Is Coverstar Safe for Kids?

By Andrea Nelson
July 14, 2025

If your kids love the cute animal videos and lip sync battles on TikTok, but you don’t love the inappropriate content and exposure to strangers, Coverstar presents an interesting alternative. 

The app bills itself as “The Safe TikTok Alternative” and promises a kid-friendly experience. But is Coverstar safe for kids or not? We investigated how it works, what parental controls are offered, and how it stacks up against TikTok. 

What is Coverstar?

Coverstar is a short-form video social media app designed for tweens and teens. It promises a safe and supportive environment for kids in the following ways:

  • Preventing bullying and explicit material
  • AI and human content moderation 
  • No direct messaging 
  • Strict community guidelines 
  • Reporting tools 
  • Privacy controls 
  • Parental consent required for users under 13 

How does Coverstar work? 

Similar to TikTok, Coverstar lets users create, share, and watch short videos with the option of adding music, sound effects, voice-overs, and visual effects like filters and masks. Users can create and participate in challenges, and the app is often swept by viral trends. 

Does Coverstar have parental controls? 

Despite requiring parental consent for users under the age of 13, there aren’t any parental controls. 

The app's design reduces some of the need for parental controls, but parents are unable to do things like set time limits. It also means kids can change their privacy settings without parental permission. 

Should I be concerned about my child using Coverstar?

Although Coverstar is generally safe for kids, all social media comes with risks. Here’s what to watch out for: 

  • Self-esteem issues. Social comparison and chasing likes are hard to avoid when using apps like Coverstar. This can lead to self-esteem issues in kids. 
  • Marketing. Coverstar allows games and other apps to market to kids on the platform.
  • Cyberbullying. Coverstar takes bullying seriously. However, kids can be really sneaky, especially if they’re using sneaky ways to get around Coverstar’s human and AI moderators.
  • Addiction. Coverstar’s algorithm isn’t as infamously addictive as TikTok, but all social media is designed to be addictive, regardless of the platform. 
  • Predation and catfishing. With no age verification, adults can easily pose as kids. A lack of private messages mitigates much of the concern, but adults could still engage with your child in the comments section and lure them into another app to message privately. 

Is Coverstar safer than TikTok? 

All things considered, Coverstar is a much safer option than TikTok. Here’s how the two apps stack up:

FeatureCoverstarTikTok
Parental controlsNo, but the app's built-in protections reduce most reasons for parental controls.Yes
Direct messagingNoYes
Comments on videosYes, but moderatedYes
Content moderationRobustYes, but plenty of explicit and unsafe material sneaks through
Community guidelinesStrict and geared toward keeping kids safeYes, but not geared specifically toward kids
Explicit materialProhibited and strictly monitoredTechnically prohibited, but frequently found on the app
BullyingProhibited and strictly monitored, but can sometimes still occur in commentsBullying is prohibited and monitored, but far less strict than Coverstar
PredationProhibited and monitored, but adults can still pose as kidsComments and direct messages are risky for kids
Reporting toolsYesYes
Search featureNo search feature, limiting accidental exposure to inappropriate materialYes
Age verificationParental permission required for users under 13, but no age verification when signing upYes, but easy to bypass

How can I help my child use Coverstar safely? 

Here are some ways to help make Coverstar’s experience even safer for your child: 

  • Check their settings. Make sure their account is set to private, and periodically spot-check to ensure they haven’t changed it. 
  • Talk to them about online privacy. Explain the risks of oversharing and the importance of not putting any private information online. 
  • Discuss stranger danger. Educate them on the dangers of interacting with strangers online and teach them to spot the signs of grooming
  • Monitor their use. Don’t rely solely on Coverstar’s moderators to keep your child safe. Periodically sit down to look at their account together, use a monitoring app like BrightCanary to keep an eye on what they’re typing on the app. 

Final word

Coverstar positions itself as “The Safe TikTok Alternative,” and the app largely lives up to that promise. Strict community guidelines, robust moderation, and no direct messages all add to the safety of the app. 

But no social media is without risk. Parents should discuss the dangers of social media with their child and stay involved in monitoring their use.

BrightCanary helps parents monitor what their children type and search on the apps they use the most, including Coverstar and TikTok. Download today to get started for free.

family preparing dinner together after using ai tools for parents

I’ll be honest: I’m wary of AI. It’s ironic because I write for a company whose product is built on AI — a product I truly believe in. But when my editor asked me to look into additional AI tools for parents, I was skeptical I’d find good options beyond the digital monitoring BrightCanary does so well. Could AI tools for parents really lighten my mental load in a way that didn’t compromise the deep humanity needed to raise children? The answer surprised me. 

