Yik Yak, the controversial social media app that allows users to share messages in complete anonymity to be read by people near their locations, has prompted Le Roy HS administrators to seek parental help in controlling its spread.
Principal Tim McArdle sent a message to all parents today informing them that Yik Yak use has been reported by students and there have been complaints about it already.
"Based on reports by students, individuals in our school community over the last few days have been using this app to bully others and post very degrading comments about students and staff," McArdle wrote in the message. "We have been in contact with other local districts that are experiencing the same situation this week."
The Batavian reported earlier this week that administrators at Batavia HS were aware of the app and monitoring its impact on campus life.
Yik Yak has garnered a good deal of national news coverage because of complaints of bullying and threats by users.
McArdle said administrators addressed students about Yik Yak during lunches today.
"We let them know the negative impacts that social bullying and harassing have on their fellow students," McArdle wrote. "We also encouraged students who may be negatively impacted to come forward and seek help. Students were invited to sign a pledge to delete the app from their phone. In just the first day alone we had a great turnout of students pledging to do this."
The app has been blocked from the school network, but that won't prevent students with mobile devices and their own online access from using the app.
"We now need your help as parents!," the principal wrote. "Please talk about this with your child and discourage their use of this app."
