Social media safety for kids: the settings and habits that matter
The essential privacy, messaging and content settings for kids on social media, plus the habits and conversations that make them work.
- Use your child's real age when they sign up; teen protections depend on it.
- Five settings matter on almost every app: private account, limited messages, limited comments, sensitive content filters and no location.
- Talk about what they see, who they talk to, and how social media makes them feel.
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube and X all work differently, but the safety basics are similar. Set these up when your child joins, then revisit them every few months: apps change their settings often.
Before they join
- Check the age. Most social apps require users to be 13 or older. See what age should kids join social media.
- Use their real birthday. Apps apply teen protections, like private accounts and message limits, based on age. A fake older age turns them off.
- Set it up together. Sit with your child the first time.
Five settings that matter on every app
1. Private account
Only approved followers can see posts. On most apps, accounts for younger teens are private by default, but check.
2. Who can message them
Limit direct messages to friends or people they follow, or turn them off for younger teens. Most serious harm starts in private messages.
3. Who can comment, tag and mention
Limit comments to friends, turn on filters for offensive words, and require approval for tags.
4. Sensitive content controls
Most apps have a setting that limits mature or sensitive content in feeds and search. Choose the most restrictive option for younger teens.
5. Location
Turn off location tagging and location sharing features. See location sharing safety.
App by app
- TikTok privacy settings and Family Pairing
- Instagram Teen Accounts
- Facebook privacy settings for teens
- Snapchat safety
- YouTube parental controls
Habits to build
- Think before posting: would I be okay with my teacher, lola or a future employer seeing this?
- Only accept people you know in real life.
- Don't share passwords, even with best friends.
- Take breaks: use the app's time reminders, and keep phones out of the bedroom at night.
- Tell a parent if anything makes you uncomfortable.
Conversations to have
- What do you like about it? Start positive.
- Who do you follow, and why?
- How does it make you feel? See social media and self-esteem.
- What would you do if a stranger messaged you? See online grooming warning signs.
- How do you know if something is true? See teaching kids to spot fake news.
- What's an ad, and what's not? See influencers and ads.
Should you follow your child?
Following your child can help you understand their online world, especially at first. Agree on ground rules: no commenting on their posts in embarrassing ways, and no screenshots to share with titas. Many teens are more comfortable with a parent following than with secret checking.
eGuard sets up screen time, bedtime and app rules on your child's phone and checks that each one is really on. Free for one child.