Can AI tools help me be a better parent?

I was delighted to find an exciting slate of AI tools that I could actually see myself using. From meal planning to scheduling logistics and even parenting tips, here’s how to use AI to level up your parenting game, including sample chatbot prompts. 

Conversation prompts

It’s wise to be wary of turning to AI for parenting advice. But when you’re facing a difficult conversation and don’t know where to start, AI chatbots can be a good tool to get you started. They can help you figure out how to approach and explain difficult topics.

If talking to your tween about puberty or your teen about substance abuse causes you to break out in a cold sweat, ask ChatGPT for some conversation starters. 

If you’re looking for advice tailored to digital parenting, like how to talk to your child about stranger danger on social media, BrightCanary’s chatbot, Ask the Canary, is another great tool. 

Sample prompt: “My teen is being bullied online. How can I talk to them about it without making it worse?” 

Remember, AI isn’t a substitute for human advice. Consider supplementing your search by talking to other parents you trust or reading articles by experts. It’s also important to critically evaluate the information provided by a chatbot to make sure it’s inline with your family values. 

Pro tip: Don’t quote the chatbot verbatim. Your kid will spot the wooden effort a mile away. Put it in your own words. 

Meal planning 

I love to cook, but meal planning for a family day in and day out gets real old, real fast. Here’s how AI can ease that burden: 

Recipe ideas

Input your family’s food preferences, dietary restrictions, and even your fridge contents into ChatGPT or use an AI meal planning app like Ollie to get new recipe ideas. 

Sample prompt: “My kids love tofu, hate chicken, and only like beans if they’re smashed. Meals must be gluten-free. No red meat. We prefer bold flavors and non-American cuisine. I have a lot of carrots to use up. Plan five dinners I can cook in under 30 minutes that the whole family will enjoy.” 

Grocery lists and meal prep

After getting recipes, ask the chatbot to generate a grocery list and meal prep plan. 

Sample prompt: “Based on those recipes, make a consolidated grocery list organized by category and a meal prep plan for the week. I have prep time on Sunday and Wednesday, but little time on Tuesday.”

Logistics 

A shared Google calendar is fine, but someone still has to wade through the 12 billion emails, text threads, and school messages to create calendar events — not to mention things like planning vacations and managing to-do lists. 

Here’s how AI can be a logistics game changer: 

Calendar management

For this task, ChatGPT won’t cut it. You need a specialized tool like Goldee. Give it access to your family’s calendars, school emails, and parent text threads, and then have it generate calendar events and corresponding to-do lists. You can even ask it for scheduling help. 

Sample prompt: “Find three days where my spouse and I can get away. Can conflict with kid sports practices, but not games. Need at least three weeks' notice to arrange childcare. Then figure out all the rides I’ll need to arrange for my kids and generate a trip-planning to-do list.”

Vacation planning

If you’re like me and love to travel but get overwhelmed by trip planning, try using AI for your next family getaway. A general chatbot such as ChatGPT works well as long as you’re specific with your prompt. For a guided experience, check out Tern.   

Sample prompt:Find me three Mediterranean destinations for a family of four in spring of 2026 for five days and include itineraries. Two adults, a ten-year-old, and a six-year-old. We’re active but need daily downtime. We don’t want to rent a car. Budget excluding airfare and with shared lodging: $500.”

Pro tip: Because ChatGPT isn’t updated in real-time, double-check that locations are still open and event schedules are accurate! 

Child safety

Snapchat, TikTok, Roblox, Discord … your child might use more apps than you can wrap your head around. Keeping them safe online can feel overwhelming, but BrightCanary uses AI to make your job easier. The app monitors what your child types on their iPhone or iPad and uses AI to analyze everything from their emotions and interests to red flags and active times. The app’s AI chatbot makes it easy to ask questions about your child’s activity, come up with resolutions for conflicts, and more.

Sample prompt: “My child is texting someone about ‘red pill.’ What does that mean and how should I talk to them about it?”

Final word 

While a chatbot isn’t a substitute for the very human skills needed to raise children, AI can complement other efforts and ease the mental load. Try using AI tools for parents to help with meal planning, schedule logistics, and conversation starters on difficult topics. 

