PLAYMessenger is a messaging app for teachers, parents, and students. Users communicate with one another through text, audio, or photo messages in groups or one on one. All accounts are verified and protect though PRIVO, and parents have the option to set parental controls on student accounts. PLAYMessenger is free for all users.

APPROACH

All adult users begin using PLAYMessenger by downloading the app and creating a personal account. Users do so by following prompts and entering in relative information such as name, a username and password, and date of birth. Once the account has been created, users will be directed to verify their account using PRIVO, where they will have to enter in the last four digits of their social security number, driver’s license number, and credit card number to verify their identity and account.

Users then add ‘Buddies,’ or contacts, by selecting the ‘Buddies’ tab from their menu. They enter in a user’s username into the search bar at the top of the screen and select ‘add.’ A request is then sent to the new buddy. After the buddy accepts the request, their contact will appear on the user’s buddy list. Users can also take a picture of their desired buddy’s QR code, and a friend request is instantly sent. To send a Buddy a message, users select either the add icon in the top right corner of the interface of the ‘Chats’ dashboard, or select a buddy from the ‘Buddies’ dashboard and message them from their contact.

Parent users can enable Trust Mode from their account for their student by going to settings, selecting the ‘MyKIDS’ section, and selecting their child or children’s profile.. Trust Mode allows parents to approve buddies and sent content before their children receive it.

Students can create accounts without their parents, but their access will be limited. Once students add their parents’ PRIVO verified email address to their account, they will have full access to send messages to their buddies.

WHO’S USING IT

As of 2016, over 10,000 students and educators are using PLAYMessenger.

PRICING

PLAYMessenger is free for all users.