how they are displayed. At the very least, you should disable notifications when the phone is locked.
Privacy Settings on Jodel
Taking control of your privacy online can be a good idea. Remember, you always have the right not to respond if you receive unpleasant messages or are contacted by someone you don’t know. On Jodel, you can ensure your privacy by following these steps:
Turn off chat requests (avoid receiving direct messages from those who respond to your Jodels):
- Open the app
- Click on the small person icon in the bottom right corner (Me)
- Click on settings (⚙) or ‘More’
- Find ‘Chat requests to you’
- Turn it off by clicking on the small round button so that it’s to the left
Talking About Jodel
Here are some guidelines to help you start the conversation:
Be open and available: Create a safe and open environment where your child feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. Show interest in their experiences and be receptive to their perspective.
Be prepared: Before talking to your child, it’s important that you have a basic understanding of the platform and its features.
Highlight pros and cons: Discuss both the positive and negative aspects of the app. Talk about the benefits of being able to be anonymous and how anonymity can also lead to unpleasant posts since others are not accountable for what they write. Mention that both adults and children use the app and that they can always talk to you if they experience something uncomfortable.
Online safety and privacy: Emphasize the importance of protecting personal information and being aware of security settings. Advise your child to avoid sharing pictures and videos that shouldn’t be shared and to be cautious about accepting friend requests from strangers.
Digital literacy and respectful behavior: Talk to your child about the importance of maintaining healthy behavior online. Explain that it’s important to treat others online with respect, avoid bullying, and think before sending anything.
Maintain ongoing dialogue: Keep the conversation ongoing and open, showing interest in the content they receive and share. As technology and the online landscape evolve, new challenges or concerns may arise that you need to address together.
Remember, it’s important to tailor the conversation to your child’s age and maturity level. Be receptive to their concerns and questions, and make sure they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences with you. For example, ask them:
- What do you use Jodel for?
- What are the latest questions you’ve read?
If you want to learn more about Jodel for your conversation with your children, you can read more on the shortcut:
Your child and social media
If something unfortunate happens
Red Barnet has created a useful guide to deleting content on Jodel
Category: Social Media
A social media platform is, in short, a platform where people can talk or write to each other via the internet and mobile. Communication goes both ways and not just one way, as it does, for example, in newspapers or series.