Social media applications usually are there to aid us in conversation, make our lives easier and more enjoyable. Some apps however do the opposite and whether its their intention or not, they are being used to bully other kids. The new application in question that is doing just this is called Yik Yak.

Yik Yak connects its users to other users in their area and allows them to post anonymous posts to a live feed. There are no passwords, or profiles, and it says you must be 17 years or older to join however there isn’t anything stopping younger kids from joining anyways. Since everything is anonymous, it gives bullies a prime opportunity to call others names and make fun of them for all to see. Once the bullying starts there isn’t a way to pin down who is making the hurtful comments in order to stop them. Having it all be anonymous also makes it easier for kids to speak whatever hurtful words they choose without fear of consequences.

In areas of Chicago suburbs this app is getting banned in schools. Districts are blocking the app from their network and banning kids from using it. The problem the districts are having is that students can still access the app through their wireless network and hide their use of it from administration and faculty.

These districts want to warn these kids of the harm they can cause. They want to have talks with them and urge their parents to talk with them and keep them from using this app. Some sent letters home to the parents warning them that any student found using the app to cause disruptions could face disciplinary action.

This isn’t the first app that was used to bully other kids and it wont be the last. Yik Yak is part of a group of apps that is growing where users are anonymous and post hurtful things about others. These type of apps help contribute to teen suicide and bullying. More should be done to restrict teens and kids from using these apps because they can become powerful hurtful tools in the hands of teens and certainly create more harm than good.

To read more on this check out Chicago Tribunes article