Say Hi is a free messenger app that allows individuals to find and chat to other people. Say Hi states “Say Hi can help you find new people nearby! It helps you find love by chat, meet and date new friends!” On Say Hi people can use text messenger, video chat, upload pictures, send voice messages and show other’s their location. Users can search nearby people and view their profiles. The app is PEGI 18 rated, however children are still using the service. Users can utilise the Instant video messaging and live video chat with their new friends, which is being branded as “meet face to face before you meet face to face!”. live streaming is a growing method of grooming, any app which supports this feature is a potential issue for children. Say Hi

Chat Hour allows users to meet and chat with locals and people from all over the world. It doesn't matter if you are looking for friends or looking to flirt. In June a victim referred to this platform as “Chatter”. Chat Hour has been a PC based platform for many years, however has recently branched out to the mobile market. The forums are wide ranging, however the app is primarily a dating/hook up site. It is thinly policed by mods who do little to effectively curb the actions of those looking to maliciously communicate with children. Furthermore, the youngest age that can be imputed into to create a profile is 13 years.  During the course of an investigation into a Registered Sex Offender he admitted further offences that centre around the use of an online chat room called “Chat Hour” – this RSO explained that within the open forum of the homosexual chat room users are asking for indecent images of children.  Chat Hour

The UK safer internet centre have begun receiving calls about new app Sarahah. This is typically an indicator that an app is being widely used by young people across the UK. The app works on exactly the same premise as Sayat.me allowing users to receive anonymous feedback about anything they request. It has been showcased in tech magazines in the last few weeks so don’t think it will be long before it hits the mainstream media. There isn’t any information about bullying and harassment in their user terms and conditions and no clear reporting routes. Although no apparent cases involving this have been reported in the South West thus far, it is an app to be aware of in the upcoming months. Sarahah

ChatiW.com hosts free chat rooms without registration providing users with maximum functionality to simplify the search for contacts and discussions in real time. Allows you to find your soul mate and build relationships quickly with single women and men. There’s the possibility to interrupt a discussion group at any time to start a private conversation. The app is PEGI 18 rated ChatiW

With the internet and apps evolving every week it can be easy to feel like technology is moving too fast for us, however it doesn’t change the fact that young people will always seek to interact with technology and will always require our advice and support when online. Below are a number of resources to help educate adults and young people around the issue of online safety and app security: The UK safer internet centre; where you can find e-safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe online. The Revenge porn hotline; the only organisation providing such a service in the UK, providing support and advice to the victims of the non-consensual sharing of intimate images and cyber-enabled blackmail (known as sextortion). POSH (The Professionals Online Safety Helpline); The Professionals Online Safety Helpline is a free service for all professionals and volunteers working with children and young people. It provides signposting, advice and mediation to resolve online safety issues staff face about themselves, such as protecting professional identity and online harassment, or problems affecting young people, for example cyber-bullying or sexting issues. Where appropriate we can also provide advice or facilitate in the removal on harmful content. POSH have created good relationships with many of the giant tech companies and are a great place to start if you have any concerns with a particular site or App. UK Safer internet centre Professionals Online Safety Helpline Revenge porn helpline Protecting young people from online grooming Please support the Revenge Porn hotline crowdfunding campaign www.crowdfunder.co.uk/revenge-porn-helpline