Social media is any online gathering place which allows people to share ideas, information, photos and videos. Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Kik… as soon as you learn about one social media site, another one pops up and is the latest and greatest way for your kids to stay connected with their friends. As overwhelming as it seems, familiarizing yourself with the sites and apps out there will help you to better understand what your children are doing and will help you understand privacy policies to keep them safe – while still allowing them to have fun and interact with their friends.
Help children use social networking sites safely
Social networking sites can have many benefits for children, such as allowing them to explore new interests. Help your children use them more safely by going over the following NetSmartz tips and discussion starters.
- Check your child’s friend lists to see who has access to his or her profile. Make sure your child knows all friends in person.
- Teach your child to set profiles to private–but be aware that privacy settings do not guarantee complete privacy.
- Have your child remove any inappropriate content and photos and delete any personal information.
- Check the profiles of your child’s friends to see if there is revealing information or photos about your child.
- Report inappropriate or criminal behavior to the appropriate authority. Most sites have a reporting mechanism for non-criminal behavior. Criminal behavior should be reported through law-enforcement agencies and the CyberTipline® at www.cybertipline.com.
Start a discussion with your child
Use these NetSmartz discussion starters to get an internet safety conversation going with your children. The more often you talk to them about online safety, the easier it will get, so don’t get discouraged if they don’t respond immediately.
- What’s your favorite website or app? What do you like to do there?
- Have you ever seen something online you didn’t want to see?
- Do you ever talk to people you don’t know online? What do you talk about?
- Can you show me which sites and apps you’re using?
- Would you feel comfortable if I checked your accounts?
- What kinds of things do you post?
- How do you decide who to add as a friend?
- How much personal information do you share online?
Common Sense Media Resources
- 11 Social Media Red Flags Parents Should Know About – Find out which social media features are cause for concern – no matter which app your kid is using. By Christine Elgersma, Common Sense
- Teens and Mental Health: How Girls Really Feel About Social Media – March 30, 2023
- Parenting, Media, and Everything in Between – Helpful articles, resources and information related to Cyberbullying
- 5 Ways to Stop Cyberbullies | Como Combatir El Ciberbullying
- 4 Ways to Help Teens Avoid Digital Harassment
- 5 Tips for Dealing with Haters and Trolls
- 5 Social Media Rules for Teens and Tweens
- Practical Tips for Easing Kids’ Social Media Anxiety – Fear of missing out can make social media-using teens feel stressed.
- Explore all Common Sense Media Articles on the topic of Social Media
Facebook, Instagram, and Social Media – Common Sense
“Social media isn’t simply a way of life for kids — it’s life itself. To help them keep their online interactions safe, productive, and positive, we offer the most up-to-date research and guidance on social media basics. Learn about the latest apps and websites, and get tips on talking to your kids about sharing, posting, and avoiding digital harassment.”
Social Media Test Drive
Practice digital literacy skills in a social media simulation. Like a driving simulator for young people learning to drive a car for the first time, Social Media TestDrive provides a simulated experience of realistic digital dilemmas and scenarios, along with key concepts and strategies for navigating them. Developed by Cornell University’s Social Media Lab, in collaboration with Common Sense Education.
Explore the Modules
Spot the Troll
Spot the Troll – (Age appropriate for grades 7-12) From Clemson University, A troll is an inauthentic social media account. Often created to spread misinformation and distrust or to cyberbully others online. Trolls have been deployed on every major social media platform. This quiz tests users’ ability to identify which accounts are genuine and which are professional trolls. Along the way, advice is provided for what to look for and how to be a better consumer and producer of social media. The quiz presents users with 8 profiles, each of which includes both profile information and a brief selection of posts from a single social media account. The user is asked to decide if the content comes from an authentic account or a professional troll. Each question is followed by some tips that might help in the future, as well as the opportunity to explore more details.
Social Media 101 – What’s Out There?
Note: The resources below have been listed in alphabetical order, not by popularity.
Band
Band app is free and mainly used for communication. You can create spaces or groups for communicating with different people. Also, it is used to facilitate coordination between users. It includes a gathering board, gathering calendar with RSVP, polls, to-do lists and private chat that help keep everybody in the loop. The 7.3 update (in 2019) gives parents the ability to monitor the activities on Band and ensure that they are safe in the groups where they are active.
Age Requirement: Band app is rated for teens ages 13 and up.
