Parent Checklist: Privacy & Safety Settings by Social Media Platform
Parent Resources Parent Checklist: Privacy & Safety Settings by Social Media Platform Printable Version of Parent Checklist Before Any App [ ] Confirm your child meets the platform’s minimum age for your country[ ] Use the teen’s real birthdate so age-based protections turn on correctly[ ] Review who can contact them, follow them, or message them[ ] Turn on the strongest available privacy settings first[ ] Set a daily time limit and a bedtime/no-notifications window[ ] Show your child how to block, mute, and report[ ] Agree on what to do if they see bullying, sexual content, scams, or pressure from strangers[ ] Re-check settings after app updates, since features and defaults can change AAP APA YouTube / YouTube Kids [ ] Use YouTube Kids or a supervised account instead of unrestricted YouTube for younger users[ ] Choose the correct content setting for the child’s maturity level[ ] Review parental controls and settings in Family Link / YouTube parent settings[ ] Decide whether the child should use YouTube on a shared device or their own device[ ] Revisit content settings as the child gets older[ ] Talk about what to do if a recommended video feels upsetting, scary, or inappropriate YouTube Help YouTube Kids Help Instagram [ ] Confirm the account is a Teen Account if your child is 13–17[ ] Make sure the account is private[ ] Review who can send messages[ ] Keep Hidden Words and message protections on[ ] Check tags, mentions, and remixing permissions[ ] Keep sleep mode on and review the daily time reminder[ ] If your teen is under 16, verify they cannot loosen protections without parent approval[ ] Review who can see profile details and posts Instagram Help Instagram Help Facebook [ ] Confirm the account uses Teen Account protections for ages 13–17[ ] Check who can see future posts, stories, reels, friends list, and followed pages[ ] Keep tag review on[ ] Keep reel remixing off unless there is a reason to enable it[ ] Review who can see birthday, birth year, phone number, and email[ ] Keep sensitive content set to “show less”[ ] Review sleep mode and daily limit settings[ ] If the teen is under 16, confirm less-protective changes require parent approval Facebook Help TikTok [ ] Turn on Family Pairing and link the parent and teen accounts[ ] Review daily screen time and use schedule time away if needed[ ] Keep or turn on Restricted Mode[ ] Review search permissions[ ] Check whether the account is private or public[ ] Review direct message settings[ ] Check who can see liked posts[ ] Review who can comment and who can Duet, Stitch, use Stickers, or post Stories with the teen’s content[ ] Add keyword filters for topics you want excluded[ ] Review who the teen follows, who follows them, and blocked accounts TikTok Support TikTok Support Snapchat [ ] Confirm the account is private and only connects with real-life friends[ ] Review Family Center so you can see friends, chat contacts, and time spent[ ] Check location sharing on Snap Map and leave it off by default unless there is a clear reason to share[ ] Review who can contact the teen and whether they are only communicating with mutual friends[ ] For ages 16–17, discuss whether Public Profiles should stay off[ ] Explain that disappearing messages do not guarantee privacy or safety[ ] Make sure your child knows how to report concerning accounts Snapchat Parents Snapchat Parents WhatsApp [ ] Walk through privacy settings together[ ] Review what personal information should stay private[ ] Show your teen how to block and report users or suspicious messages[ ] Talk through how to handle bullying, harassment, or threatening messages[ ] Review scams, impersonation, and suspicious links[ ] Encourage your teen to come to you when something feels off[ ] Revisit privacy controls regularly as their contact list changes WhatsApp Help Center WhatsApp Help Center Discord [ ] Leave content filters on[ ] Confirm the teen cannot access age-restricted channels or servers[ ] Review the message request inbox for contacts they may not know[ ] Discuss friend request alerts and when to decline requests[ ] Review whether they are joining private friend servers or larger public communities[ ] Look at available parent resources like Family Center and the Guardians Guide[ ] Remind your teen not to share personal information in servers or DMs Discord Pinterest [ ] For ages 13–15, confirm the personal account is private[ ] For ages 16–17, decide whether the profile should remain private or be made public[ ] Review who can message the teen and who can add them to group chats[ ] Check whether comments on their content are appropriate for their age and settings[ ] Turn