As a parent, you want your child to surround themselves with good influences. That’s true not only for who they spend time with in real life, but also for the people and ideas they’re exposed to on social media.
If you or your child are concerned about the content appearing in their feed, one beneficial step you can take is to help them reset their social media algorithm. Here’s how to reset your child’s algorithm on TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms.
Social media algorithms are the complex computations that operate behind the scenes of every social media platform to determine what each user sees.
Everything on your child’s social media feed is likely the result of something they liked, commented on, or shared. (For a more comprehensive explanation, check out our Parent’s Guide to Social Media Algorithms.)
Social media algorithms have a snowball effect. For example, if your child “likes” a cute dog video, they’ll likely see more of that type of content. However, if they search for topics like violence, adult material, or conspiracy theories, their feed can quickly be overwhelmed with negative content.
Therefore, it’s vital that parents actively examine and reset their child’s algorithm when needed, and also teach them the skills to evaluate it for themselves.
Research clearly demonstrates the potentially negative impacts of social media on tweens and teens. How it affects your child depends a lot on what’s in their feed. And what’s in their feed has everything to do with algorithms.
Helping your child reset their algorithm is a wonderful opportunity to teach them digital literacy. Explain to them why it’s important to think critically about what they see on social media, and what they do on the site influences the content they’re shown.
Here are some steps you can take together to clean up their feed:
Resetting all of your child’s algorithms in one fell swoop can be daunting. Instead, pick the app they use the most and tackle that first.
If your kiddo follows a lot of accounts, you might need to break this step into multiple sessions. Pause on each account they follow and have them consider these questions:
If the answer “yes” to any of these questions, suggest they unfollow the account. If they’re hesitant — for example, if they’re worried unfollowing might cause friend problems — they can instead “hide” or “mute” the account so they don’t see those posts in their feed.
On the flip side, encourage your child to interact with accounts that make them feel good about themselves and portray positive messages. Liking, commenting, and sharing content that lifts them up will have a ripple effect on the rest of their feed.
After you’ve gone through their feed, show your child how to examine their settings. This mostly influences sponsored content, but considering the problematic history of advertisers marketing to children on social media, it’s wise to take a look.
Every social media app has slightly different options for how much control users have over their algorithm. Here's what you should know about resetting the algorithm on popular apps your child might use.
To get the best buy-in and help your child form positive long-term content consumption habits, it’s best to let them take the lead in deciding what accounts and content they want to see.
At the same time, kids shouldn't have to navigate the internet on their own. Social platforms can easily suggest content and profiles that your child isn't ready to see. A social media monitoring app, such as BrightCanary, can alert you if your child encounters something concerning.
Here are a few warning signs you should watch out for as you review your child's feed:
If you spot any of this content, it’s time for a longer conversation to assess your child’s safety. You may decide it’s appropriate to insist they unfollow a particular account. And if what you see on your child’s feed makes you concerned for their mental health or worried they may harm themselves or others, consider reaching out to a professional.
Algorithms are the force that drives everything your child sees on social media and can quickly cause their feed to be overtaken by negative content. Regularly reviewing your child’s feed with them and teaching them skills to control their algorithm will help keep their feed positive and minimize some of the negative impacts of social media.
Just by existing as a person in 2023, you’ve probably heard of social media algorithms. But what are algorithms? How do social media algorithms work? And why should parents care?
At BrightCanary, we’re all about giving parents the tools and information they need to take a proactive role in their children’s digital life. So, we’ve created this guide to help you understand what social media algorithms are, how they impact your child, and what you can do about it.
Social media algorithms are complex sets of rules and calculations used by platforms to prioritize the content that users see in their feeds. Each social network uses different algorithms. The algorithm on TikTok is different from the one on YouTube.
In short, algorithms dictate what you see when you use social media and in what order.
Back in the Wild Wild West days of social media, you would see all of the posts from everyone you were friends with or followed, presented in chronological order.