Band app review: Is band app safe for kids? (Source: Wondershare FamiSafe)
BeReal
The mission of the BeReal app is to create “a new and unique way to discover who your friends really are”. Every day at a random time, BeReal sends you a notification that it’s time to be real. You then have two minutes to snap a photo of whatever it is you happen to be doing. (It’s actually two photos at once, using your phone’s front and back cameras.) No filters. No editing. And you can only do a re-shot within that 2-minute window. Users need to allow the app to send them notifications to be able to download and use it.
Age Requirement: BeReal is rated for teens ages 13 and up.
BeReal: Everything Parents Need to Know About the Popular Teen Social App (Source: MySocialLife.com)
BIGO LIVE
BIGO LIVE is a free app that lets teens create vlogs or stream live video of themselves that other users can see and comment on in real time. There is a monetizing component to the app. Teens can receive and send “Beans” (BIGO’s term for virtual gifts) that cost real money. You can level up and improve your ranking by logging in every day and sending gifts. Certain information is displayed publicly on a user’s profile page, such as name, age and followers. Recent videos will also be displayed publicly on a user’s profile page.
Age Requirement: The app is rated “Teen” on the Google Play store and iTunes rates it as 17+.
BIGO LIVE User Agreement – Terms of Use (Source: Bigo.tv)
BitLife – Life Simulator
BitLife – Life Simulator is a text based simulation game/app. Users are assigned an identity to play through the entire game, from infancy to death. Your character increases in age as you play. Users can make text-based life choices about how to make money, spend their time, and develop relationships. Those choices determine levels of happiness, health, smarts, and appearance. When players die, they can start over again with a new chosen avatar. Even though users are making text-based choices, they are adult decisions that are of a mature nature.
Age Requirement: iTunes rates the app as 17+, Common Sense and the developer rate it at 16+.
Game developer (Candy Writer) Privacy Policy (Source: Candywriter.net)
Chatroutlette
Chatroulette is an online chat site that connects you with other users from around the world via video-chat. The site requires no registration or age verification meaning anyone can access it.Age Requirement: While Chatroulette encourages users under the age of 18 to not use the site, there is no age verification process in place.
Terms of Service (Source: Chatroutlette)
Discord
Discord is an app that allows gamers to connect via text, voice, and video. Its developers created it to replace other voice-over-internet protocol (VOIP) apps that gamers use to talk to each other in real time while they play games – primarily massively multiplayer online games (MMOs). The app is also widely used as a social media tool. Users can send direct messages to other users, chat, and talk or listen in larger group chats. If location services are turned on, there is a nearby feature when adding friends that enables you to see/add other users nearby. There is a privacy setting to control who can send private messages.
Age Requirement: 13+ according to discord’s terms of use.
Parent’s Ultimate Guide to Discord (Source: Common Sense Media)
Parent’s Guide to Discord (Source: Discordapp.com)
Facebook/Meta
Facebook is currently the world’s largest social network, with over a billion users worldwide. Registered users can create profiles, upload photos and video, send messages to keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues.
Age Requirement: Facebook requires you to be at least 13 years old to register.
Meta Family Safety Center – includes Parent Portal, Bullying Prevention Hub, Online Well-being and Help Center information. (Source: Meta)
How to Report Things on Facebook (Source: Facebook)
Fortnite
Fortnite is a popular survival action game centered around short play sessions. Players battle up to 100 other live players in solo mode, pairs, or teams; the goal is to be the last player standing. The game does offer in-app purchases for costumes, dance animations, and other content, but it doesn’t have a heavy push for them. There’s no chat with other players in the mobile version.
Age Requirement: You must be 12+ according to the app store.
Parents’ Ultimate Guide to “Fortnite” (Source: Common Sense Media)
Glympse
Glympse is a cross-platform, third-party location sharing service. It lets you share real-time location using GPS tracking with your friends, and comes with a ton of features. You can send a notification called a ‘glympse’ via email, SMS, Facebook or Twitter to your friend(s). The app can also be integrated into Garmin’s Navigation software.
Age Requirement: Terms of use states, “If you are not sixteen (16) years old or older, you may not use this Site or the Services.”
GroupMe
GroupMe is a group texting app that allows access to GIFS, emojis, images, videos, and links to websites, without ever leaving the app. It also includes direct messaging for one-to-one contact, allowing users to “ditch” the old-fashioned SMS text message and plan events with contacts in the app. GroupMe is similar to other data texting apps like kik, what’s app and any other texting app that uses data instead of cell service. The difference is the GroupMe is designed for Groups.
Age Requirement: GroupMe is rated for users 15+ on Common Sense Media’s website.
GroupMe Help/Support Page (Source: GroupMe.com)
HOLLA: Live Random Video Chat
This app is all about connecting with people you don’t know. Once you sign up using a phone number or your Facebook account, users can get matched instantly with a stranger, and both you and they appear on camera. Or you can swipe Tinder-style until you like someone and they like you (by tapping the heart). You can also enable location tracking to be paired with someone close by.