on two-factor authentication[ ] Review privacy and data settings[ ] Set a parental passcode to lock account, privacy, and social-permission settings[ ] Talk about blocking and reporting unsafe users or content Pinterest Help Pinterest Help X [ ] Confirm the teen account uses Protected posts if they are a known minor[ ] Review who can send DMs[ ] Discuss who should be allowed to reply to posts[ ] Review how to block, mute, and report[ ] Talk about public debate, harmful content, and why following strangers can increase risk[ ] Confirm the birthdate is accurate so minor protections apply correctly[ ] Consider whether the account should stay private rather than participating publicly X Help Center Reddit [ ] Keep Safe Search ON[ ] Make sure Adult Content is not enabled on a teen account[ ] Review which communities the teen follows and whether those communities are age-appropriate[ ] Explain that Reddit is public and often anonymous[ ] Show how to avoid or leave upsetting communities quickly[ ] Discuss what Anonymous Browsing does and does not hide[ ] Remind your teen not to post identifying details, school information, or location Reddit Help Reddit Help Parent Sign-Off Child’s name: _________________________Date reviewed: ________________________ Apps approved now: ____________________________________________Apps delayed until later: ________________________________________ Family rules: No devices in bedroom after: __________________ If something scary/upsetting happens, tell: __________________ Weekly settings check day: __________________ These kinds of ongoing check-ins matter as much as the settings themselves. The AAP recommends looking at the child, the platform content, how media affects calm and sleep, whether it crowds out offline life, and whether families keep communication open. AAP Parental Control Instructions Click the link above and follow our parent-friendly guide to using Parental Controls on iOS and Android to set and monitor screen time; a step-by-step instructions for iPhones/iPads and Android devices, plus a few tips to make the rules stick. Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits Parent Resources Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen
Social Media & Youth: What Parents Need to Know by Age
Parent Resources Social Media & Youth: What Parents Need to Know by Age In today’s digital world, social media is part of how young people connect, learn, and express themselves. But one of the most common questions parents/caregivers ask is: “What age is appropriate for social media—and how do I guide my child through it?” The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It requires understanding how social media impacts children at different stages of development—and how parents can lead with awareness, balance, and intention. ⚖️ The Balance: Social Media Isn’t All Good or All Bad Social Media Can: ✓ Build connection and reduce loneliness ✓ Provide access to resources and support ✓ Encourage creativity and self-expression But It Can Also: ⚠️ Increase anxiety and lower self-esteem ([Child Mind Institute][10]) ⚠️ Impact sleep, focus, and academic performance ([Atlantic Health][11]) ⚠️ Lead to excessive or addictive use patterns The key isn’t elimination—it’s intentional use and guidance. 📊 The Reality: Social Media Starts Earlier Than You Think Research shows that social media use begins well before the recommended age: * The average age child starts using social media is 12.6 years old([NCBI][1]) * Nearly 40% of children ages 8–12 are already using social media ([Johns Hopkins Medicine][2]) * Among teens ages 13–17, up to 95% use social media, with many online “almost constantly” ([NCBI][3]) * About 7 in 10 teens visit platforms like YouTube daily, and more than half use TikTok every day ([Pew Research Center][4]) Despite most platforms requiring users to be at least 13 years old, access is often easy—and early exposure is now the norm. 👶 Ages 8–12 (Tweens): Early Exposure & High Curiosity What’s happening: * Many tweens are already exploring platforms like YouTube and TikTok * Social media is often introduced through friends, siblings, or shared devices * Curiosity is high, but emotional maturity is still developing Risks to be aware of: * Exposure to inappropriate content * Difficulty distinguishing reality vs. curated content * Increased screen time habits forming early Parental recommendations: * Delay personal social media accounts when possible (13+ is the general guideline) ([Wee Care Pediatrics][5]) * Use shared accounts or supervised access * Set clear screen time boundaries * Begin conversations about **online safety and digital kindness** 👉 At this stage, guidance matters more than