But as more users flocked to social media and the amount of content ballooned, platforms started introducing algorithms to filter through the piles of content and deliver relevant and interesting content to keep their users engaged. The goal is to get users hooked and keep them coming back for more.
Algorithms are also hugely beneficial for generating advertising revenue for platforms because they help target sponsored content.
Each platform uses its own mix of factors, but here are some examples of what influences social media algorithms:
Most social media sites heavily prioritize showing users content from people they’re connected with on the platform.
TikTok is unique because it emphasizes showing users new content based on their interests, which means you typically won’t see posts from people you follow on your TikTok feed.
With the exception of TikTok, if you interact frequently with a particular user, you’re more likely to see their content in your feed.
The algorithms on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Instagram Explore prioritize showing you new content based on the type of posts and videos you engage with. For example, the more cute cat videos you watch, the more cute cat videos you’ll be shown.
YouTube looks at the creators you interact with, your watch history, and the type of content you view to determine suggested videos.
The more likes, shares, and comments a post gets, the more likely it is to be shown to other users. This momentum is the snowball effect that causes posts to go viral.
There are ways social media algorithms can benefit your child, such as creating a personalized experience and helping them discover new things related to their interests. But the drawbacks are also notable — and potentially concerning.
Since social media algorithms show users more of what they seem to like, your child's feed might quickly become overwhelmed with negative content. Clicking a post out of curiosity or naivety, such as one promoting a conspiracy theory, can inadvertently expose your child to more such content. What may begin as innocent exploration could gradually influence their beliefs.
Experts frequently cite “thinspo” (short for “thinspiration”), a social media topic that aims to promote unhealthy body goals and disordered eating habits, as another algorithmic concern.
Even though most platforms ban content encouraging eating disorders, users often bypass filters using creative hashtags and abbreviations. If your child clicks on a thinspo post, they may continue to be served content that promotes eating disorders.
Although social media algorithms are something to monitor, the good news is that parents can help minimize the negative impacts on their child.
Here are some tips:
It’s a good idea to monitor what the algorithm is showing your child so you can spot any concerning trends. Regularly sit down with them to look at their feed together.
You can also use a parental monitoring service to alert you if your child consumes alarming content. BrightCanary is an app that continuously monitors your child’s social media activity and flags any concerning content, such as photos that promote self-harm or violent videos — so you can step in and talk about it.
Keep up on concerning social media trends, such as popular conspiracy theories and internet challenges, so you can spot warning signs in your child’s feed.
Talk to your child about who they follow and how those accounts make them feel. Encourage them to think critically about the content they consume and to disengage if something makes them feel bad.
Algorithms influence what content your child sees when they use social media. Parents need to be aware of the potentially harmful impacts this can have on their child and take an active role in combating the negative effects.
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Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok are the most popular social media apps for teens. But which is safer for kids? In this article, we break down the pros and cons of these platforms, what parents should know about online safety, and how BrightCanary helps parents stay in the loop.
| Feature | Snapchat | TikTok | |
| Best for | First social media app | Peer-based chat and interaction | Content discovery and entertainment |
| Parental controls | More robust than other platforms, but can be tricky to set up | With Family Center, parents can see who their teen is messaging and set privacy limits | With Family Pairing, parents can control messages, set time limits, and more |
| Messaging risks | DMs allow contact with strangers | Disappearing messages + pressure to respond | Less peer interaction, but Live chat risk |
| Content moderation | Algorithms and filters, but inappropriate content can still get through | Algorithms and filters, but inappropriate content can still get through | Algorithms, filters, and risk of exposure to harmful trends and feedback loops |
| Safety rating for kids | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Snapchat is an integral part of many teens’ social circles. Here’s what to consider when deciding if Snapchat right for your child:
Instagram's emphasis on self-expression and the variety of ways users can connect with friends make the app a hit with kids. Here are the pros and cons of letting your child use Instagram:
TikTok is a social media app built around short-form content, and it’s one of the hottest apps for teens. Here are some pros and cons of letting kids use TikTok:
Snapchat, Instagram, and Tiktok all have their pros and cons for kids, but Instagram stands out when it comes to safety.
