Chatstat is built to be straightforward, so “permissions” in the context of the family app are minimal. However, this can refer to a couple of things:
1. Social Media Permissions / Access: Since Chatstat doesn’t connect to private APIs of social networks (we’re looking at public data), we actually do not require you to grant permissions like “Allow Chatstat to read my Facebook data” in the way some apps do. You simply provide the profile handle and we go from there. So, there’s no OAuth permission process for personal use. The benefit is simplicity and safety – your child’s login credentials aren’t needed, and you’re not giving a third-party special access to their accounts.
However, if a social platform changes and requires some developer permission for even public data, we’ll guide you through that in the linking process. As of now, in most cases, no extra permission from the social network side is needed.
2. Permissions within Chatstat (for Parents/Guardians): In a family setting, you might have multiple caregivers who want access. Chatstat currently allows one primary account (the one you signed up with). If you want, you can share those login credentials with your spouse or a co-guardian so both can log in and receive alerts. We recommend enabling two-factor authentication on your Chatstat account if you share credentials, and only share with people you fully trust. We’re working on a feature to have multiple linked parent accounts for the same child, but until that’s available, shared login is a workaround.
If you do share the account, be aware that any changes one person makes (like adjusting settings or deleting an alert) affects everyone.
Communication is key: ensure both parents are on the same page about how to respond to alerts to avoid double conversations with the child or contradictory approaches.
3. Child’s Awareness and Consent: While not a software “permission,” ethically it’s important. We always advocate for telling your child that you will be using Chatstat. Gauge this based on their age and temperament. Younger kids may not fully get it, but you can explain in simple terms (“an app that lets me know if something dangerous pops up”). Teens might object to the idea of being monitored; it’s a tough conversation but emphasize you’re not reading everything, just getting notifications for serious issues (like an SOS system). Invite them to be part of setting it up if possible, so it doesn’t feel sneaky. Some families even agree on certain ground rules, like “I won’t bring up stuff I see unless it’s truly concerning” – this can help the teen feel respected.
4. App Permissions on Your Device: If you install the Chatstat parent app on your phone, it will request the usual permissions like the ability to send you notifications (so you get alerts promptly). Granting notification permission is important for realtime alerts. It may also ask for permission to access files if you want to download a report or export something, but other than that, the app is mostly a portal and doesn’t need things like your location or contacts.
5. School or Work Settings: (This might not apply to you if you’re using Chatstat just at home, but for completeness:) If your child’s school or another organization provided Chatstat, they might have their own permission forms. For example, a school would send a consent form to parents to allow student monitoring. In such cases, you’d likely have a portal to give your okay, and the school’s admin would manage the actual Chatstat system.
6. Revoking Permissions / Access: If at any point you’re not comfortable or you want to pause monitoring, you have control. You can unlink a social account from Chatstat (which stops monitoring that platform for your child). Or simply turn off notifications if you want a break (though the system will still log alerts unless fully unlinked or account deleted). Remember to also discuss with your child if you plan to stop or pause monitoring – that can be a positive conversation of gradually giving them more online responsibility as trust builds.
So, in summary, “managing permissions” with Chatstat is mostly about who has access to the monitoring info and being transparent with your kids. The app tries to minimize how many technical hoops you need to jump through. Nonetheless, always be mindful about sharing access and make sure you’re comfortable with how your child’s data is being used – which, with Chatstat, is solely to protect them.
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