restriction alone 🧑🎓 Ages 13–15 (Early Teens): Identity & Influence What’s happening: * Social media becomes central to friendships and identity * Platform use increases significantly (Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok) * Peer validation (likes, comments) starts to impact self-esteem What research shows: * Teens increasingly report being online **“almost constantly”** ([NCBI][3]) * About **48% of teens say social media negatively impacts people their age** ([Pew Research Center][6]) Risks to be aware of: * Comparison culture and body image concerns * Cyberbullying * Sleep disruption from late-night use Parental recommendations: * Keep an open dialogue—not just rules * Monitor usage, but focus on **trust and communication** * Encourage tech-free times (especially before bed) * Teach critical thinking: “What am I seeing, and is it real?” 👉 This is the stage where confidence and identity are most influenced by digital spaces. 🎓 Ages 16–17 (Older Teens): Independence & Responsibility What’s happening: * Social media becomes a tool for self-expression, networking, and even career exploration * Usage is highest among this age group What research shows: * Older teens are more likely to use platforms like Instagram and Snapchat than younger teens ([Pew Research Center][7]) * Teens spend **an average of 4+ hours daily on social media** ([The REACH Institute][8]) Benefits to recognize: * Connection with peers and communities * Access to information, opportunities, and causes * Creative expression and skill-building ([PMC][9]) Parental recommendations: * Shift from control to **coaching and accountability** * Discuss digital footprint and long-term impact * Encourage balance: offline relationships, activities, and goals * Support positive uses (learning, advocacy, creativity) 👉 At this stage, the goal is to prepare—not protect—so teens can navigate responsibly. 💡 Final Thoughts for Parents At Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, we believe in empowering youth and parents with the tools, confidence, and support they need to thrive—online and offline. Here’s what matters most: Parents should be encouraged to start conversations early (before social media starts) Stay involved, not intrusive Model healthy behavior with your own screen use Focus on values:—respect, kindness, confidence, and self-worth Because at the end of the day, social media is just a tool. How our children use it—and how we guide them—makes all the difference. Parental Control Instructions Click the link above and follow our parent-friendly guide to using Parental Controls on iOS and Android to set and monitor screen time; a step-by-step instructions for iPhones/iPads and Android devices, plus a few tips to make the rules stick. Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits Parent Resources Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits A parent-friendly… Read More January 19, 2026 Helping Children and Teens Navigate the Internet Safely Parent Resources Helping Children and Teens Navigate the Internet Safely… Read More January 19, 2026
Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits
Parent Resources Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits A parent-friendly guide to using Parental Controls on iOS and Android to set and monitor screen time. Phones and tablets are a big part of school, friendships, and fun—but without boundaries, screen time can quietly crowd out sleep, homework, physical activity, and face-to-face connection. The good news: you don’t have to “fight the phone.” Both Apple (iOS) and Google (Android) include built-in parental controls that let you set screen time limits, schedule downtime, approve app downloads, and see how your child is spending time on their device. Below are simple, step-by-step instructions for iPhones/iPads and Android devices, plus a few tips to make the rules stick. Before You Start (for any device) Have a quick family conversation first. Explain that screen limits aren’t a punishment—they’re a tool to support sleep, school, and mental health. Decide on your boundaries. Examples: Weeknights vs. weekends No screens during homework No social media after a certain time Device-free meals and bedtime Set a parent-only passcode/PIN. This prevents kids from changing settings. Make sure your child has their own account. Apple: Child Apple ID (recommended) Google: Child Google account through Family Link (recommended) Parent Tip: If your child requests “one more minute,” you can allow it—but keep it occasional so limits stay meaningful. iPhone & iPad (iOS): Step-by-Step Using Screen Time Step 1: Turn on Screen Time Open Settings Tap Screen Time Tap Turn On Screen Time Tap This is My