Instagram’s more robust parental controls and Teen Accounts make it the best choice as a first platform for kids who want to try social media with their parent’s support.
But even though Instagram is slightly better than the others, there are still risks associated with the platform. Regardless of what social media your child uses, here’s what we recommend:
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing between Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok for your child. But with strong privacy settings and the best parental controls, Instagram is typically the better platform for kids starting social media.
It’s vital that parents take an active role in their child’s social media activity on all platforms. To monitor your child on social media, start your free BrightCanary trial today.
Adolescence on Netflix has emerged as the platform’s most popular offering of all time. It follows a 13-year-old boy, Jamie, who’s accused of murdering a classmate, and provides searing commentary on the ways toxic internet culture and unchecked screen time can impact children.
Let’s take a look at seven valuable lessons Adolescence provides on parenting in the digital age.
If Jamie’s parents had stepped in to support him when he was struggling socially online — and certainly when he started visiting hateful online forums in the “manosphere,” such as those promoting Andrew Tate — his story may well have ended very differently.
The thing about your child’s online activity is that it’s right there for you to see, but you have to be looking. It’s vital to stay involved in your child’s online activity so you can spot early red flags and step in before things escalate.
When Jamie hints to his dad that he’s being bullied, Eddie brushes it off. Similarly, his mother is worried about him spending too much time on his computer, but Eddie dismisses her concerns.
If you notice red flags in your child’s online behavior, such as evidence of cyberbullying, spending excessive amounts of time online, or messaging with someone they shouldn’t, don’t ignore it.
Act quickly to address the situation and support your child to develop healthier online habits.
Once Jamie starts viewing extreme videos on YouTube, the algorithm began feeding him increasingly disturbing material. Educate yourself and your child on the risks of algorithms and help them periodically reset theirs by blocking, unfollowing, or pausing certain content.
Want to know what your child is thinking about? Take a peek at their internet history and you’ll get a decent idea. In Adolescence, Jamie’s early internet history paints a picture of a lonely boy who’s struggling socially and is desperate to make friends and fit in. Then, it shows him progressing down a rabbit hole of digital misogyny until he’s ultimately radicalized against women and toward violence.
It’s important to check in — not to spy, but to understand what’s going on beneath the surface.
As Jamie’s social struggles grow, so does his screen time. He starts escaping online as a way to avoid the real world. His parents notice, but ultimately chalk it up to normal teenage behavior.
However, research tells us there are consequences to excessive screen time, including aggressive behavior and even violence. It’s important to set reasonable screen time limits for your child’s age and enforce them through parental controls and monitoring.
In the show, it’s revealed that Jamie was cyberbullied by peers, including the girl he ultimately murders. While it’s important not to blame the victim, it’s also important to acknowledge the role that being bullied played in Jamie’s ultimate radicalization.
Parents should talk to their children about cyberbullying, be on the lookout for signs, and step in if they spot a problem.
A key thread of the show Adolescence is highlighting what Jamie’s parents might have done differently, including not shying away from talking to Jamie when they started to notice trouble.
We need to empower our children to safely and healthily navigate online spaces and that includes talking with them about difficult topics.
Here are some conversation starters:
Netflix’s Adolescence offers invaluable lessons for parents, including the importance of talking to their child about cyberbullying, why parents should monitor their child’s online activity, and why they shouldn’t shy away from difficult discussions.
BrightCanary can help you monitor your child online. The app uses advanced technology to scan their internet activity and alerts you if there’s an issue. Download BrightCanary on the App Store and get started for free today.
Andrew Tate, a social media personality known for promoting misogyny and toxic masculinity, has become a surprisingly influential figure among teens — especially boys. Despite being arrested and accused of serious allegations, he has been embraced by prominent podcasters and media figures within the “manosphere,” a collection of online communities that promote masculinity and anti-feminism.