For an AI-powered way to keep your child safe online, check out BrightCanary. The app monitors your child’s activity online and alerts you when they engage with something concerning. It’s the most comprehensive monitoring available for Apple devices to help keep your child safe and on track across every app they use. Download it today and get started for free. 

Woman using AI assisted parenting tools on iPhone

There’s no shortage of chatter about tweens, teens, and AI, but most of it is centered on how kids use AI. But what about what AI can do for parents? It turns out there are a number of exciting AI-assisted parenting apps that can help with everything from meal planning to calendar coordination to advice on how to parent in a digital world. 

Here’s a roundup of six of the best AI-assisted parenting tools available. 

AI parenting toolWhat it’s best forAvailable on
OllieMeal planningiOS, Android
GoldeeScheduling, to-do lists, kid logisticsiOS
BestInterestCo-parenting communicationiOS, Android
TernFamily vacation planningiOS, Android, Web
CleoBudgeting for familiesiOS, Android
BrightCanaryMonitoring your child online + digital parenting adviceiOS

Ollie

Use it for: Meal planning

Platforms: iOS, Android

Why you’ll love it: Coming up with dinner ideas every single night can be a drag. Add food allergies, busy schedules, and picky eaters into the mix, and family mealtime can quickly go from joyful to soul-sucking. 

Ollie is an AI-powered assistant that lightens the load by planning meals and generating grocery lists based on your family’s preferences. It learns from your habits, likes, and dislikes in order to better fit your needs. You can even snap a picture of your fridge for last-minute meal ideas without a trip to the store.

Goldee

Use it for: Scheduling, to-do lists, and kid logistics

Platforms: iOS

Why you’ll love it: Nothing quite prepares you for the sheer volume of logistics involved in raising humans. Think about how much time you would get back if you weren’t constantly tracking extracurricular activities, PTA events, and birthday party invites. 

That’s where the Goldee app comes in. It uses AI to scan kid-related messages, emails, screenshots, and images, and adds them to a shared family calendar. It also creates to-do lists and sends you reminders. You can even use voice memos to interact with Goldee. For example: “Goldee, can you tell me when the volleyball banquet is and remind me two days ahead?” 

BestInterest 

Use it for: Co-parenting situations 

Platforms: iOS, Android

Why you’ll love it: BestInterest is designed to transform the struggles of co-parenting into peaceful and productive communication. The app leverages AI to review and filter out messages that aren’t child-focused — keeping divorce baggage and personal issues out of the mix — to minimize conflict and prevent co-parents from saying something they’ll later regret. P

Parents can establish communication boundaries, such as receiving batched notifications once daily. BestInterest also offers a geotagged, non-editable journal to assist parents going through legal proceedings like custody disputes. 

Tern

Use it for: Family vacation planning 

Platforms: iOS, Android, web

Why you’ll love it: Finding a slot in your family’s busy activity schedule to take a trip is hard enough, let alone taking the time to actually plan it. Tern takes the hassle out of family vacations by curating an itinerary based on your family’s needs and preferences. 

After entering your destination and travel dates, the app walks you through a quiz on everything from your kids’ ages to family dietary restrictions and travel styles, and then customizes a day-by-day plan to please the whole family. 

Cleo

Use it for: Family budgeting 

Platforms: iOS, Android 

Why you’ll love it: Even though you’re no longer paying for daycare, tweens and teens aren’t exactly cheap to raise. That’s why it’s more important than ever to make your family’s dollars stretch. Like other budgeting apps, Cleo aggregates data from your accounts into a real-time picture of your spending. But its AI component is where Cleo stands out as a great tool for parents. 

You can ask the chatbot whether you can afford takeout instead of cooking dinner or identify areas where you can cut back in order to put more toward that college savings account you’ve been neglecting. It also identifies your worst spending habits, rates your spending, and sends you motivation to encourage you to stick to your budget.  

BrightCanary

Use it for: Monitoring your child’s internet use and getting digital parenting advice 

Platforms: iOS

Why you’ll love it: Have you ever looked at your kid, hunched over their device, and realized you have no idea what they’re up to on the internet? BrightCanary is an AI-assisted parenting tool that monitors your child’s activity online and alerts you when they engage with something concerning. It’s the most comprehensive monitoring available for Apple devices to help keep your child safe and on track across every app they use. 

But knowing there’s a problem is only half the battle with parenting. That’s why BrightCanary’s AI parenting chatbot, Ask the Canary, is tailored to answer your toughest digital parenting questions with emotional insight and thoughtful conversation starters. 

