Caveat – this article was spawned by a recent discussion we had with a parent who found inappropriate discussions taking place with their child via the FitBit app.
Did you know that the Fitbit and its app can serve as an unfiltered gateway to the online world, enabling anyone to connect with your child? While parents might consider this a safer alternative to a cellphone or smartwatch, it’s important to recognize that it may still pose a risk to your child’s safety online.
While primarily known for tracking physical activity, the Fitbit app offers a range of features that go beyond fitness. One notable feature is its public forum and messaging system, which includes groups and sub-groups on a variety of topics, some of which are not directly related to fitness. This can include everything from hobbies and interests to sharing pictures. You can add friends by entering their email address or by visiting their profile and tapping “Add friend.” Additionally, there’s a direct messaging feature that enables users to communicate privately with one another. As a parent, it’s essential to understand these features and take steps to ensure your child’s safety while using the app.
Fitbit’s social platform allows users to connect, share achievements, and motivate each other. Here are some key components of the Fitbit app’s social features:
Public Forums:
These are open spaces where users can post messages, ask questions, and engage in discussions on a wide range of topics. While many threads focus on fitness and health, users can also discuss other subjects.
Groups and Sub-Groups:
Users can join groups based on their interests. These groups often have sub-groups that delve into more specific topics. For example, a general fitness group might have sub-groups for running, yoga, or nutrition.
Messaging System:
Fitbit users can send private messages to each other. This can be a great way to receive personalized advice and support, but it also opens the door to potential risks, especially for younger users.
Picture Sharing:
Within these groups and forums, users can share pictures. While this feature can be fun and engaging, it also requires careful monitoring to ensure that shared content is appropriate.
While these features can enhance the Fitbit experience, they also present certain risks for children and teenagers. Similar to other popular social media apps, there is always the potential for inappropriate content sharing. Any App with chat or messaging features, like Fitbit, can attract individuals who may seek to connect with children for harmful purposes, including sexual predation.
The open community and direct messaging features can lead children to form friendships with people they don’t know, who may not have their best interests in mind. This can escalate to personal communication on other platforms like Snapchat or Instagram, something known as “off platforming” in the online sexual predator world. Therefore, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to explore the Fitbit app themselves, familiarize themselves with its features, and understand how their child might be using it.
To ensure your child’s account has the right privacy settings, you can use Google Family Link to control who can see their profile, posts, and shared achievements. (1) Combine this with a kid-friendly Fitbit like the Ace 3, which allows you to manage their account through the Fitbit family account. (2) With the Ace 3, you can remove the “community” tab and require manual approval for all friend requests.
The Fitbit app’s social features can provide motivation and support for fitness goals, but they also come with potential risks for younger users who may use it to bypass parental oversite given its relatively unknown communication features. As a parent, staying informed and proactive is crucial to ensure your child’s safety. By understanding the app, setting up privacy controls, monitoring activity, educating your child, and utilizing parental controls, you can help your child enjoy the benefits of the Fitbit app while staying safe in its social environment.
Remember, open communication with your child about their online experiences and fostering a sense of trust will go a long way in keeping them safer in today’s onlife world.
PS – Yes, you can use the Fitbit app without having an actual Fitbit device. The app offers the above-mentioned features that can be utilized independently!
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
References:
1/ https://support.google.com/fitbit/answer/14236703
2/ https://www.fitbit.com/global/en-ca/products/trackers/ace3
