Local principal warns parents of Snapchat game "show or cover"

NEEDHAM, Mass. — The principal at Pollard Middle School in Needham has a warning for parents that students may be playing a game called “show or cover” on Snapchat.

Tamatha Bibbo sent out an email Wednesday night alerting parents that the game “show or cover” refers to whether they would like their name shown with their responses to a particular question about other students. Examples provided were: Who is the hottest boy in school? Who is the most annoying student in school? Who is the dumbest girl in school? Students then choose to respond to these questions anonymously, or not.

Bibbo says they have no had a specific incident, but she wants to get ahead of any problems that could arise from the Snapchat game.

"As a parent we need to appreciate that because the technology is moving so fast and these games, and things that are coming out on these applications are so fast that parents are having a hard time keeping up," said parent Kimberly Christie.

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"Snapchat is a bit of an enigma to me. My boys will not let me Snapchat with them so I have really never seen it in action," said parent Sarah Stuart.

Ed Gazarian is a social media expert working at Needham-based ad agency Mittcom and believes the school is taking the right approach.

"I think it's probably more reflective of the fact that they realize there's an ongoing challenge with kids that are over-engaged on platforms and getting their validation and support and encouragement from a group of friends online than in person," said Gazarian.

Some parents feel the key to getting a grip on the rapid change in technology is communicating.

"Every parent wants to think their kid is not doing that, what have you. Quite honestly, it's getting very hard, at least in my family, is have conversations about new apps that are out. What is it they do? Why do you need to use that? Isn't this enough? How would it effect other kids?" said Christie.

Cox Media Group