Ask it how to talk to your teen about sexting, if Marvel Rivals is appropriate for tweens, or how to teach your child independence online while making sure they stay safe.

Teen girl using Tumblr on her phone

Fellow Millennial parents might assume Tumblr has gone by the wayside with other early-2000s social media sites like MySpace and LiveJournal. You might be surprised to learn the microblogging platform is enjoying a major resurgence, fueled by Gen Z. But is Tumblr safe for kids? 

This guide discusses why kids like Tumblr, its risks, and what parents can do to help keep their child safe on the app. 

What is Tumblr?

Launched in 2007, Tumblr is a cross between a social media platform and a microblogging site. Users can create blogs and share them with friends and followers either on the Tumblr app or on other social media platforms. 

Tumblr blogs span from fanfiction to art to memes, and everything in between.  

Why is Tumblr so popular with kids? 

The younger generation is flocking to Tumblr in record numbers. A whopping 50% of users are Gen Z. Here are some of the many reasons Tumblr is so popular with kids: 

  • Fandom. Kids use Tumblr to follow writers, artists, and other creatives they’re drawn to. 
  • Creative expression. Many kids turn to Tumblr as a way to showcase their own creativity. 
  • Community. Tumblr recently introduced Communities, group spaces where users can connect with others who share similar interests. 
  • Exploring interests. Because Tumblr is organized around interest-based communities, like writing or drawing, it’s a way for kids to deep dive into their passions. 
  • Real-time feedback. Tumblr’s feed feature gives users real-time feedback on what they post in the form of likes, replies, and messages.
  • Acceptance. Tumblr’s active LGBT+ community gives young users a space to explore their identity and learn from others. 
  • Their parents aren’t there. Tumblr has been called “The one social media millennials didn’t ruin.” (Ouch.) 

What are Tumblr’s age limits? 

Like other social media platforms, users in the US must be at least 13. However, age verification relies on users self-reporting, so it’s very easy to subvert.

Does Tumblr have parental controls? 

Tumblr has zero parental controls, so they get a big ol' F on this metric. 

The App Store rates Tumblr 17+, and Common Sense Media advises it shouldn’t be used by kids under 15. 

Is Tumblr safe for kids? 

Tumblr poses significant risks for kids, including: 

  • Inappropriate content. Pornography, racy content, adult language, and depictions of drug use can all be easily found on Tumblr. There is a Safe Mode, but with no parental controls, it can’t be locked, so kids can turn it off. 
  • No private account option. All Tumblr accounts are public, meaning anyone can follow your child. 
  • Exposure to strangers. Public accounts plus a direct messaging feature open kids up to catfishing, scams, and predatory behavior
  • Dangerous rabbit holes. If your child clicks on something problematic (even by accident), the algorithm will start suggesting similar content. This can lead kids into the darker corners of Tumblr filled with hate speech, misogyny, and violent rhetoric. 

How to keep your child safe on Tumblr

Here are some actions you can take to make your child’s experience on Tumblr safer:

  • Educate them on the risks. Talk to your child to be on the lookout for danger on Tumblr, including how to spot grooming and the dangers of addictive algorithms.
  • Help them adjust their settings. Show your child how to use Tumblr’s privacy and safety settings. We recommend limiting their account’s discoverability, blocking users they don’t follow from messaging them, setting up filters, hiding mature content, and hiding problematic topics like addiction, violence, and sexual themes.
  • Teach them what to do if they encounter a problem. Show them how to report content and encourage them to also let you know if they encounter any problems on the platform.  
  • Stay involved in their usage. One of the most effective steps you can take to keep your child safe on any platform is to stay involved. You can do this by following them (dust off your 2010-era account and hit that Follow button), practicing safety check-ins, and discussing their experience together. 
  • Using a monitoring app. BrightCanary monitors what your child types on all the platforms they use on their iPhone or iPad, including Tumblr. If they’re searching for concerning material or messaging anything concerning, you’ll be able to see it on the app. 

Final word

Tumblr offers a creative space for users to gather around shared interests. However, the lack of parental controls, public accounts, and exposure to problematic content make the platform unsafe for younger teens. Kids under 15 shouldn’t be allowed to use Tumblr, and parents should take an active role in protecting their child on the app. 

For parents who take online safety seriously, BrightCanary offers the most comprehensive monitoring on Apple devices. Monitor what your child sends on all the apps they use, including Tumblr, Discord, and even text messages. Download today and get started for free. 