Age Requirement: According to HOLLA terms of use, nobody under 13 is allowed to create an account. Common Sense rates it at 18+, iTunes rates it at 17+ and Google Play rates it as Mature 17+.
HOLLA Terms of Service (Source: HOLLA)
Instagram (now owned by Facebook) is a free photo sharing app that allows users (age 13 and above) to take photos and 15-second videos with their mobile phones, apply an optional “filter” to the image and quickly share them with friends.
Age Requirement: Instagram requires you to be at least 13 years old to register.
Introducing Instagram Teen Accounts: Built-In Protections for Teens, Peace of Mind for Parents (Source: Meta)
Parents’ Ultimate Guide to Instagram (Source: Common Sense Media)
A Parent’s Quick Guide to Instagram (Source: Connect Safely)
Report Harassment or Bullying on Instagram (Source: Instagram)
What is Instagram? (Source: Common Sense Media Video)
¿Qué es Instagram? (Source: Common Sense Media Video)
How Do Teen Girls Really Feel About Instagram (Source: Common Sense – March 2023)
Kakao Talk
Kakao Talk is a smartphone messenger used for free calls and text messages. The app allows you to make group calls, and schedule appointments in chat rooms. Features include animated emoticons, stickers, and custom themes.
Age Requirement: According to KaKao’s Terms of Service, if you are under 14 years of age, your parent or legal guardian’s consent must be obtained to create your KAKAO account.
KikMessenger
KikMessenger is a free texting app available for iPhones, Android, Windows, and Blackberry phones. On Kik, you need to know someone’s username to start an online chat. Kik users often use Instagram to publicize their Kik username in their profiles or by tagging their photos.
Age Requirement: Kik is rated for users 17+ in the iTunes app store.
What is Kik? (Source: Common Sense Media)
What is Kik? What Parents Need to Know (InternetMatters.org)
Lemon8
Lemon8 is owned by TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance and is a photo and video-sharing platform that combines elements of TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram, featuring content categorized into six topic tabs: Fashion, Beauty, Food, Wellness, Travel, and Home. Lemon8 uses a Pinterest board-style format, but it does include Following and For You tabs. Users are supposed to be at least 18 to be able to register for Lemon8. Kids can easily enter another birth year to gain access.
Age Requirement: Lemon8 is rated 12+ in the iTunes app store. Common Sense Media recommends 18+ years of age.
Parents’ Guide to Lemon8 (Source: Common Sense Media)
Likee
Similar to the video lip-synching TikTok, Likee lets users create short music videos that often involve lip-synching. You can also follow other Likee users, climb a leaderboard (based on how many likes you’ve gotten for what you post), send direct messages, and send virtual gifts (that cost real money) to other Likee users. All posts are public, though users can control who can message them. During special hashtag events, users can earn real-world money by gathering “likes,” and the most popular videos appear on leaderboards and on the app’s front page.
Age Requirement: According to Likee Terms of Use, they require the minimum age to be 16+.
LinkedIn is a social networking site designed specifically for the business community. The goal of the site is to allow registered members to establish and document networks of people they know and trust professionally.
Age Requirement: You must be 14 years or older to set up a LinkedIn account. The age requirement used to be 18, it changed to 14 in August 2013.
Getting Started with LinkedIn (LinkedIn.com)
Lipsi
Lipsi is another anonymous feedback/opinion app that lets users tell others what they think of them, without revealing their own identities. Users can also include a link to their Lipsi account in their Instagram or Snapchat profiles to get people to give them anonymous feedback or compliments. It’s possible to identify yourself if you wish to or you can stay in “ghost mode” to hide your identity. Lipsi is a location-based app, anyone within a 100-yard radius can send you an anonymous message.
Age Requirement: Lipsi is rated for users 17+ in the iTunes app store.
LiveMe
LiveMe is an app in which users are able to view the live broadcasts of other users. This app contains features allowing users to locate local broadcasts within their city or town, as well as being able to view broadcasts worldwide by selecting specific regions. The potential for predatory comments or bullying of broadcasters is a concern. App users have no control over who views their broadcasts, and all of their clicks and interactions as a viewer could be collected or shared.
Age Requirement: The Live.me app has a 17+ rating. According to their terms of service, the service is restricted for use by any persons under the age of 18.
