Pedagogy and Academics

A useful reminder about the platforms our girls use daily

A recent post I came across online highlighted just how quickly the digital platforms our teenagers use are evolving, and how easily new features can go unnoticed.

An app we think of as a music service may also provide a space for messaging and social interaction. Whilst you may already be across this in your homes, I thought it was a useful reminder to share this with families. 

Spotify, for example, (which many families regard as a safe app) now also includes messaging features that allow users to send messages, share songs and playlists, and participate in group conversations. In a world where music is constantly being shared, a conversation that starts with a song recommendation can easily become an ongoing private chat between children and adults who have similar musical tastes.

Spotify states that Messages is for users aged 16 and over. However, like many platforms, this relies on users providing their correct date of birth when setting up an account. There is also an important limitation for parents: Messages is a personal setting, rather than a parental control that can simply be switched off through a Spotify Premium Family plan.

This is not a reason to be alarmed, but it is a timely reminder that familiar apps can take on new functions without us necessarily noticing. I encourage families to explore the apps their daughters use, check available privacy settings and maintain open conversations about online communication, safety and boundaries.

Understanding what an app can do is an important first step in helping our daughters navigate the digital world safely and thoughtfully.

As always, please email me if you would like any further guidance in these important areas. 

Mel Pedavoli

Assistant Principal: Pedagogy and Academic Leadership