App Academy: A Parent’s Guide to What’s Really on Your Kid’s Phone

If you’ve ever looked at your child’s phone and thought, “What even is this app?” you’re not alone.

Between vanishing messages, burner accounts, group chats, and algorithm-driven content, today’s digital world moves fast and our kids are in it every day. At Family Guidance and Outreach, we know how overwhelming it can feel to keep up. That’s why we’re launching App Academy, a new lunch-and-learn series just for parents and caregivers.

Starting Monday, June 2nd, join us every Monday at lunch for a free, 45-minute online class designed to help you understand the apps your kids are using and how to keep them safe while they’re using them.

What is App Academy?

App Academy is a practical, parent-focused class series that breaks down popular social and messaging apps—one at a time. Each week, we’ll cover a different app, including how it works, why kids love it, and the hidden safety concerns you may not know about. You’ll leave each session with simple tools, safety settings, and conversation starters to use at home.

No tech background required... just curiosity, love for your child, and maybe a cup of coffee.

Summer 2025 App Academy Schedule:

Mondays at Lunch | 45 Minutes | Free & Online

• June 2 – Snapchat Disappearing messages, Snap Map, and what parents really need to know.

• June 9 – TikTok From viral trends to screen time traps: how to use TikTok wisely.

• June 16 – Instagram DMs, stories, and the pressure to be perfect: understanding teen social life online.

• June 23 – Discord What’s happening on gaming servers? We’ll show you.

• June 30 – YouTube & YouTube Shorts What’s behind the algorithm and how to filter it.

• July 7 – BeReal Is it really about authenticity? What to know about posting in real time.

• July 14 – GroupMe, WhatsApp & Messaging Apps How kids are chatting in ways parents often can’t see.

• July 21 – Secret Apps & Burner Accounts Vault apps, decoy calculators, and hidden accounts... yep, we’ll cover it all.

Why It Matters

Kids don’t always know how to navigate the digital world safely... and honestly, neither do many adults. App Academy helps close that gap by equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to be present, informed, and proactive when it comes to your child’s online life.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to show up.

Join us starting June 2nd at Noon.

45-minute sessions

Live on Zoom

Bring your questions!

To Register and Receive Reminders, CLICK HERE