MeetMe
MeetMe is the app version of the popular online flirting, entertainment, and social networking website formerly called MyYearbook. You can update your status (like Facebook) with quotes, videos or pictures and share it with people that are near you (based on your age and location). You can browse through people near you or even anyone who has an account. You can add them as friends and ask them questions, which they’ll receive and decide whether or not to answer. As soon as a teen signs up for MeetMe, his or her profile becomes public, giving the entire MeetMe “community” access to personal information including age, gender, and location.
Age Requirement: MeetMe is rated 17+ in the app store.
Messenger Kids
Facebook recently released (December 5, 2017) a spin-off version of their Messenger app, designed specifically for children under the age of 13. Until now Facebook has required users to be 13+ to create an account. Although Messenger Kids allows tweens into the world of Facebook, the program comes with built-in parental controls. Parents create the account and add new contacts for their children. After parents create their child’s account, Messenger Kids will instruct them to hand the device to their child so he/she can complete setup. Within a message, children can send “kid-appropriate” gifs, stickers, emojis and live filters. They can also access all photos and videos on the device they are using. Live video chats with approved contacts are also an option. If a child wants to chat with a friend from school, his/her parent would need to be Facebook friends with the parent of the other child. Both parents would then need to agree to the connection request.
Age Requirement: Designed for children ages 6-12 with parent account setup
Messenger Kids Privacy Policy (Source: Facebook)
Omegle
Omegle is an app for meeting people. When you use Omegle, it picks another user at random and lets you have a one-on-one chat with each other. Chats are anonymous – using the handles “You” and “Stranger” or “Stranger 1” and “Stranger 2” if using (Spy mode). There is nothing to stop users from revealing personal details if they choose to. Users can also add their interests and Omegle will look for someone who’s into some of the same things they are instead of connecting users with someone completely random. Although there are prompts to encourage the safe use of the platform, there are no parental control settings on the app.
Age Requirement: You must be 13 years of age or older to download Omegle. If you are under 18, Omegle’s Terms of Service requires use with a parent/guardian’s permission.
Omegle’s Privacy Policy (Source: Omegle.com)
Pinterest is a pinboard-style photo-sharing website that allows users to create and manage theme-based image collections such as events, interests, and hobbies. Users can browse other user’s pinboards for images, “re-pin” images to their own pinboards, or “like” photos.
Age Requirement: You must be at least 13 years old to use Pinterest.
All About Pinterest Guide (Source: Pinterest)
Plenty of Fish
A popular free dating app and website that encourages chatting with strangers. It allows users to browse profiles based on location.
Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years of age to use Plenty of Fish according to their Terms of Use.
Pokémon GO
With Pokémon GO, you’ll discover Pokémon in a whole new world—your own! Pokémon GO uses real locations to encourage players to search far and wide in the real world to discover Pokémon. Pokémon GO allows you to find and catch more than a hundred species of Pokémon as you explore your surroundings. As you walk around a neighborhood, your smartphone will vibrate when there’s a Pokémon nearby. Kids, teens, and adults from every walk of life are wandering out in the real world with smartphones to play the game.
Age Requirement: The app states that users must be 13+ years or older to sign-up. However children under 13 are also allowed to use the app provided they get parents to create an authorized account.
All About Pokémon Go (Common Sense Media)
A Parent’s Guide to Pokémon Go (Source: Android Central)
Pokémon Go Help Page (Source: Pokémon Go website)
Pokémon Go – Privacy Policy (Source: Pokémon Go website)
Qooh.me
This social media site allows teens to ask other users anonymous questions. This type of open access site can pose problems for teens/tweens, as users do not have to login to ask questions, there is no online moderator to check for disturbing content and adult profiles are mixed in with those of teens and children.
Age Requirement: You must be 13 years or older to use Qooh.me.
REALITY
Become an Anime Avatar. With REALITY, live broadcasting is made easy. Whether it’s streaming virtual avatars or real time game chats with friends, just a tap keeps you in touch. Users have the ability to fully customize their 3D avatar just the way they like it. Users can change their look to fit their mood. With your phone’s selfie camera, REALITY translates your head and facial movements directly onto your avatar, bringing it to life. Users can watch popular streamers content and can send interactive 3D gifts, chat, and more.
Age Requirement: the App stores recommend 12+ to download.
Reddit users submit links or text/self posts, which are voted up or down by other users. Content is ranked to determine the post’s position on the front page. All the content is organized into categories known as “sub-reddits.” Redditors can also post comments about the submission, and respond back and forth in a conversation tree of comments; the comments themselves can also be upvoted and downvoted. The forum-like interaction means your child can “talk” to anyone. Kids can access links tha lead to stories or photos on external sites. Once they register, they can vote, make self-posts, or subscribe to “subreddits” that focus on specific topics.