Child’s iPhone/iPad Step 2: Set a Screen Time Passcode (so settings can’t be changed) In Settings → Screen Time Tap Use Screen Time Passcode Create a 4-digit passcode (different from your child’s device passcode if possible) Step 3: Set Downtime (screen-free hours) Downtime limits most apps during certain hours (like bedtime). Settings → Screen Time → Downtime Toggle Downtime ON Choose Every Day or Customize Days Set a Start and End time Example: 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM Step 4: Set App Limits (daily time limits by category or app) Settings → Screen Time → App Limits Tap Add Limit Choose categories (Social, Games, Entertainment) or specific apps Tap Next Set a daily time limit (ex: 1 hour/day) Tap Add Step 5: Set Communication Limits (optional but helpful) Settings → Screen Time → Communication Limits Choose who your child can communicate with: During Screen Time During Downtime Step 6: Limit Content & Purchases (block mature content and prevent surprise charges) Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions Turn Content & Privacy Restrictions ON Set: iTunes & App Store Purchases → Don’t Allow / Require Password Allowed Apps (toggle off anything you want restricted) Content Restrictions (age-appropriate music, movies, websites) Step 7: Monitor Screen Time Reports Settings → Screen Time Review the report: Daily and weekly totals Most-used apps Number of pickups/notifications Download Printable Version Android Devices: Step-by-Step Using Google Family Link (recommended) Android settings can look different depending on the brand (Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, etc.). Google Family Link is the most consistent option across Android devices. Step 1: Install Family Link On the parent’s phone: Open the Google Play Store Search Google Family Link Install Family Link for parents On the child’s device: Install Family Link for children/teens (if prompted) or follow the setup instructions in the app Step 2: Create or Add Your Child’s Google Account Open Family Link (parent app) Tap Add child Follow prompts to: Create a child Google account or Add an existing account Connect the child device by following on-screen steps Step 3: Set Daily Screen Time Limits In Family Link, select your child Tap Controls Tap Daily limit Set the number of hours/minutes allowed per day Adjust for weekends if desired Step 4: Set a Bedtime Schedule (Downtime) Select your child in Family Link Tap Controls Tap Bedtime Set sleep hours (example: 9:00 PM–7:00 AM) Step 5: Set App Limits (time limits by app) Select your child Tap Controls Tap App limits Choose an app (YouTube, TikTok, games, etc.) Set a time limit or Block the app Step 6: Approve/Block Downloads and Purchases Select your child Tap Controls Tap Google Play Set approval requirements for: Apps & games Movies Books In-app purchases Step 7: Use “Lock Now” When You Need the Device Off This is great for homework time, dinner, or if a limit turns into an argument. Select your child in Family Link Tap Lock now Step 8: Monitor Activity Select your child View: Total screen time Most-used apps App activity trends Download Printable Version Quick Family Success Tips That make controls actually work. Start small. Big sudden limits often lead to pushback. Tighten gradually over 2–3 weeks. Tie screen time to routines. Example: “Homework first, then screens.” Create “tech-free zones.” Bedrooms at night, dinner table, and during family conversations. Model it. Kids notice when parents set limits for themselves too. Check in weekly. Ask: “What’s working? What’s not?” Then adjust limits together. If your family needs extra support building routines, staying motivated, or finding after-school activities that reduce screen time naturally, Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County is here to help. Explore Our Programs A Note for Parents: Parental controls are a tool—not a substitute for communication. The goal isn’t to control kids; it’s to help them learn self-control, balance, and healthy habits they’ll carry into adulthood. Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits Parent Resources Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits A parent-friendly… Read More January 19, 2026 Helping Children and Teens Navigate the Internet Safely Parent Resources Helping Children and Teens Navigate the Internet Safely… Read More January 19, 2026
Helping Children and Teens Navigate the Internet Safely