So, why are kids talking about him, and what can parents do about it? This guide explains Andrew Tate’s appeal, outlines the risks, and provides age-appropriate tips for discussing his influence with your child.
Andrew Tate is a former competitive kickboxer, entrepreneur, and online influencer whose notoriety grew through his provocative and often misogynistic social media content.
He had 4.6 million Instagram followers before he was banned for violating the platform’s terms of service. He was also banned on several other platforms, including Facebook and TikTok. His account on X (formerly Twitter) was later restored when Elon Musk bought the platform.
Tate brands himself as a self-made millionaire and the “King of Toxic Masculinity.” Here are a few examples of his content:
Is your child following problematic influencers online? Here’s how to monitor their online activity so you can talk about it.
Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan were arrested in Romania on December 29, 2022, for suspected human trafficking, sexual assault, and involvement in organized crime. Recently, the Tate brothers were allowed to leave Romania after prosecutors lifted their travel restrictions. The brothers remain under investigation.
Earlier this year, Andrew Tate’s ex-girlfriend, Brianna Stern, filed a lawsuit accusing Andrew of assaulting her during their relationship.
Andrew Tate’s popularity surged when his videos started circulating around TikTok, a platform whose users typically skew younger. Tate resonates with tween and teen boys who want to emulate his image as a self-made entrepreneur.
Tate frequently posts outward signals of success, often posing with a cigar in front of one of his several luxury cars. Without evidence, Tate claimed that he was the world’s first trillionaire. His brand is largely built around an image of fast living, easy money, and pliable women. Tate has said that men who read books are dull-witted.
Tate has also displayed a talent for “shock marketing,” taking controversial and deeply offensive positions in order to generate a response. As a result, many of his performances have gone viral. In one of his online courses, Tate advises students to aim for 40% “haters” and controversy.
He sells the idea that he can teach young men how to make money, attract girls, and break societal molds to achieve personal fulfillment.
Parents, caregivers, and teachers say they are seeing harmful comments, discussions, and behavior patterns becoming more and more common among boys and young men. Educators in the UK have grown increasingly concerned that Tate’s noxious brand of masculinity has infiltrated the British school system.
The popularity of the Netflix show Adolescence, which explores the effects of the manosphere and masculinity on teenage boys, has also raised concerns about Andrew Tate’s influence — in the show, the protagonist is drawn into misogynistic communities online that share similar sentiments as Andrew Tate’s brand.
Tate’s messages can normalize sexism, promote power imbalances in relationships, and distort healthy views of masculinity and success. Teachers and mental health professionals report a rise in boys parroting his views, leading to:
Your child’s age and maturity level will determine how deep you dive into the topic. Here are some ideas to start a conversation with them about Tate and what he represents.
It’s best to first ask your child what they know about Andrew Tate. That way, you can get a sense of what they’ve heard, what they already know, and where you can clear up any misinformation.
Tate has a reputation for mistreating women, so this may be a good time to remind your child to treat everyone with respect. Here are some questions to get the conversation going.
Depending on the child’s age, talking about coercive power over another person can be tricky. Always take your child’s maturity level into consideration when discussing heavy topics. Here are some things you can say:
Human trafficking is a tough topic to tackle with a young child. Here are some ways to frame it.
You can talk about sexual assault more candidly with older children, but when children are young, this is a tricky topic to discuss in an age-appropriate manner. For young children, you can discuss body autonomy, personal space, and consent.
Young Children:
Keep it simple. Talk about kindness, fairness, and treating others the way they want to be treated. Use examples from their daily life.
Tweens:
Introduce the concept of influencers and online personalities. Ask what they think makes someone trustworthy and talk about why some people say shocking things just to get attention.
Teens:
Go deeper into misogyny, media literacy, and power dynamics. Discuss what healthy relationships look like and how toxic influencers manipulate emotions to build followings.
