The Marist School Trials New App on World Internet Safety Day

The Marist school is one of the first schools in the country to pilot a new innovative app aimed at keeping social media safe for children.

ChatFOSS (Chat Friends Only Stay Safe) is the brainchild of Alicia Coad, a mother of three who came up with the idea after her young son complained of “strangers” contacting him and his friends online.

ChatFOSS is believed to be the first social media app which is suitable for children under the age of 13 and uses the latest encryption technology.

Following a presentation to staff, parents and pupils at The Marist School, the school has become one of the first to join a three-month pilot study.

Marist School Headmistress, Miss Finlayson, said: “E-safety and social media is gathering apace, and it is imperative that our children know how to use this technology safely and responsibly.

“We were very impressed with Alicia’s presentation which demonstrated the benefits of this innovative app. It is incredibly child friendly and, at the same time, very easy for adults to understand.

“The introduction of ChatFOSS is to play a central part in our ongoing commitment to e-safety and educating our children for today’s modern world.”

ChatFOSS founder Alicia Coad said: “I am delighted that the Marist School is participating in our pilot scheme and doing so on World Internet Safety Day was most fitting! We expect the app to grow in popularity over the coming months, and hope to grow our user numbers, currently in the thousands, significantly.

“Before we roll ChatFOSS out nationwide, we want to it to give it a thorough test drive, and the best people to do this are the children it is aimed at protecting.

“If there’s one thing I know about children and that is they will tell it like it like is! The feedback from Marist Girls will be invaluable.”