Teen girl taking a selfie for social media outside

Is your teen begging to start an Instagram or Snapchat account? Introducing kids to social media is a big deal because it can expose them to the broader digital world — and all the risks associated with it. 

In this article, we’ll discuss how to introduce kids to social media and tips for helping them stay safe.

What’s the right age for introducing kids to social media? 

There are two primary factors to consider when deciding if your child is ready for social media: age and maturity. 

Aside from a handful of apps designed for younger kids, such as Kinzoo and Messenger Kids, most social media platforms require users to be at least 13 years old. However, just because your child is technically old enough doesn’t mean they’re automatically ready for Snapchat (or TikTok, Instagram, or any of the other platforms). 

If your 15-year-old isn’t mature enough for social media, you shouldn’t feel pressure to let them use it. But don’t keep them in the dark just because they’re not ready yet — it’s a good idea to start educating your child on how to safely use social media before you hand them the reins.

How do you introduce kids to social media? 

Once you've decided it’s time to let your teen use social media, here are some tips to get them going: 

Start small 

  • Pick one platform to start with. Consider what platform their friends are on, the age-appropriateness of that platform, and what you’re most comfortable with. 
  • Add on slowly. Only allow your child to join a second social media platform once they’ve proven they can responsibly handle the first one. 

Educate them on the risks 

Explaining the risks of social media shows your teen why it’s important to behave responsibly online. It also helps them learn to spot danger — an important ingredient for lowering their risk. 

We’ve covered many of these dangers, including:

Teach them how to stay safe 

We often think of teens as inevitably drawn to risk, but studies actually reveal that teens are often more cautious than their younger peers, choosing the safer option when given the information needed to make that choice. 

To equip your teen with the ability to make safe choices on social media, teach them about: 

What can I do to keep my teen safe on social media? 

Think of these tips as starting points. You’ll want to continuously check in with your child once they start using social media on their own.

Set limits

As your child matures, it may be reasonable to give them increasing leeway in when and how often they use social media (within reason). But when they’re first starting out, it’s a good idea to create more stringent boundaries to help them learn appropriate limits. 

Lock it down 

Utilize the parental controls on the social media apps your child uses, as well as any built into their device. 

Stay involved 

The American Psychological Association recommends that parents monitor social media for all kids under 15, and depending on your child’s maturity level, it may be necessary to do so for longer. Here are some ways to stay involved: 

  • Follow them. Not on the social media platforms your child uses? Time to open an account! Following them on social media won’t tell you everything you need to know, but it’s a good place to start. 
  • Practice digital safety check-ins. Establish designated times when you sit with your child to look at their device together and discuss their online activity
  • Use a monitoring app. BrightCanary uses AI technology to remotely monitor your child’s social media (as well as other online activity) and alerts you if there’s an issue so you can follow up.
  • Build independence over time. The ultimate goal is to raise a young adult who knows how to use social media wisely. As your child matures and proves they can act responsibly online, increase their autonomy. Don’t totally check out, though. 

Did you know? BrightCanary is a great way to give your child independence without compromising on safety because you get alerts when there’s a red flag … without having to look at everything your child does online. 

In short

By being proactive, parents can introduce social media to their child in a way that encourages them to be responsible and stay safe. Parents should educate their child on the risks of social media, teach them tips for staying safe, and remain involved in their child’s online activity. 

BrightCanary gives you real-time insights to keep your child safe online. The app uses advanced technology to monitor them on the apps and websites they use most often. Download on the App Store today and get started for free

Stressed teen can't focus while doing task with mom

Whether it’s difficulty completing homework, getting distracted in the middle of chores, or zoning out in class, you might notice your tween or teen struggling to stay focused. It’s a common problem that’s only made worse by ever-encroaching technology. That’s why we consulted the experts for these tips on how to improve focus in kids. 

Why do kids have trouble focusing? 

There are a number of reasons why a child may have difficulty getting or staying focused on a task. 

What are some signs that my child is struggling to focus? 

Aside from the more obvious signs, like squirming in their seat or abandoning their homework, inattentiveness can also fly under the radar in some kids. 

