WHAT IS SARAHAH?
Sarahah is a free app (for Android or iOS) that allows users to leave and receive anonymous messages from their peers, much like ask.fm. Originally intended as an outlet for healthy criticism, input, and/or encouragement to be shared amongst colleagues, the app has grown in popularity amongst teens, and its number of users continues to grow. Unfortunately, some users are reporting cyberbullying on the app, taking it further away from fulfilling its initial purpose as a useful and harmless way to share feedback inconspicuously.
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Read Our Teen Blogger Anna Dieckmeyer's Review of Sarahah
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How It Works:
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Sarahah doesn’t reveal the identity of the commenters without their consent. However, it will reveal the identity of users who do not comply with the app’s set rules and regulations.
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Users can choose to share their messages to be available to those without an account.
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Users can upload their device’s contact list as a way to find friends, which raises concerns that such information can be leaked in event of a security breach within the app’s system.
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Sarahah now works inconjunction with Snapchat!
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Currently, there is no option to respond to messages.
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The minimum age requirement is 17, but that doesn’t stop younger kids from opening an account.
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Users can upload their profile link to other social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram.
Because of the anonymity upon which the app functions, parents should be wary of cyberbullying if their child uses Sarahah. Some testify to teens using it as a way to continue gossip or drama through a virtual medium. It is also very possible that users will become dependent on the app for self-esteem boosts, equating their own self-worth to the comments they receive through the screen. If you're worried that your child is being harassed online, visit our cyberbullying hub.
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