SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) —
The Saturn app, a platform that has recently surged in popularity among high school students, is now at the center of a nationwide debate regarding student safety and online privacy.
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Parents, educators and tech experts are closely scrutinizing the app’s functionality and security measures.
In various school districts across Utah, parents have received notifications about the Saturn app. These alerts have raised critical questions about the safety of students in the digital realm who are using it.
Parents like Brittney Miskin, a mother of five, are facing a daily challenge in keeping their children safe online.
Miskin, who has a high school senior, shared her concerns, saying, “Every day, it’s a struggle because kids are smart. They know how to get around stuff.”
To understand the Saturn app, KUTV sought the insights of tech expert Sarah Kimmel, founder of FamilyTech, based in Lehi.
Kimmel, who specializes in IT, offers daily tech tips and guidance on digital parenting.
She emphasized that Saturn underwent a security update, which addressed some initial privacy concerns. Previously, virtually anyone could log in, but now the app requires a school email for access.
According to Kimmel, the app’s features include the ability for students to input their schedules, connect with classmates and engage in conversations.
“If I’m a student, I can put in my schedule and see all the other members of my class in the app. I can add friends and chat with other people in my class,” Kimmel said.
When asked about her advice for parents considering whether to allow their children to use the Saturn app, Kimmel offered a cautious perspective.
I generally advise against it, mainly because of the Android exclusion. Not so much for privacy concerns, but because there are other platforms that allow students to communicate cross-platform.”
