APG Mobile Applications just released an app for the iPhone. Kids Self-Evaluate (KSE) is a new empowerment tool that prompts kids to rate their experience of life by posing the question, “How is my life right now?” Tools like this give kids the opportunity to practice self-reflection and self-expression anytime throughout their day. These are vital skills for ultimately knowing how to make good decisions. Much of the talk surrounding KSE’s usefulness is about the opportunity it gives parents.

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For parents, KSE provides a “window” into their child’s perceptions. “How’s school going?” when asked by a parent usually receives some sort of mumbled response; KSE changes that – parents can see, exactly, where their child is challenged or where s/he thinks he’s doing well. By reading the child’s shares a parent can assess the quality of his or her child’s life. –PR Newswire
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Well-intentioned adults may access a child’s secrets to offer aid or to identify a problem early enough to prevent tragedy. As tempting and prudent as it may sound, it could be a mistake.

Two Potential Mistakes
Trust – A child unwilling to share his feelings with his parents may be signaling distrust. You’ll prove his distrust wise if you spy without permission.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Wait! I Don’t Have to Ask Permission! * * * * * * * * 

You’re right, you don’t have to ask permission for anything—please use your good judgment. Demonstrate respect by being honest and upfront about the degree of control and privacy you’re granting with KSE. Secrets stolen electronically, even for the best intentions, may invalidate the usefulness of this tool, and if you get caught stealing a secret it could be the last secret you find out.

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