It has recently been reported to the School Administration by students, parents, and school personnel that some of our students are using a cell phone app called “Ogle”. “Ogle” is a phone app which allows users to post messages, comments to messages, pictures, and videos to be shared with a school campus community. Unfortunately, this app is being used to post inappropriate, degrading, and demeaning things about fellow students and school staff.
We at Bell HS are disappointed to see and hear some of the negative things being posted on this app by our students. What is occurring on this app is not part of the values being taught at Bell High School. We are asking that all families spend time over the weekend to discuss with your son and/or daughter the inappropriate use of the “Ogle” app and other social media apps. We encourage you to check and question the types of apps your son and/or daughter has on their cell phone and other smart devices. If they have the “Ogle” app on their phone or smart device, we strongly suggest that it is removed. The “Ogle” app has no practical use or purpose, and is not endorsed by the District High School.
We also want you to know that “Ogle” is being advertised as being anonymous. The reality is that none of these Social Media Apps are truly anonymous. Please read, and have your student read the Privacy Policy for “Ogle” on their website http://www.ogle-app.com/. Here are several important things to know about Olgle’s Privacy Policy:
* All users can be tracked, and users will not be able to, and do not have the ability to disable the tracking technology on their smart device for the “Ogle “app.
* Your information used to download “Ogle” may be shared with law enforcement, governmental agencies, or authorized third parties, in response to a request relating to a criminal investigation or alleged illegal activity. Your information may also be shared in response to court orders, subpoenas, or other legal or regulatory requests.
* Your information used to download “Ogle” can be retained as long as it is necessary and relevant (even after the app has been deleted from your device). They may retain information collected from you to comply with the law, prevent fraud, resolve disputes, troubleshoot problems, assist with any investigation, and take other actions permitted by law or disclosed in this Privacy Policy.
Several students at other California high schools have been arrested for making threats on the “Ogle” app. Any Bell High School student discovered using the “Ogle” app or any other social media app for any negative and/or threatening purpose will receive a serious disciplinary consequence (which may include immediate dismissal from school) and be reported to the School Police.
We have already addressed this issue with our students about the present problems with “Ogle”, and will be addressing the rest of the student body next week in an assembly. Again, we want to stress that you have a conversation with your son and/or daughter regarding the use of social media.
If there is any other information you have which will be helpful as we continue to investigate this present issue, please contact the Dean's Office as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Bell HS Administration