According to Anna Marcolin, LCSW, psychotherapist, life coach, and host of the globally top-ranked mental health and wellness podcast The Badass Confidence Coach, here are some less obvious signs your child may be struggling with focus: 

  • “Micro-avoidance” behaviors. These behaviors are seemingly innocent actions used as a brief escape from mental overload. For example, frequent bathroom trips, repeatedly sharpening pencils, and a sudden need for a snack are all symptoms of inattentiveness.
  • Consistent issues with time perception. According to Marcolin, children with attention issues often struggle with differentiating between short and long durations of time. 
  • Difficulty with transitions. Marcolin says that “quick emotional reactions…when transitioning between activities [is another] subtle sign” a child struggles with focus.  
  • Quiet daydreaming. There’s a difference between a healthy imagination and avoiding tasks, particularly quiet daydreaming, particularly in girls, who might still be achieving good grades despite underlying attention fatigue,” says Marcolin. 

How can I talk to my child about their focus? 

“When talking to your child about their focus challenges, aim to open the conversation in a supportive and understanding way,” says Marcolin. Here are her tips for talking to your child about their attention struggles: 

  • Timing is important. Choose a calm time to talk to your child. 
  • Frame the problem externally. Separate the problem from the child by saying something like, “I’ve noticed focusing has been tricky lately. Shall we figure out why together?” 
  • Be curious. Ask your child what tasks feel most difficult for them to concentrate on and if they’re already using any strategies to try to improve their focus. 
  • Connect to a positive. Draw a line to something your child enjoys and excels at. For instance, you might point out that the creativity and focus they use when playing Minecraft or making art is the same spark that can be channeled to focus on an area where they’re struggling.
  • Work together to find solutions. Collaborate with your child to design one small strategy to try for the week so your child feels involved and empowered, rather than blamed and shamed. 

How can I help my child focus? 

Marcolin points to these simple, evidence-based strategies for helping kids sharpen their focus:

  • Movement-based “brain resets.” Every 30 to 45 minutes, build in five minutes of physical activity, such as jumping jacks or a short walk.
  • Break down tasks. Help your child break their homework or other tasks into smaller, manageable chunks using a visual timer like the Pomodoro Technique
  • Proper food and hydration. Ensure your child has protein-rich snacks and stays hydrated. 
  • Sleep. Encourage your child to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. 
  • Tech boundaries. Set guidelines around tech use, such as no social media during homework time or no devices until chores are complete. Consider writing them into a device contract
  • Rewards. Try a points system where your child is rewarded for sustained periods of attention, as these little dopamine boosts can help keep motivation up. For a tech-motivated child, this could mean ten minutes on their device. 

When to seek professional help

Sometimes, a child’s attention issues rise to a level where outside intervention is necessary. Marcolin points to these signs that a professional assessment is warranted: 

  • Inattention that lasts six months or more, disrupts two or more settings, and persists despite good sleep, proper nutrition, and limited screen time. 
  • Sudden grade drops. 
  • Plummeting self-esteem. 
  • Social fallout. 
  • Extreme emotional volatility. 
  • Risk-laden impulsivity, such as accidents or aggression. 
  • A strong family history of ADHD, mood disorders, or learning differences. 

In short

Technology distractions, stress, and mental health issues are some of the reasons tweens and teens might struggle with attention. Parents can help their distracted child by collaborating with them to identify the problem and develop healthy coping strategies.

If your child is spending a lot of time on their phone or tablet, stay involved and understand what content they’re consuming. BrightCanary is the best way for parents to monitor their children’s activities on Apple devices. Download the app and start your free trial today.

Teen looking at phone and catfishing messages in dark

Catfishing is on the rise, and teens are an increasing target. Nearly two-thirds of young people report being targeted by catfishers. But what is catfishing, and how can you keep your teen safe? In this article, we’ll go over how teens get catfished, prevention tips, and what to do if your teen is a victim. 

What is catfishing? 

Catfishing is the act of setting up a fake online identity in order to deceive and control others. It typically involves convincing the victim that they are in a genuine romantic relationship or friendship with the perpetrator. 

Common catfishing schemes targeting teens

There are a number of reasons a catfisher might target teens, including: 

  • Financial scams 
  • Blackmail 
  • Sextortion 
  • Identity theft 
  • Cyberbullying 

How do teens get catfished?  

Certain factors make teens particularly susceptible to catfishing, including common adolescent vulnerabilities and the online spaces where they tend to hang out.  