Because social media platforms can amplify harmful content, it’s crucial to know what your child is seeing. You can:
BrightCanary helps you supervise your child’s activity across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Google, and text messages. You’ll get updates if they encounter harmful content — including extremist messages or explicit material.
Andrew Tate’s influence on teens is part of a larger conversation about toxic masculinity, online algorithms, and youth vulnerability. Parents don’t need to panic—but they do need to be proactive.
These aren’t easy topics to broach with your child, but it’s important to start the conversation with them. That way, if they see something confusing or disturbing online, now or in the future, they’ll feel comfortable coming to you to ask the hard questions.
Nudify apps are a disturbing use of artificial intelligence (AI) that parents need to be aware of. These apps can transform a regular, clothed photo into a realistic fake nude image — usually without the person’s consent. And, unfortunately, teens are using them.
In this guide, we’ll break down what nudify apps are, the risks, and what parents can do to keep their kids safe.
A nudify app is a type of software that uses AI to generate fake nude images by removing clothing from a photo. These apps typically train their algorithms using large datasets of explicit images scraped from the internet, which allows the app to recreate realistic human anatomy and create deepfake images that appear startlingly authentic.
Nudify apps pose serious emotional, reputational, legal, and digital risks, and the consequences can be long lasting. They include:
When a nudify app is used without a person’s consent and the resulting image is spread, the victim may feel violated, traumatized, and objectified. They may feel anxious about who might see the photo and unsafe at school if the perpetrators are classmates.
Because the images look so real, the person in the photo often suffers damage to their reputation when others think they posed consensually for the photo. (Yes, this is deeply unfair, but it’s unfortunately the way of the world, and parents and kids need to be aware.)
Once an image is online, it’s nearly impossible to fully erase. Even if it’s deleted, it’s often impossible to know if anyone printed, downloaded, or took a screenshot of the image. Images created on nudify apps may remain a part of a victim’s digital footprint indefinitely.
If your child creates or shares images made with a nudify app, they may be suspended, expelled from school, or kicked out of an extracurricular activity.
Nudify apps are new territory for schools, and many have been accused of being too soft with how they reprimand kids who create nude images of their peers.
Nude images of minors, even when they’re generated by AI, is illegal under federal law.
State laws vary, but kids have been charged with both misdemeanors and felonies. If found guilty, depending on the state, they may be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of their lives.
The best solution is prevention. Here are some steps you can take:
Because the risks of nudify apps are so great, it’s vital that parents talk to their children about the issue. Here are some talking points to get you started:
It’s never too young to teach consent — start early and refresh often. Be explicit that using nudify apps violates the consent of the person in the photo and is never okay.
Let them know there’s never any excuse for someone violating their consent in this way and that they should let you know if it ever happens.
Teach your children to be responsible digital citizens and think twice before they share anything online. If they suspect an image might be fake or if they think it might negatively impact the person in the picture, they shouldn’t share it. Instead, they should alert a trusted adult.
Be direct and clear about the potential consequences of using a nudify app or sharing images created with one. Kids aren’t always great about thinking about the long-term implications of their actions, and they need to know how serious the fallout could be if they use these apps.
Nudify apps use AI to turn clothed photos into fake nude images without the consent of the person in the picture. Use of these apps and websites can have devastating consequences for both the person in the image as well as the one who created it.
Parents need to educate their children on the risks and take steps to monitor their online activity so they can immediately take action if their child is involved in a situation using nudify apps.
BrightCanary can help you supervise your child online. The app’s advanced technology scans their internet activity and updates when they encounter something concerning such as nude images. BrightCanary provides the best coverage across Apple devices and online platforms where children are most at risk. Download the app for free today.
Welcome to Parent Pixels, a parenting newsletter filled with practical advice, news, and resources to support you and your kids in the digital age. This week:
▶️ How to support healthier video viewing habits for teens: If your teen uses YouTube — and they likely do, given that 90% of teens report using the site — you’ll want to check out this free guide from the American Psychological Association (APA), which was developed in partnership with YouTube.
