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You may not know it based on watching the news or evening television but polite conversation still reigns in today’s hi-tech society! Gentle reminders of using please and thank you by caregivers to impressionable tots are overheard in schools, on playgrounds and around kitchen tables. Wouldn’t it be great if there was an App to remind kids to reconsider texting a “bad” word? Now there is!

Monster Messenger team has implemented a new feature in their safe instant messaging app for kids and families. It’s called ”R-U-Sure?” . This feature stops kids in their tracks when detecting a word that signals hate, meanness or foul language.

We already received glowing feedback from families who report their kids really like the feature (see dialog in the frame below). In a non-threatening way, it forces youngsters to think before pushing the send button. They may not realize their text could be considered mean spirited or inappropriate. Monster Messenger pops up the ‘R-U-Sure?’ reminder. If the child changes the word they are instantly rewarded with positive feedback note such as “Smart choice!” or “Hurray!” or “The Force is With You!”

True story!

Here is an example of a parent-reported conversation of their children discovering the “R-U-Sure?” feature (names have been changed):

Michael: “I bet this app has a swear detector”
Liam: “It does. I tried typing the f word and it stopped me before I could hit send”
Liam: “HAHA it even did a “Hip hip Hooray” when I deleted it”
Michael: “Hilarious”
Liam: “Whatever this will train me to stop saying bad words and be more holy”
Michael: “That’s actually a good goal”
Liam: “Omg it even gives advice omg”
Liam: “To swear less”
Michael: “Yeah this app is doing good”

‘R-U-Sure?’ feature is way more powerful than classical moderation systems, because it triggers before the user posts his message.

All other moderation systems are triggered through another user reporting the conversation. While reporting and moderation are mandatory features, the damage has already occured then the conversation is reported. Giving a few seconds to the child to reassess what he’s going to post makes a big difference. Reinforcement messages sent if the kid changes his mind help growing the child confident, and prepare him for the wild world of open social services.

We hope you’ll like this feature as much as we do!
More info on www.monster-messenger.com

Lucie @ eduPad