Age Requirement: The sign-up process for Reddit doesn’t require proof of age. Reddit’s terms of service states that their service is directed to people who are at least 13 years old or older.
REFACE
REFACE (formerly known as Doublicat) is an app the allows users to place their faces onto the image of someone in an existing GIF or video. While it’s typically used to create memes on social media, many are worried about the possibility of REFACE being used for deepfake videos to promote conspiracies.
Age Requirement: According to the REFACE privacy policy – users must be over 13+ to use the app.
ROBLOX
ROBLOX is an online virtual playground and workshop — where kids of all ages can interact, create, have fun, and learn. Each player starts by choosing an avatar and giving it an identity. They can then explore ROBLOX — interacting with others by chatting, playing games, or collaborating on creative projects. Each player is also given their own piece of undeveloped real estate along with a virtual toolbox with which to design and build anything desired. By participating and by building stuff, ROBLOX members can earn specialty badges as well as ROBLOX dollars (“ROBUX”). In turn, they can shop the online catalog to purchase avatar clothing and accessories as well as premium building materials, interactive components, and working mechanisms.
Age Requirement: Under 13 – doesn’t have access to social features and account is automatically set to privacy mode (When privacy mode is on, the player is prevented from sending or receiving free-form in-game chat. Player will also not be able to send or receive “Private Messages” to and from other players.) Users can “age up” after turning 13. This allows users to take advantage of social features when they turn 13.
Parents Ultimate Guide to ROBLOX (Source: Common Sense Media)
ROBLOX Quick Guide for Parents and Teens (Source: ConnectSafely)
ROBLOX Information for Parents (Source: ROBLOX)
Saturn – Time Together
The Saturn – Time Together app is designed for high school students (9-12th grade students) to keep track of their busy schedules and share information with classmates. Students can upload their schedules, get reminders of when/where they need to go for upcoming classes, share schedules with others, and post bulletin announcements to the whole school community. Although Saturn targets high school students, Saturn does not partner directly with schools and schools do not have any control over the use or management of the app. Saturn launches schools on their app using publicly available information.
Age Requirement: According to Saturn’s privacy policy, they state, “Our services are for high school students only, meaning that we don’t allow individuals under the age of 13 to use Saturn.”
Safety Center (Source: Saturn)
Is Saturn Safe? A Saturn App Review for Parents (Source: Bark)
Skout
Skout is a flirting app used to meet and chat with new people. Skout’s “shake to chat” feature lets you shake your phone to get randomly paired in a chat with someone nearby. Based on the age entered at registration, teens and adults are assigned to different groups, but ages aren’t verified. The teen community is separated into age-appropriate groups based on school grades. Community members communicate with peers close to their own age. Teens can earn points for using the app and responding to ads. Then they can redeem points to reveal the profiles of users who’ve “checked” them out or to access users in other geographic areas. While the app is free, some features are only accessible with a premium account, which costs $9.99 a month.
Age Requirement: Terms of service states if you are under the age of 13, you may not download or use Skout. If you are between 13 and 17, you must get a parent or guardian to read and agree to the Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use before downloading.
Skype
Skype is a service that allows users to communicate with peers by voice using a microphone, video by using a webcam, and instant messaging over the internet.
Age Requirement: For the U.S., the minimum age requirement is 13+.
Skype Security – Protecting your online safety, security and privacy. (Source: Skype)
Snapchat
Snapchat is a photo messaging application developed by Stanford University students. Users can take photos, record videos, add text and drawings, and send them to a controlled list of recipients. These sent photographs and videos are known as “Snaps.” Users set a time limit for how long recipients can view their Snaps, ranging from up to 10 seconds to as little as 1 second, after which – in theory – they will be hidden from the recipient’s device and they are also deleted from snapchat server.
Age Requirement: Snapchat is not intended for children under the age of 13. Minors ages 13-17 should have permission from a parent or legal guardian before using Snapchat. Children under the age of 13 are only permitted to access a special version of Snapchat, called “SnapKidz,” which they are automatically directed to upon sign up.
Snapchat – Learning the Basics (Source: Snapchat)
What is My AI on Snapchat and how do I use it? (Source: Snapchat)
Snapchat’s new AI chatbot and its impact on young people (Source: Childnet)
Parent’s Ultimate Guide to Snapchat (Source: Common Sense Media)
Parent’s Guide to Snapchat (Source: Connect Safely)
How to Report a Safety Concern on Snapchat – Note: You must have a Snapchat account (Source: Snapchat)
¿Qué es Snapchat? (Source: Common Sense Media)
Telegram Messenger
Telegram lets you do a lot more than your typical texting app, and it’s free with zero advertisements. All of your texts and phone calls are encrypted and you can send any file type you wish (up to 1.5 GB). All messages are stored in the cloud. Parents need to know that Telegram Messenger lets users send text messages, stickers, images, videos, and other files to one or many people for free, all using encryption to keep one-to-one messages secure and private, though some security experts question the quality of the encryption.
