As a school counselor who has to clean up the big messes these apps can create, I wish more parents would be proactive about researching apps and monitoring everything their kids are saying and doing online. This is not about privacy or trust. Good kids get caught up in these things and are scared to talk to adults. PLEASE, parents, monitor you child online!! Don't give them open access to download any app or text without you checking in on them. This is a plea from someone who has seen the trouble caused by irresponsible media use. Be smart and monitor.

Shielding kids from scary current events is impossible.  It is important to give middle schoolers a chance to discuss the things they see going on in the world around them.  This is a chance for them to shape their world view, values, and beliefs.  Below is a link with some tips on how to do create these conversations with your children.