Social Media Safety Checklist for Parents

While you’re scrolling away on Facebook or LinkedIn, your kid is probably chatting, broadcasting, or posting on different social media platforms. Part of the challenge of being a parent is staying in the loop on what your kid is up to online and doing your best to ensure they’re safe.

Did you know Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube are the top contenders for your kid’s online social activity? However, they’re not the only ones.

Staying on top of online social trends and knowing the latest platforms can boost your parenting confidence and help you teach your kid general rules to help protect their identity, reputation, and wellbeing.

Social Media Your Kid Is Probably Using in 2022

Your child’s age and interests will play a big role in the platforms they choose. While you don’t need to be an expert in using them, knowing a thing or two about each of the currently popular platforms will help you understand what young people are experiencing online. And it will also help you have a clearer conversation about social media with your child.  

Messaging or Texting Apps

Young people just aren’t using SMS texting like older generations. They often rely on messaging or texting apps. There are a lot of benefits to this. Some apps notify you when your message is read by the recipient. Also, you can often react to messages using emojis, there are group chat options, and you don’t have to rely on having good cell service as long as you’re on Wi-Fi. These apps also tend to be faster than SMS texting and some even allow users to send pics, money, and videos too. We’ve included links to the apps so you can check out their terms of use, as these are subject to change.

Here are some of the top players in this category:

• Contrary to the assumption, the photos and videos people send though Snapchat don’t disappear. Snapchat is designed for posted content to disappear after 10 seconds or less. However, a sender can use the infinity option to extend the duration of the Snap. Moreover, before a Snap disappears, users can screenshot the Snap and save it, even if the sender didn’t want the picture saved or shared. The app also has a Discover section with a click-baity newsfeed that can include content parents might not want their kids reading.
• WhatsApp is designed for users who are at least 16 years old. Your teen can send texts, voice messages, videos, and pics to another user or in a group chat. WhatsApp will sync with your kid’s contacts and will also encourage your child to invite their other contacts to join.
• Discord. Initially an online place for gamers to hang, the app is now gaining popularity with the general population. Your teen can instant message, hold video and voice calls, and share media on Discord. This can take place in private direct messages (DMs) or in larger groups called “servers” on the platform. You’ll find just about every topic in a server -- including content better suited for adults. Not all servers are moderated either, so you can’t be sure what your kid will come across.
• GroupMe. What’s unique about GroupMe is that your kid can share calendar links (as well as video and pictures like other apps) to schedule events, and even transfer money. Some schools and organizations use this app to communicate with students. Beware though--some parents have claimed there’s too much sexual content on the app. However, that is a risk users face anywhere online.
• Kik. Another messaging app, Kik, has had its share of controversy. There is no user verification process. If someone has an email address, they can create a Kik account and remain anonymous behind a username. The platform has been called out as a breeding ground for predators and other dangerous people.

Media Sharing Apps and Sites

You’re probably familiar with media-sharing apps and sites and may even use them regularly yourself. They are popular among tweens and teens and provide another way for them to connect, share content and express themselves.

Unfortunately, kids can take a hit to their self-confidence or self-worth if they start incorrectly believing that their likes, loves, shares and number of followers reflect their actual value in the world.

• This platform is all about how things look. With its reliance on photo and video, it is easy to get lost in the world of Instagram. Your teen can idolize influencers, follow certain hashtags, and get wrapped up in a curated world that may or may not be anything like real life. Keep in mind that photos default to public viewing, so make sure to check the privacy settings on your child’s account.
• TikTok became all the rage during the early days of the pandemic and it remains a very popular platform. Users need to be at least 13 years old, although that doesn’t mean the content they come across will be teen-friendly. There can be lots of questionable and even creepy comments on videos, and it’s easy for your teen to get swept up in the pursuit of more followers and likes.
• YouTube is a go-to space for video watching, content creation, live streaming, and commenting. There are a lot of kid-friendly channels as well as teens running their own channels. If your kid is a content creator, you might want them to turn off comments. YouTube does automatically turn off commenting for channels or audiences that are set at “made for kids.”
• Facebook. Kids need to be 13 years or older to open a Facebook account. There are two things to keep in mind when it comes to your teen on Facebook: Messenger and Marketplace. Teens can use Messenger to group chat or DM others. They can even be contacted by strangers. Users also have access to Marketplace, so it’s possible for your teen to sell or buy objects from strangers with or without your knowledge. Kids can even send and request money to/from their “friends” using Messenger.
• Tweeting on Twitter is a favorite pastime for some teens. It’s an open platform so it’s a good idea to have your kid switch their account to private so they can screen all their followers.

