App Academy 2.0: Back by Popular Demand
- FGO Staff
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
When we launched App Academy this summer, we weren’t sure what to expect. We just knew there were a lot of parents — like us — trying to keep up with a digital world that feels like it’s changing every second.
What we found was… you showed up. Parents came with real questions, honest concerns, and a desire to better understand the apps their kids and teens are using every day.
Over the course of eight weeks, we unpacked some of the most common — and sometimes most misunderstood — platforms in today’s digital culture:
✅ Snapchat — Where we broke down disappearing messages, Snap Maps, privacy settings, and why this app is a favorite among teens for secret conversations.
✅ TikTok — We looked at how TikTok’s algorithm works, why it’s so addictive, the latest trends, and how parents can guide healthy conversations around short-form content.
✅ Instagram — We explored stories, DMs, “Finsta” accounts, and the way comparison culture, bullying, and privacy concerns show up on this app.
✅ Discord — We dived into the world of gaming servers, voice chats, and online communities — and why this app is so popular with kids who love gaming and connecting in niche groups.
✅ YouTube & YouTube Shorts — We talked about endless content feeds, comment section pitfalls, and how to use features like YouTube Kids or Restricted Mode to make browsing safer.
✅ BeReal — We examined the rise of this “authenticity” app, its impact on peer pressure, location sharing, and how it’s reshaping social media norms for teens.
✅ GroupMe, WhatsApp & Messaging Apps — We broke down how group chats really work, why teens often prefer these apps over texting, and what parents need to know about group chat dynamics and hidden messaging.
✅ Secret Apps & Burner Accounts — Finally, we uncovered the hidden apps, decoy tools, and secret accounts kids sometimes use — and how to spot them on your child’s device.
The feedback was incredible. We heard stories of parents starting new conversations with their kids, setting healthier boundaries, and even making app-setting changes within hours of attending a session.
So here’s the big news… We’re not done yet.
Your questions and feedback told us loud and clear — this is a conversation parents want and need to keep having. So we’re expanding App Academy with a brand-new series launching July 28:
🎮 July 28 — Roblox & FortniteWe’ll explore how in-game chats, friend requests, purchases, and online interactions work in two of the most popular gaming platforms among kids — and what you can do to help your child stay safe while having fun.
📺 August 4 — TwitchLive streaming isn’t just for gamers anymore. We’ll break down how Twitch works, the risks of live chat, exposure to inappropriate content, and how parents can set healthy boundaries around streaming.
📌 August 11 — PinterestIt’s not just pretty pictures and recipes. Pinterest’s hidden messaging features, mature content, and group boards make it a platform every parent should understand — especially as it grows in popularity among tweens and teens.
📝 August 18 — Threads & X (formerly Twitter)We’ll dive into how these open platforms are used by teens, the risks of public profiles and direct messaging, and how online drama, bullying, and misinformation can spread.
🤖 August 25 — Character AIWith AI chatbots becoming wildly popular, we’ll take a look at what Character AI is, the risks of mature content and unhealthy attachments, and how to talk with your kids about AI-generated content and conversations.
Why App Academy?
Because parenting in the digital age is tough — and it’s nearly impossible to protect your kids from what you don’t understand.
App Academy is about real conversations, practical tips, and simple ways to stay informed. You don’t have to be a tech expert. You just have to show up.
✅ Free 45-minute online sessions
✅ Mondays at Noon (via Zoom)
✅ No registration required — just honest information and tools you can use right away.
Can’t join us live? No problem!
We know life is busy — that’s why we send out a recording of each App Academy session the same day, so you can watch (or rewatch) whenever it works for you. Along with the recording, we also share a handout with key takeaways, step-by-step instructions for safety settings, and conversation starters you can use at home. Whether you tune in live or catch up later, you’ll have all the tools you need right at your fingertips.
We’d love for you to join us for this next round — and invite a friend, too. We’re all navigating this together.
Register for free now:
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