The guide helps parents understand the effects of different types of video content and start conversations with their teens about their video viewing habits, including tips like:
🐤 Heads up: BrightCanary monitors YouTube content and helps you stay informed about what your teen is watching and searching.
🛡️ TikTok expands parental control features: TikTok just handed parents a few more tools to fight the bedtime scrolling battle. The app rolled out new updates to its Family Pairing feature, because apparently “go to sleep” wasn’t cutting it. Parents can now:
If your teen uses TikTok, we recommend setting up Family Pairing, confirming your teen’s privacy settings are set to your family’s comfort level, and using those screen time limits. Here’s how to set up Family Pairing.
Parent Pixels is a biweekly newsletter filled with practical advice, news, and resources to support you and your kids in the digital age. Want this newsletter delivered to your inbox a day early? Subscribe here.
Did you know that Apple has a full suite of free parental controls? It’s called Apple Screen Time, and it allows you to restrict explicit content, adjust privacy settings, and more on your child’s device. But before you dive into settings, start with a conversation. Here are some ways to talk with your child about why you’re putting parental controls in place — not as a punishment, but as part of your job to help keep them safe online.
📱 Want help setting up Apple parental controls the right way? Check out All About Apple, an on-demand course from digital parenting expert Sarah Gallagher Trombley (The Digital Mom). It covers everything from what Apple parental controls do to how to use them effectively. Use the code BRIGHTCANARY10 for 10% off!
😮💨 Do you want to spend less time on social media? Is your child struggling to step away from Instagram and Snap? Find out how your phone can help you manage your time online, courtesy of the New York Times.
😳 Dark and strange content is slipping through social media’s filters for kids and adults alike, including violent videos, AI oddities, and other unsettling content, as reported by the Washington Post.
🫥 Does social media push vulnerable teens toward eating disorders? After Babel covers the ways in which social media algorithms can fuel body dissatisfaction. For more on this topic, here are tips on how to talk to your child about videos that encourage an unhealthy relationship with food.
If you’re considering monitoring your child’s online activity but are concerned about breaking their trust, you’re not alone. Many parents struggle with finding a balance between protection and privacy.
So, how do you monitor your child’s online activity without damaging their trust? This guide will walk you through why online monitoring matters, how to approach it with transparency, and how to maintain your child’s privacy while keeping them safe.
The internet poses a number of threats to children and teens, from online predators to addictive algorithms. Here’s why online monitoring is crucial:
Kids need support to mitigate these dangers and learn how to navigate online spaces safely. That’s why experts recommend parents take an active role in monitoring their child’s online activity.
You need to monitor your child online, but you don’t want to break their trust, you want to respect their privacy, and you don’t want them to feel like you’re spying on them. These are all important things to consider, and it means you’re on the right track.
Luckily, it’s possible to monitor your child online while still respecting their privacy and maintaining trust. Here are some tips:
Don’t go behind their back. Monitoring your child online without their knowledge is spying, and it’s a surefire way to break their trust. Be transparent with them about your plans.
They might not like the idea, but they’ll appreciate your honesty (although they’ll probably never admit it in a million years).
Refrain from digging around on their phone for gossip or bringing up every little thing you notice. Focus your monitoring on safety issues and let your child decide what other aspects of their online world they want to share with you.
Mistakes are how people learn. It’s especially valuable to let kids make their own mistakes when they’re still under your protective wing. It’s important to address major issues that you come across in your monitoring, but for issues that don’t impact their safety, give them room to fail so they can grow from their mistakes.
Explain to your child exactly what behaviors are acceptable online and which ones aren’t. Otherwise, they’re likely to feel blindsided if you bring something up that they didn’t realize was a problem. Even better, put it in writing — a digital device contract helps set clear guidelines.
Not only will you wear yourself out if you try to read every text, social media comment, and DM, but that level of scrutiny is likely to feel to your child like you’re spying on them.