Parent Resources Helping Children and Teens Navigate the Internet Safely The internet is a powerful tool for learning, creativity, and connection. For children and teens, it supports schoolwork, exploration of interests, and communication with friends and family. As access to technology continues to grow, it is important to help young people understand how to use online spaces safely, responsibly, and respectfully. Internet safety is not about limiting curiosity—it is about providing guidance, building awareness, and encouraging open conversations so children feel supported as they navigate the digital world. Why Internet Safety Is Important Children often feel confident using technology, but they may not always recognize potential risks online. Age-appropriate guidance helps young people develop skills that support safe decision-making, healthy boundaries in digital spaces, and confidence in asking for help when something feels uncomfortable. Key Internet Safety Topics for Families to Know Protecting Personal InformationChildren should understand that certain information should not be shared online, including full name, home address, phone number, or school name; passwords or private account details; and photos or videos that reveal location or daily routines. Encouraging children to check with a trusted adult before sharing information online helps reinforce safe habits. Online CommunicationNot everyone online is known or familiar in real life. Children should be encouraged to communicate only with people they know and trust, be cautious if someone asks personal questions or requests secrecy, and tell a trusted adult if an interaction feels confusing or uncomfortable. Age-Appropriate ContentWhile much online content is educational and positive, children may occasionally come across material that is not intended for them. Talking in advance about what to do—such as closing the page and asking an adult for help—can help children feel prepared. Respectful Online BehaviorHow children interact online matters. Conversations about digital citizenship can include treating others with kindness and respect, understanding that words online can have real-world impact, and knowing how to block, mute, or report inappropriate behavior. Screen Time and BalanceTechnology works best when it is part of a balanced routine. Families may consider setting clear expectations around screen time, encouraging offline activities like reading, sports, and creative play, and modeling healthy technology habits at home. Phones and tablets are a big part of school, friendships, and fun—but without boundaries, screen time can quietly crowd out sleep, homework, physical activity, and face-to-face connection. The good news: you don’t have to “fight the phone.” Both Apple (iOS) and Google (Android) include built-in parental controls that let you set screen time limits, schedule downtime, approve app downloads, and see how your child is spending time on their device. Click here to read a parent-friendly guide to using Parental Controls on iOS and Android to set and monitor screen time; a step-by-step instructions for iPhones/iPads and Android devices, plus a few tips to make the rules stick. How Parents, Caretakers and Adults Can Support Safe Internet Use Parent, caretakers and adults can support children by keeping communication open, staying involved and informed about the platforms children use, setting shared expectations, and checking in regularly as children grow and technology evolves. Supporting Safe, Confident Digital Learning Helping children navigate the internet safely is a shared responsibility. With education, guidance, and ongoing conversations, young people can enjoy the benefits of technology while learning how to protect themselves and others online. How Parents, Caretakers and Adults Can Support Safe Internet Use Parent, caretakers and adults can support children by keeping communication open, staying involved and informed about the platforms children use, setting shared expectations, and checking in regularly as children grow and technology evolves. Supporting Safe, Confident Digital Learning Helping children navigate the internet safely is a shared responsibility. With education, guidance, and ongoing conversations, young people can enjoy the benefits of technology while learning how to protect themselves and others online. Parental Control Instructions Click the link above and follow our parent-friendly guide to using Parental Controls on iOS and Android to set and monitor screen time; a step-by-step instructions for iPhones/iPads and Android devices, plus a few tips to make the rules stick. Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits Parent Resources Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits A parent-friendly… Read More January 19, 2026 Helping Children and Teens Navigate the Internet Safely Parent Resources Helping Children and Teens Navigate the Internet Safely… Read More January 19, 2026