Age Requirement: Telegram Messenger is intended for users 17+.
Telegram Messenger FAQs (Source: Telegram)
Telegram Messenger Privacy Policy (Source: Telegram)
Tellonym
Tellonym is an app designed for teens that lets users leave anonymous comments for each other. People can register using either an email or a phone number and can search for friends via contact lists. The app can be linked to Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat accounts letting users see what their friends think of them or others. As with other anonymous apps, users are at risk of being cyberbullied or harassed through the app. Users can block other users and can set a filter to block messages containing specific words. They can also report inappropriate messages through a built-in reporting system.
Age Requirement: According to Tellonym’s Terms of Service, you must be 13+ to use the app. The app store lists 12+.
Tellonym Info. Center for Parents (Source: Tellonym)
Threads
Threads (released on July 5, 2023) is Meta/Instagram’s text-based conversation app and requires users to have an Instagram account if they want to sign up. Users can access their Instagram followers, connect directly with their favorite creators and others who love the same things. Its microblogging format is similar to X (formerly Twitter). Users can share their thoughts in 500-character-maximum posts that can include uploaded videos or photos.
Age Requirement: Instagram/Threads requires you to be at least 13 years old to register. The app store lists 12+ and Common Sense Media recommends 14+
What Parent’s Need to Know About Threads (Source: Bark.us)
Tinder
Tinder is a photo and messaging dating app for browsing photos of potential matches within a certain mile radius of the user’s location (Tinder uses GPS/location technology to match users who are near to each other). Swipe right to “like” a photo or left to “pass.” If a person whose photo you “liked” swipes “like” on your photo, the app allows you to message each other. Along with seeking and messaging matches, users can post “moments,” which are images and messages that exist for 24 hours and then disappear. The app has two separate communities – one for 18+ and one for younger teens aged 13-17.
Age Requirement: According to Tinder’s terms of service, you must be at least 13 years of age to access and use the service.
TikTok
TikTok is a social media platform for creating, sharing and discovering short music videos. The app musical.ly was used by young people as an outlet to express themselves through singing, dancing, comedy, and lip-syncing. The app is now called TikTok, complete with a new logo and all of the same features that musical.ly had, combined with the features that TikTok had before they merged.
Ever seen your kids lip-sync in front of their phones? It’s a good chance they’re using the TikTok app. The social network lets users create and star in their own videos on either an iOS or Android device using a combination of music, special effects like time lapses, filters and emojis to share with others. Videos are posted to different categories, such as comedy, talent, sports, and style. Your profile is where you view your personal TikTok videos, plus there’s a discover section to view videos by category, trending tag, or song choice. There’s also a leader board highlighting the top users. TikTok offers a private setting for your account. This lets users screen who wants to follow them and either accept or decline. It also prevents anyone from directly sending messages unless users have approved them as fans (TikTok’s version of followers). If your profile is public, you can still opt to only allow friends to send messages.
Age Requirement: According to TikTok’s terms of use, “The Services are only for people 13 years old and over (with additional limits that may be set forth in the Supplemental Terms – Jurisdiction-Specific). By using the Services, you confirm that you are over the relevant age specified herein. If we learn that someone under the relevant age specified above is using the Services, we will terminate that user’s account.”
What is TikTok (Source: Webwise.ie)
TikTok Terms of Service | Safety Center (Source: TikTok)
Parents’ Ultimate Guide to TikTok (Source: Common Sense Media)
What is TikTok? (Source: Common Sense Media)
Quick Guide for Parents (Source: TikTok/Connect Safely)
Tumblr
Tumblr is a mircroblogging platform and social media website that allows users to post multimedia and other content to a short-form blog.
Age Requirement: You must be at least 13 years old to use Tumblr.