BrightCanary can help. The app uses advanced artificial intelligence to monitor your child’s online life without reading every message. It’ll summarize their activity and alert you to any concerns, allowing you to give them privacy while staying in the know on the big stuff.
It’s perfectly natural to be nervous about talking to your child about online monitoring. It’s not a dynamic you had to navigate with your own parents, so this is new territory for you both.
Having open conversations about online monitoring helps ease pushback and reduce secrecy. Here are some talking points to get you started:
Educate your child on the dangers of online spaces and why it’s so important for you to help them stay safe.
Reassure them that monitoring isn’t about control — it’s about protection. Frame it as a partnership, not punishment.
Make it clear that you trust your child, but you don’t trust Big Tech or social media companies. Frame this as a partnership between the two of you.
Ask them how they feel about online monitoring, and take time to address their concerns and validate their feelings.
You may not be willing or able to address all of their concerns in the way they want, but it’s still valuable to hear them out, make adjustments where you can, and, above all, validate their feelings.
Younger kids need more hands-on supervision, while older teens can have more independence while following safety guidelines. Teens are also more likely to be resistant to the idea of being monitored, so be prepared to explain potential risks in an age-appropriate way.
It’s important for parents to take an active role in their child’s online activity, including monitoring them. This helps keep them safe. However, it’s equally important that parents approach their monitoring efforts in a way that’s respectful of their child’s privacy and helps build rather than break trust. This can be done through open communication, clear expectations, and a focus on safety.
BrightCanary is a great tool for keeping an eye on what your child does online without spying on them or hovering. The app’s advanced technology scans your child’s activity and alerts you if there’s a red flag. That way, you can take action on the important stuff and give them their space on everything else. Download the app and start for free today.
Knowing what your child searches for online and what sites they browse is a valuable tool for keeping them safe on the internet. Setting up Google parental controls through Google Family link helps parents filter content, manage screen time, and monitor app activity. However, these tools also have limitations. In this article, we’ll go over how to set up Google parental controls, where those controls fall short, and how to fill in the gaps.
The internet is a fabulous resource, but it can also be a risky place for children and teens. As a parent, it’s important to know if they encounter potential risks, such as:
Monitoring your child’s Google account can help you protect them from digital dangers and support them in making good choices.
To set up Google parental controls, you’ll need to use Google Family Link. Here’s how:
Once you've added supervision to your child's Google account, here are some of the things you can do:
Heads up: Google Family Link gives parents control over their child’s digital environment, but it doesn’t provide full visibility into all online activity.
At age 13 (or the applicable age in their country), children using Family Link can choose to continue parental supervision or manage their own Google account.
If your child is over 13 or has a birthday coming up and you’d like them to be on a supervised account, explain your reasons to them and discuss options together.
As children mature, it makes sense to adjust your approach to supervising them, so it may be appropriate to keep their managed account in place but loosen some of the restrictions.
Google’s parental controls don’t provide unlimited access to a child’s account. Here’s what it allows you to see:
Google’s parental controls don’t:
Although Google parental controls are a valuable tool, they don't provide comprehensive monitoring. Many parents want to know what their kids are searching for, watching, or messaging about, especially for kids and younger teens — but Google doesn’t provide that level of visibility.
BrightCanary fills in the gaps left by Google parental controls. Using powerful artificial intelligence, BrightCanary scans your child’s activity on their phone and the internet and alerts you to any red flags. This allows you to stay informed without the headache of scanning through a long list of Google searches or their entire YouTube history.
While Google parental controls help with basic filtering, BrightCanary goes beyond by providing on concerning activity. Here’s how it works:
Want to enhance your child’s online safety? Try BrightCanary for free today.
Google parental controls are a useful tool for keeping your child safe on the internet. However, they fall short when it comes to fully monitoring their online activity.
