Warning: Saturn app asks students for personal info

Local officials are warning teens and parents about an app that tracks student class schedules.

Mobile County Public Schools posted a warning about the Saturn app on its Facebook page:

"PARENTS: We encourage you to warn your teenagers about putting their personal information into an app called Saturn. The app, only available for iPhones, asks students which high school they attend and to take a picture of their schedule. The name and grade of students who do this are then visible to the public, and schedules can be shared among members."

MCPSS regularly utilizes technology in its classrooms, and teachers give lessons on online safety to students.

The MCPSS Acceptable Use of Technology states:

"Users should never share personal information, including phone number, address, social security number, birthday, or financial information, over the Internet without adult permission. Users should recognize that communicating over the Internet brings anonymity and associated risks, and should carefully safeguard the personal information of themselves and others. Users should never agree to meet someone they meet online in real life without parental permission. If you see a message, comment, image, or anything else online that makes you concerned for your personal safety, bring it to the attention of an adult (teacher or staff if you're at school; parent if you're using the device at home) immediately."

The school system also provides parents with resources about how to keep their kids safe on a variety of internet platforms here: MCPSS 1:1 Technology Initiative - Internet Safety - Parents

Here's an article with more information about the Saturn app: https://trst.in/L0Ubgf