Live Streaming Apps

Many social media sites and apps have a “Go Live” feature. Live streams are not moderated in real-time. You cannot guarantee what your child may come across when browsing live streams. There have been reports of very disturbing, violent, and offensive things being live streamed.

The following are live-streaming apps, but keep in mind that live streaming happens on many other platforms online.

• Twitch was once primarily for gamers but has quickly expanded its user base. The minimum age to join Twitch is 13. Users can chat in real-time, pay to subscribe to a channel and donate to streamers. In addition to gaming, bikini and hot tub streams are pretty popular right now on the platform.
• YouNow has features similar to Twitch. What’s unique with YouNow is that users can purchase bars which can then be used to buy stickers and gifts to engage with a broadcaster. It gamifies the app a bit, and this can make it more enticing for children.

Meet New People and Swiping Apps

While some of these apps readily identify as a teen dating app (typically 17+), others are networking apps used for dating.

Some of the following apps are swiping apps. After matching with someone, you can live stream or chat with them, depending on the app. Many of these apps do not require age or identity verification.

Here’s some common ones you should know about.

• Yubo swipe matches are hidden behind a paywall. Besides swiping, users can live stream, join communities, and even play different games like To Be Honest and Would You Rather.
• Spotafriend uses GPS to help users connect with other users nearby. Teens can swipe right to become friends with someone and chat.
• Mylol markets itself as a networking and dating app. Some features are hidden behind a paywall and users can connect with anyone globally.
• MeetMe lets you chat, go live and even flirt. Messaging someone is free, but the app does require profile verification, including a face verification.

Checklist For Protecting Your Child on Social Media

Helping your kid stay safe on these sites is part of parenting in the digital age. Your children will likely be using social media for the foreseeable future, so it is helpful to start healthy habits early.

Here are some of the easiest ways to ensure your kid is safe and protected on online.

1. Talk about the difference between online and ‘real’ life. What we see on social isn’t the full picture of a person’s life. People highlight their achievements or fun moments, but seldom share their regular, every day, normal life. Have an open dialogue with your kids about what makes a good life and make sure they know what’s good and special in their own lives.
2. Secrecy vs. privacy. You don’t want your kid hiding information from you. But you also don’t want to dig around and violate their privacy. Talk about the importance of open communication and sharing with your child.
3. Ask for passwords if you want them. Even if you ask for passwords, it doesn’t mean you plan to violate your child’s privacy. Some tweens and teens may need to be reassured of that. So be prepared to discuss your reasoning for requesting your kid’s password. For example, if there is an emergency involving them and you need to get into their social media account.
4. Come up with a list of topics that are appropriate to share online. Kids may not understand the concept of reputation and why it matters. Explain how what they post, stream, or say today can positively or negatively impact their opportunities in the future. Agree to a list of topics that are okay to broadcast publicly and what should be kept offline.
5. Turn off location and geo-tagging. People online do not need to know where your child is. In fact, it’s better if they don’t. Make sure your kid understand that it is safer that their locations not be shared online.
6. Set clear boundaries around dating. If your child is allowed to date, can they date online? Ask your kid for their thoughts on this and come to an agreement on what’s appropriate, including the sites or apps they use and the type of content they post or chat about. Don’t shy away from a direct and honest conversation about sexting and sexual pictures or videos. It’s important to discuss what a healthy and safe relationship looks and feels like.
7. Demonstrate reporting. If it’s an option on the app, show them step-by-step how to report inappropriate content. You can also discuss the type of content that needs to be reported and how your kid can get immediate help from you or a trusted adult if they encounter cyberbullying, identity theft or threats.
8. Be friends with your kid on some (or all) of their platforms. You’ll be able to see what they’re doing and maintain a parental presence on their page. Keep in mind that your kid could make a second “spam account” they use with friends and keep the first account as a front for family.
9. Keep electronic devices in a shared space in your home or place limits to social media use such as a cutoff time, places phones aren’t allowed, or pre-approval of the apps they can use.
10. Be curious about what they are doing. It’s okay to ask your child how they met someone they are chatting with or what websites they are using to obtain information, connect with others or share content of their own.
11. If you need to, use a parental control app to set time limits, block websites or even monitor their conversations and web traffic.
12. Set all accounts to private, if possible. You can also ban other social media you aren’t comfortable with or deem dangerous.

How Blink By Chubb Can Help

As a parent, you can only do your best to protect your child. Cyberbullies, identity thieves and even cybercriminals are scrounging to take advantage of the next tech vulnerability. Being aware of the many teen-oriented social media apps and keeping an open dialogue with your kids is a great first step to help keep them safe. Need more peace of mind? Check out cyber protection insurance through Blink, for an additional layer of safety.