  • Desire for connection. Teens often turn to online spaces to find connection and support. Catfishers are skilled at taking advantage of this desire for connection. 
  • Overconfidence in their ability to safely maneuver online spaces. Teens are still learning how to safely exist online, but their digital native status often gives them an inflated sense of their own ability to recognize scams. 
  • Tendency to “friend” people they don’t know. Teens may be more likely than adults to accept a friend request from a stranger, which opens them to victimization. 
  • Frequent oversharing. Kids today are growing up in a society that rewards oversharing. But sharing personal details online makes teens vulnerable to catfishing because perpetrators use those details to fabricate an identity that’s enticing to their victim. 
  • Their brains are still developing. Teenagers’ prefrontal cortex — the part of the brain responsible for impulse control and making good decisions — is still under construction. This means they don’t have as much capacity to consider the long term consequences of engaging with a stranger online, especially when that stranger is disguised as a good-looking potential romantic partner.   
  • Teens target each other as part of cyberbullying. Teens may use catfishing as a way to seek revenge, humiliate, or spread false information about a peer. 

Where teens are most likely to be catfished 

  • Social media. Catfishing is common on Snapchat, Instagram, and other social media platforms. 
  • Online gaming. Many gaming platforms allow for messaging between users. Roblox, with a user base that’s heavily skewed toward kids under 18, has come under particular scrutiny for being a haven for predators
  • Online dating. Dating apps, particularly those with weak age verification, are a common place for adult catfishers to target teens.

How can I prevent my teen from being catfished? 

Here are steps you can take to prevent your teen from becoming victims of this online scam:

Educate them on the risks 

Teach your child about the dangers of oversharing, the importance of not talking to strangers online, and the warning signs that they’re being groomed

Set clear expectations

Talk to your child about what apps and websites are and aren’t okay for them to use and how you expect them to behave on the internet. Setting limits on when and where they can use their device can help you keep a better eye on their safety. 

Monitor their social media and online use

Use spot checks, regular digital check-ins, and parental monitoring tools like BrightCanary to keep an eye on your child online.  

What should I do if my teen is catfished? 

If you discover your teen is being catfished, here’s how to help them respond: 

  • Have them cut off contact. Catfishers focus their energy on the people who continue to respond to them. It’s important that your teen immediately stop interacting with potential scammers. 
  • Help them secure their accounts. Have your teen change their passwords to all of their apps, not just the one where they were targeted. Passwords should be strong and unique for each app. (Using a password manager can help.) They should also set up two-factor authentication where available. 
  • Support them emotionally. Being catfished can lead to emotional fallout for your teen. They could feel embarrassed at falling for the scam, fearful about further exploitation, or even sad at the ending of what they thought was a genuine relationship. Listen without judgement, and be clear it’s not their fault. 

Final word

Teens are uniquely vulnerable to catfishing, and their victimization is on the rise. It’s important to educate your child on how to spot catfishing and steps they can take to prevent being targeted. It’s also important to monitor your child online so you can spot warning signs. 

BrightCanary can help you keep tabs on your child’s online activity, including messages to suspicious numbers or potentially concerning interactions with people in their DMs. Download the app today and get started for free.

Teen boy surrounded by manosphere glossary terms

“Mason thinks he’s such a Chad, but he’s nothing but a beta cuck. He better red pill, or he’s never gonna land a Stacy.” If that sentence has you scratching your head, don’t worry. It just means you’re not fluent in the language of the manosphere

It’s hard to deny the growing popularity of this toxic movement among adolescents, which has grown over the last several years and reached popular consciousness through Netflix’s Adolescence. Enter: this manosphere glossary. 

Although your life might be happier knowing as little as possible about the manosphere, if you have a kid, you should familiarize yourself with some of its terms so you can spot whether your child is being influenced by it.

Manosphere glossary 

Alpha: Alphas are dominant men who overpower others and have their pick of sexual partners. 

Awalt: Awalt is an acronym for All Women Are Like That. It represents the manosphere belief that women are predictable and stereotypical in the way they behave — for example, that they want to “marry up,” are manipulative, and only want to date Chads (see below).

Beta: Betas are the opposite of alphas. They’re men who are weak, unattractive, and submissive. 

Chad: A Chad is a virile, uber-masculine, and powerful man who women flock to — aka an ultimate alpha. A “gigachad” is the most alpha of all the alpha males. 

Cuck: Cuck is a shortening of “cuckold.” In the manosphere, it refers to a man whose wife has been unfaithful, particularly a beta whose female partner has been with an alpha male. It’s typically used as an insult and can also refer to men who derive sexual pleasure from allowing their wife to sleep with another man.

Incels: “Incel” is a mashup of “involuntary celibate.” Men who self-identify as incels are unable to find a sexual partner, despite feeling entitled to one, and blame women for their loneliness.