What is Tumblr? What Parents Need to Know (Source: Internet Matters)
To Report a Terms of Service Violation – Email: abuse@tumblr.com
What is Tumblr? (Source: Common Sense Media)
¿Qué es Tumblr? (Source: Common Sense Media)
Twitch
Twitch is a livestreaming platform where millions of users can watch live streams or pre-recorded video gameplay. You can view streams for free but you get extra benefits, including the ability to broadcast your own channel, by signing up for a free account. Although gaming is still the primary focus on Twitch, the platform has broadened its offerings to include non-gaming categories as well – Music & Performing Arts, Sports & Fitness, eSports, In Real Life (IRL) and a section for podcasts, vlogging, and Q&As. Some streamers have multiple channels aimed at different interests. Twitch is available on many platforms, (computer, gaming console, and tablets, mobile devices via a desktop browser and the app) but the official website is www.twitch.tv
Age Requirement: Twitch requires that users be at least 13 years old to use their platform and a user between 13 and 18 years old should use the platform with an adult, according to the site’s terms of service.
Guide for Parents and Educators – Twitch Safety (Source: Twitch)
What Parents Should Know About Twitch (Source: Common Sense Media)
Parent’s Guide to Twitch (Source: ConnectSafely)
Twitch – A Parent’s Guide to Help Children Use it Safely (Source: InternetMatters.org)
How to Manage Harassment and Block Users in Chat (Source: Twitch)
Twitter/X
Twitter, currently rebranded as X, is an online social networking service and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based messages of up to 280 characters, known as “tweets”. On February 8, 2023, Twitter/X announced that Twitter/X Blue users can now post tweets up to 4000 characters in length.
In the News: July 24, 2023 – Elon Musk rebrands Twitter as X (Source: CNN)
Age Requirement: Twitter/X used to be a clear-cut 13+ to set up an account. Twitter/X has now changed that. You are no longer asked to enter your birth date when signing up for an account. Twitter/X now uses age screening. Age screening is a way for brands and others to determine online whether a follower meets a minimum age requirement, in a way that is consistent with relevant industry or legal guidelines. This makes it easier for advertisers and others with content not suitable for minors (e.g. alcohol advertisers) to advertise on Twitter/X. Twitter/X does state in their privacy policy towards children that their services are not directed to persons under age 13. The age limit continues to be a grey area.
Twitter/X Privacy Policy Towards Children – Our Services are not directed to persons under 13. If you become aware that your child has provided us with personal information without your consent, please contact us at privacy@twitter.com. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, we take steps to remove such information and terminate the child’s account.
Using X Basics (Source: X)
X Help Center – Safety Tips for Parents (Source: X)
About Online Abuse – How to Block and Report (Source: X)
Vault
The Vault app lets users hide photos, videos, contacts, text messages, call logs, and even Facebook messages you don’t want others to see. The icon is unassuming (Asterisk in a speech bubble), so parents may not know if their child has inappropriate things saved to their mobile device. The app can be unlocked with a password or Touch ID and won’t show up in your recent app list.
Age Requirement: The app store age rating is Rated 4+.
Vero – True Social
Vero – True Social is a social media app that lets users post, share, and collect their favorite photos, links, videos, and music. The app originated in 2015, but was made more popular at the end of 2017 when users became frustrated with Instagram’s new algorithmically sorted feed. Vero touts itself as an “authentic” social-media platform. The name, Vero, means truth in Esperanto. Users are given four labels (acquaintance, friend, close friend, and follower) that they can assign to people they connect with in the app. Each time a user shares a post, they can decide how big of an audience they want to see the post. Example: Close friends only. Users see things in chronological order, which allows them to see everything they’ve missed since the last time they’ve logged in. The app is currently “free” – however since it doesn’t have ads or sponsored content, its paid subscription model could happen at any time.
Age Requirement: The app store states users must be over 17 to use the app, but Vero’s privacy policy sets the age at 13.
VSCO
VSCO allows users to take photos or upload from their camera roll and edit them as they like. They can also create their own VSCO feed with their edited photos.
Age Requirement: According to the VSCO privacy policy – users must be over 13+ to use the app.
Community Guildelines (Source: VSCO)
weBelong
Launched in 2021, weBelong focuses on championing uniqueness. weBelong claims to be taking the toxicity out of social networks by swapping likes, followers and friends for features that facilitate and support meaningful interactions. The app has already proven popular with the LGBTQ+ community, with features such as pronouns added to every screen to prevent any users being misgendered. Messaging and voice chat tools enable quick and fast communication, but weBelong also prioritizes privacy – with devices only accessible via a passcode.