In order to keep an eye on their Google searches, viewed images, and YouTube watch history, you’ll need a third-party monitoring app like BrightCanary. And, as always, keep ongoing and open conversations with your child about their digital world. Here’s how to have an online safety check-in.
A sigma male is a term used to describe a self-reliant, introverted, and independent man who prefers to operate outside traditional social hierarchies. Unlike alpha males, who seek leadership and dominance, sigma males value autonomy and self-sufficiency.
The concept of sigma males has gained popularity online, particularly among teens exploring identity and masculinity. While some view it as harmless self-empowerment, others worry that it reinforces isolation or masks deeper insecurities.
In this article, we’ll break down what a sigma male is, explore sigma male personality traits, and provide guidance on how parents can talk to their children about the growing sigma male mindset online.
Like its cousins “alpha male” and “beta male,” the term “sigma male” is rooted in the language of social dominance hierarchy:
In 2010, the conservative writer Theodore Robert Beale, known as “Vox Day,” first used the term on his blog. Subsequently, the term gained wider popularity in Internet discourse and in memes, including among bodybuilders and biohackers.
Mark Manson also described a sigma male in his 2016 best-selling book, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, a self-described “counterintuitive” guide that aims to reframe how to live a meaningful life.
Some pop culture figures associated with sigma male traits include:
People who identify as sigma males aim to chart their own paths and emphasize their own self-worth. They are often uninterested in traditional forms of success such as wealth, status, and fame. Instead, they look to live life on their own terms and strive toward personal fulfillment.
Wondering how internet trends influence your child’s self-esteem? Stay informed with BrightCanary’s monitoring tools to help navigate online conversations.
Key differences between alpha and sigma males include:
| Alpha Male | Sigma Male |
| Seeks leadership and dominance | Avoids social hierarchy |
| Outgoing and highly social | Prefers solitude or small circles |
| Desires recognition and validation | Operates independently |
| Thrives in group settings | Dislikes authority and groupthink |
People who align with the sigma male mindset often view themselves as non-conformists. They may possess an alpha-like attitude but without the desire or need for recognition or power over others.
Along with other terms in the language of social dominance like “alpha” and “beta,” the term “sigma male” can be reductive and overly simplistic.
While many of the characteristics of the sigma male — independence, self-reliance and confidence, to name just a few — are laudable, some experts believe that people who identify excessively with the term may also be masking feelings of insecurity.
Children need to understand that they are complex human beings with different, and often conflicting, personality traits. An over-reliance on any single term might hinder a person’s ability to fully understand or appreciate him or herself.
Pro tip: If your child frequently searches for sigma male content, it might signal low self-esteem. Use parental monitoring tools like BrightCanary to help track online trends that influence your child's mindset.
If your child mentions sigma males, start a conversation with curiosity over judgment. Here’s how:
It’s a good idea to check in regularly with your child about any confusing terms they may have encountered online. By starting a dialogue with them, you build trust and encourage them to come to you to discuss difficult topics.
A sigma male is a term used to describe an independent, self-reliant individual who prefers solitude over social dominance. Unlike an alpha male, a sigma male does not seek leadership or validation from others.
The concept of sigma males is largely based on internet culture and personality archetypes rather than scientific research. However, some people relate to the traits described under this label.
Sigma males are independent and introverted, while alpha males are dominant and highly social. Sigma males prefer autonomy, whereas alpha males seek leadership roles.
Neither — it depends on how the identity is used. If it helps your child feel confident and self-sufficient, that’s great. If it promotes isolation or superiority, it may be a sign to intervene.
Teens may be drawn to the sigma male mindset as they explore identity, social status, and masculinity. Social media algorithms may also push this content to users who engage with self-improvement or dominance-hierarchy discussions.
While the sigma male concept might seem harmless, it can sometimes reinforce isolation and rigid identity labels. As a parent, encourage your child to embrace their full range of strengths and emotions rather than fitting into one specific label. Keep communication open, stay informed on trending online topics, and use tools like BrightCanary to help guide their digital experience.
