Common Sense Media Review
By Keri Wilmot
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Add phrases to message and text with less typing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Phraseboard Keyboard
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
PHRASEBOARD KEYBOARD is an app that offers teens a fast and efficient way to text frequent phrases and information using messaging apps. For those who have challenges with spelling and organizing their thoughts, this app is a way to communicate more effectively. Phrases can be added and sorted into specific categories, such as Personal, Friends, Family, Work, Numbers/Decimals, and Letters. Each specific category includes some phrases like "I'm hungry," What's up?" and "Can I borrow some money?" However, these can be deleted and replaced with others. Users can create additional categories, including a secure category with personalized phrases that must be unlocked with a PIN.
Once content is included in the app, teens can launch a messaging app, look for the symbol of the world in the bottom row on the keyboard, and click on it to show the preloaded phrases. Additional features allow the user to leave a space after a phrase as well as return to the next line to further customize messages. Only one additional purchase is included within the app, where a dark theme is placed on the keyboard for $.99. Other languages, such as French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, simplified Chinese, and Spanish are also available. While the app states that users can send GIFs from any keyboard, this feature didn't function properly during review.
Is It Any Good?
This utility offers a solution for kids and adults to include commonly used phrases in texting, making it easier for kids to communicate. Adding the phrases to the app is fairly easy, but it can be difficult at first to locate them within the keyboard for use. In the beginning, it takes some trial and error to figure out how to launch the customized phrases within the keyboard. Parents may want to monitor the kinds of information teens upload into the app and note that, even though Phraseboard Keyboard is a nifty shortcut, people still shouldn't text and drive. Users should be aware that while there are some great benefits to this app, developers can have access to personal information when full access to the keyboard is allowed in settings.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how assistive apps like Phraseboard Keyboard can take some frustration out of writing. Are there other apps that might be helpful?
Talk about your family rules regarding texting and messaging others. Who are kids permitted to text and message with?
Discuss online safety and communication with teens. What information is OK to share online? What's best to keep private or share only with friends and family?
App Details
- Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad
- Subjects : Language & Reading : writing clearly
- Skills : Communication : conveying messages effectively , multiple forms of expression , Tech Skills : using and applying technology
- Pricing structure : Free
- Release date : September 23, 2014
- Genre : Utilities
- Publisher : Daniel Softer
- Version : 2.7
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 8.0 or later
- Last updated : June 23, 2019
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