Age Requirement: weBelong may ask a user to verify date of birth before collecting any personal information from them. If the user is under the age of 13, the service will be either blocked or redirected to a parental consent process. the App stores recommends 12+.
weBelong Community Guidelines (Source: weBelong)
Webkinz World
Each Webkinz stuffed animal and Webkinz accessory comes with an 8-character code. By registering this code on the Webkinz website, the customer “adopts” this pet in the virtual Webkinz World. Without the Secret Code, the user will not get access to the Webkinz world. The Webkinz World is an online play area with its own economy. The user receives money (called KinzCash) by adopting new pets, playing online games, answering general knowledge questions, and through daily activities like clicking “I love my Webkinz,”spinning the Wheel of WOW, playing Wishing Well 2, or completing jobs (minigames) available once every 8 hours. Each day, there is a “Game of the Day” that can be played for bonus KinzCash, and other bonuses are available each hour, full days on weekends and afternoons only on weekdays. With each Webkinz toy purchased, more money, rooms, and items are added to the user’s account.
Age Requirement: The Webkinz website is designed for users ages 6-13+ and is intended to include content for all ages and levels of computer skill within that range.
WebKinz Parent’s Area (Souce: Webkinz)
WeChat is a mobile app that allows users to connect with friends across platforms. WeChat works on iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Symbian and BlackBerry devices. It supports sending voice, video, photo and text messages. You can also do group chats, or you can find new friends nearby to talk to. WeChat has features that allow users get to know more friends via “Drift Bottle,” “Shake”, and “Look Around.”
Age Requirement: WeChat has a 17 and over age restriction for downloading the app.
WhatsApp is an application available on iOS for iPad/iPhone, Android, Blackberry and Nokia that allows users to send text messages to each other for free.
Age Requirement: The WhatsApp Service is not intended for children under age 16.
WhatsApp safety: a how to guide for parents (Source: InternetMatters.org)
Wishbone
Launched in 2015 Wishbone describes itself as “the go-to for comparing anything your heart desires. Users are presented with two ‘cards’ and are asked to choose a preference. Users are also able to produce their own cards for others to select their preference. Users are able to write comments underneath cards or, in the case that two users follow one another, send other users a direct message using an avenue similar to a chat room. As it is a comparison tool, students could use it to compare each other and incite cyberbullying through the app. According to the Common Sense Media site, many parents have concerns about the direct messaging functionality that enables teens can speak to people they don’t know in real life without any restrictions or safeguards in place.
Age Requirement: The Terms and Conditions don’t specify but according to Common Sense Media 15+ would be recommended.
Yubo
Yubo is a social media app that lets users create a profile, share their location, and swipe through images of other users in their area. It’s often referred to as Tinder for kids. Users are invited to swipe right on profiles they like and left on profiles they don’t. Users can browse through the profiles of people in their area and automatically link to follow their profiles on Snapchat and Instagram. If you swipe right on a person who has swiped right on your profile, you can then chat and follow them on Snapchat.
Age Requirement: Users must be 13+ to sign-up for the Yubo app. There is also a version available for adults aged 18+.
Link to Yubo Community Guidelines (Source: yubo.live)
A Safety Guide for Parents, Carers and Educators (Source: Yubo)
YouNow
YouNow is a live video-streaming and chat site/app. You register by using an existing social media account (Facebook, Twitter or Google+), though users can also view broadcasts without registering. Once signed-in, the site immediately starts streaming a channel picked at random. You can pick a different channel or choose from a the list of hashtags. To be on camera, users click the “Go Live” button allowing the site to access your device’s camera and microphone. YouNow fans have the ability to communicate with each other via live chat. Digital gifts can be sent from fans to performers. YouNow uses two forms of currency, coins and bars. Users can earn coins by actively participating – the more time they spend watching, voting, and chatting, the more coins they will earn. Bars are used to purchase premium gifts for performers and are purchased in bundles and available at a variety of price points.
Age Requirement: Both the user agreement and app stores specify that users must be 13 and older.
YouNow – Trust and Safety (Source: YouNow)
YouTube
YouTube (owned by Google) is a video-sharing website, where users can upload, view and share videos.
Age Requirement: To sign up for a Google account, U.S. residents need to be 13+. When a YouTube video has been age-restricted, a warning screen is displayed and only users who are 18 or older should watch it.
Staying Safe on YouTube (Source: Google Safety Center Videos)
Report a Video (Source: YouTube Reporting and Enforcement)
5 Ways to Make YouTube Safer for Kids Video (Source: Common Sense Media)
YouTube Kids App
YouTube designed this mobile app as a safer place for kids under the age of 12. The videos chosen are based on the age of the viewer, but it has been reported that some questionable content has slipped through the cracks. (YouTube reports that it’s less than 1%.) There’s also a whole suite of parental controls, so parents can tailor the experience to your family’s needs.
Age Requirement: YouTube Kids is geared for children ages 4+ according to the app store. Common Sense Media says 7+.
YouTube Kids App (Source: YouTube)
Parent’s Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids (Source: Common Sense)
