As a parent, you’ve been tracking your child’s milestones since the day they were born. But what happens when they ask for their first social media account? This is a big moment for them, but it can be overwhelming for parents too. How do you know if they’re ready, and which platform should they start with?
Nowadays, many children and teenagers use social media platforms to share information and pictures with their friends. Social media allows them to stay in touch, show off their experiences, and share their thoughts instantly. Since social media connects people from all over the world, it’s not unusual for children to have online friends they have never met in person.
Unlike when their parents were young, today’s children can share personal information more easily thanks to texting and apps like Instagram and Snapchat. Age and maturity are good indicators, but every child is different. While some 13-year-olds may be eager to join social media, others may not be emotionally ready. Our online safety experts recommend delaying social media use for as long as possible to make sure they’re fully prepared.
To keep children safe online, it’s crucial for parents to understand the various technologies their children are using and how they can protect them online.
Social media platforms most commonly used by teens
Teenagers today have a wide range of social media platforms to choose from, and their preferences can vary depending on their interests and social circles. However, some platforms tend to be more popular among teens than others.
Here are some of the most commonly used social media platforms by teenagers:
TikTok: This app has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, especially among younger generations. TikTok allows users to create and share short videos, often featuring dance routines or comedic sketches.
Instagram: Instagram has been a popular choice for teenagers for several years now. This platform allows users to share photos and videos with their followers, as well as follow their friends and favorite celebrities.
Snapchat: Known for its disappearing messages and filters, Snapchat is another popular choice among teens. This app lets you send pictures and videos that will disappear after a certain period of time.
YouTube: Although not technically a social media platform, YouTube is often used by teenagers as a way to connect with others who share their interests. Users can create and share videos on just about any topic.
Twitter: While not as popular among teenagers as some of the other platforms on this list, Twitter still has a significant teenage user base. This platform allows users to share short messages, or “tweets,” with their followers.
Features and risks of the top five apps
TikTok:
Features:
- Allows users to create and share short videos, often featuring music and dance routines.
- Provides a variety of editing tools, filters, and effects to enhance videos.
- Has a “For You” page that displays personalized content based on a user’s interests and activity on the app.
Risks:
- Some videos may contain inappropriate content, including language, sexual material, or dangerous stunts.
- Strangers can easily follow and interact with users, potentially leading to privacy and safety concerns.
- Addiction to the app can lead to a decrease in productivity and mental health issues.
Instagram:
Features:
- Users can share photos and videos with their followers, as well as post stories that disappear after 24 hours.
- Offers various filters and editing tools to enhance photos.
- Has a direct messaging feature for private communication with other users.
Risks:
- Users may experience anxiety or depression due to comparisons to others on the app.
- Cyberbullying can occur through comments or direct messages.
- The use of hashtags can expose users to inappropriate content or unwanted attention from strangers.
Snapchat:
Features:
- Allows users to send photos and videos that disappear after a set amount of time.
- Offers various filters and lenses that augment images.
- Has a “Snap Map” feature that shows a user’s location to their friends.
Risks:
- Users may send inappropriate content or engage in risky behavior due to the perceived privacy of the app.
- The location-sharing feature can lead to safety concerns, especially if not used carefully.
- Strangers can add users on the app through mutual friends, leading to privacy and safety concerns.
YouTube:
Features:
- Users can create and share videos on a variety of topics, from makeup tutorials to gaming content.
- Offers monetization options for popular creators, allowing them to make money from their content.
- Has a vast library of videos on just about any topic.
Risks:
- Inappropriate content, including violence, sexual material, and hate speech, can be easily accessed on the app.
- Cyberbullying and hateful comments can occur on videos and in comment sections.
- Spending excessive amounts of time on the app can lead to a decrease in productivity and mental health issues.
Twitter:
Features:
- Users can share short messages, or “tweets,” with their followers.
- Hashtags can be used to categorize tweets and make them more discoverable.
- Allows for direct messaging with other users.
Risks:
- Users may encounter inappropriate content, including hate speech, harassment, and political propaganda.
- Cyberbullying can occur through tweets or direct messages.
Addiction to the app can lead to a decrease in productivity and mental health issues.
Setting clear boundaries and guidelines
Talk to your child about the importance of privacy: Start by having a conversation with your child about why online privacy is important and what types of personal information they should keep private. Teach your kids to be careful when sharing information about themselves online, like their complete name, home address, phone number, or school. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Teach your child about privacy settings: On social media sites, you can choose who gets to see your posts and personal information by using the privacy settings. This lets you stay in control of who can see what you share online. Take the time and show your child how to adjust these settings and encourage them to use them to keep their information private.
Be aware of third-party apps: Some apps or games may ask for access to your child’s personal information, such as their contacts or location. Make sure you review and understand the privacy policy of any app before allowing your child to use it.
Monitor your child’s online activity: Keep an eye on your child’s online activity, including the sites and apps they use, the content they post, and the people they interact with. Make sure they understand that you will be checking in on their activity to ensure their safety.
Set rules and boundaries: Establish clear rules and boundaries for your child’s online activity, such as limiting screen time and requiring them to ask for permission before downloading new apps or games.
Social media platforms to avoid
Social media is a useful platform for teenagers to chat with their friends and express themselves online in a fun and creative way. Yet, it’s important to use these platforms responsibly and safely. Some social media platforms may not be suitable for teenagers due to the potential risks associated with their use.
Our online safety experts advise against the use of certain social media platforms by those under 18 years of age. These platforms may have a higher potential for cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and privacy concerns. As a parent, it’s important to research the platforms your child is using and have open conversations with them about responsible social media use.
Omegle: Omegle is a website that allows users to chat with strangers through text or video chat. The site’s tagline, “Talk to strangers,” should be a clear warning sign that it is not safe for children of any age to use.
The platform randomly pairs users with strangers, which can be dangerous as it is frequented by predators and contains inappropriate content. Our online safety experts strongly advise against the use of Omegle, and recommend parents to monitor their children’s online activity and discourage the use of such sites.
OnlyFans: OnlyFans is a social media platform where creators can earn money by sharing content with subscribers. However, the content on the site is largely sexual in nature and not appropriate for children. OnlyFans requires users to be over 18 years old, but some underage users may bypass the age verification process.
Should parents keep their children off social media altogether?
On the one hand, social media can be a great way for kids to connect with friends and family, express themselves creatively, and learn new things. It can also help them develop important digital literacy skills that are essential in today’s society.
On the other hand, social media can also expose kids to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and privacy concerns. It can also be addictive and potentially harmful to mental health if not used responsibly.
Rather than banning social media use altogether, parents can take a proactive approach to help their children use these platforms safely and responsibly. This may involve setting guidelines for online behavior, monitoring their child’s online activity, and having ongoing conversations about online safety and responsible social media use.
Ultimately, the decision about whether or not to allow your child to use social media should be based on your own family’s values and circumstances. By staying informed, setting clear expectations, and fostering open communication, parents can help ensure their children use social media in a positive and healthy way.