Why It’s a Hit with Teens and Tweens:
Jott has taken the tween world by storm, and it’s easy to see why! The app is completely free and doesn’t require an expensive data plan, Wi-Fi, or even a cell connection. It operates like a high-tech version of two cans connected by a string, allowing students to send messages directly between devices within their school. Talk about cool!
Why It Matters:
Let’s face it—texting reigns supreme as the top digital activity for teens, with a whopping 87% sending texts daily. That’s way more than those old social media staples like Facebook or Instagram. Plus, kids can access Jott on devices like iPods and iPads, so no phone number is needed.
How Many Kids Are Using It:
According to the app’s creator, Marcus Bell, Jott has around half a million active users each month. It’s especially popular among junior high students, many of whom may not have a smartphone or a data plan yet.
How Kids Engage with Jott:
To join, kids simply download the app and connect to their school’s network. They can then see who else has signed up at their school. The app lets them exchange messages with peers within a 100-foot radius of their school.
Why Parents Can Breathe a Little Easier:
Marcus, being a dad himself, designed Jott with safety in mind. When kids sign up, they must provide their real name and age, which helps match them with local schools. For instance, a 17-year-old won’t be able to connect with middle schoolers. Plus, users have to validate their accounts—so no sneaky impersonators allowed! One principal even tried to join a junior high network under a fake name and was quickly outed by students who flagged her account. That’s a win for parental peace of mind! Jott’s real-name feature also makes it trickier for bullies to create anonymous accounts just to send nasty messages. If someone bothers your kid, they can block them easily, making it a safer option than sharing a phone number.
Why Parents Should Still Be Cautious:
However, distractions during school hours remain a concern. If kids previously limited their texting due to data costs, that’s no longer a barrier. While Jott does offer features like “disappearing messages” and “screenshot detection,” a kid can still send something regrettable that can be screenshotted and shared with others.
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Summary:
Jott is a popular messaging app among tweens that operates without requiring data plans or cell service, allowing students to communicate within a close range at school. While it aims to provide a safe environment with real-name verification and blocking features, parents should still be aware of the potential for distractions and the risks of sharing inappropriate content.