The single focus here at ScuttlePad is to create a safe and secure social networking environment for kids ages 6-11. So, this week we’re sharing some behind-the-scenes goings-on to highlight the safety measures that keep kids safe on the site.
Safety Net #1: No Grown-Up Profiles Allowed.
We don’t deviate from this policy. Ever. Even as the founder of ScuttlePad, I don’t have a profile. While we appreciate the interest from teachers and parents who want to check out the site for their kid(s), we do need to remove all adult accounts from the site to ensure kids’ safety.
We recently deactivated the registration of a teacher in Brazil, and received the following e-mail in response:
“…I understand why my account deactivated, as I am an art director and focused on emerging trends could not help taking a look at the site, loved the idea and saw that it actually works because the level of seriousness and responsibility is taken very seriously, because I was disabled, even though harmless but agree it is a space only for small, congratulations for the idea, the initiative and commitment …. big hug.”
It’s important to note, however, that we strongly encourage parents to use ScuttlePad alongside their kids, so they can learn together and parents can help kids through the process.
Safety Net #2: No Free-Form Text
One of the most important measures we emphasize with parents and educators is that ScuttlePad has no free-form text. Kids create status updates/comments by selecting from pre-approved word lists to form sentences.
By filtering out inappropriate words (sexual, harassing), or identifying words (numbers, specific locations), kids can’t get into trouble by sharing too much or inappropriate information—or get approached by adult strangers.
Safety Net #3: All Photos Are Reviewed Before Posting
Perhaps our most important safety measure is the simple fact that human eyes review all photos before being posted to the site. Of course we’ve rejected the types of photos you’d expect us to reject, those of a sexual, revealing or predatory nature.
We have also rejected images of cartoon characters drinking and smoking; classroom photos showing names, schools, and locations; team sports photos showing names and locations.
Humans review photo submissions to ensure content is appropriate. There is no work-around or way to deceive human eyes to “game” the system. As we see everything that is posted on the site beforehand, parents can be assured their kids won’t see anything inappropriate.
These are just a few of the things that go on behind the scenes here at ScuttlePad. We take our responsibility seriously, and want you to feel confident that when your son or daughter joins ScuttlePad, that they are protected.
If you have any further questions, feel free to drop me a line.