Pickup artist (PUA): Pickup artists share strategies to manipulate or coerce women into sex. 

Red pill/blue pill: These terms have been co-opted from The Matrix. In the manosphere, a red pill is a person who has “woken up” to the fact that society actually discriminates against men, not women. A blue pill refers to a person who either has yet to realize this “fact” or actively works to convert red-pillers back to being so-called sheep. 

Sigma male: As opposed to an alpha male or beta male, the sigma male is a lone wolf who operates outside of social structures. While not necessarily negative, the use of this term can indicate that your child is consuming content in or around the manosphere.

Sexual market value (SMV): In the messed-up universe of the manosphere, a person’s worth is measured by their sexual desirability, or their “sexual market value.”  

Sexual marketplace (SMP): Lest you get the impression that the manosphere sees people as anything besides pieces of meat, I introduce to you the sexual marketplace, a metaphorical place where people flaunt themselves and compete for romantic and sexual partners.

Soy/soyboi: The term soy is taken from the soybean and means any perceived characteristic or behavior that isn’t manly enough. A soyboi is a male who lacks sufficiently manly traits. 

Stacy: A Stacy is an idealized version of femininity, according to manosphere standards. They are ultra attractive, desirable, and promiscuous, but also vapid. Stacys are considered unattainable to any man who isn’t a Chad. 

Succubus: Incels have taken this character from folklore and twisted it to mean a woman who gets her sexual needs met by betas without regard to the harm it may cause them.   

Wizard: A wizard is a male over the age of 30 who has never had sex. The term can be used as both an insult (in the pickup artist community), or an honorific (in the incel community). 

The takeaway 

The manosphere is a toxic online movement filled with misogynistic terms. If you want to make sure your little Chad hasn’t taken the red pill and gone all Awalt with their belief system, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with this manosphere glossary. 

For help monitoring your child online to keep them safe — and safely away from the manosphere — BrightCanary is your best option on Apple devices. The app uses advanced technology to scan your child’s activity online and sends you a notification when they encounter anything worrisome on the apps they use most. Download BrightCanary today to get started for free.

Want to stay on top of other terms teens use? Check out our emoji guide and common teen dating slang terms.

Child watching Netflix on tablet with parental controls

Much like YouTube, Netflix is a great place to find quality entertainment for kids. (Hello, Carmen Sandiego reboot!) But without the right settings, Netflix can expose your child to inappropriate content and even potential interactions with strangers. 

Fortunately, Netflix parental controls give you a way to monitor your child’s viewing and reduce those risks. Here’s what you need to know about how to make Netflix safe for your child. 

What are the risks of Netflix for kids?

Even though Netflix is packed with great content, it also comes with potential risks:

  • Inappropriate content. When kids have unrestricted access to Netflix, it’s relatively easy for them to be exposed to age-inappropriate content, including graphic violence, adult language, and sex. The chances of this go up if they use a shared login with an adult because the algorithm will feed them suggested viewing material geared toward adults. 
  • Passive screen time. Who among us hasn’t looked up and realized we’ve just binge-watched three hours of our favorite show? Netflix’s autoplay feature makes it super easy to go overboard with screen time. While active screen time comes with a variety of benefits, Netflix viewing is generally considered passive screen time, too much of which can negatively impact kids
  • Exposure to strangers. Netflix mobile games include multiplayer features and allow users to play online with strangers, potentially leading to inappropriate interactions with adults.  

How to make Netflix safe for kids

Wondering how to set up Netflix parental controls? Here are some steps you can take: 

1. Set up a Kids profile

It might seem easier to let your child use your Netflix profile, but adult profiles don’t have the same protections for kids. A Kids profile is ideal for kids ages 12 and under. Netflix Kids filters content, allows you to use parental controls, and disables access to Netflix Games.

2. Use Netflix parental controls

Once their Kids profile is created, you can: 

  • Set content maturity ratings
  • Block specific shows or movies
  • Turn off autoplay
  • View your child’s watch history

3. Help your teen make appropriate viewing choices

Netflix Kids profiles cap out at PG, so it’s appropriate for most teens to transition to a regular profile. Without parental controls, there are still steps you can take to help them view safely: 

  • Have them use their own login. Even though they’re not on a Kids profile, giving your teen their own login makes it easier to monitor their viewing. 
  • Discuss what’s appropriate. Have an open conversation about their maturity level and what kinds of shows are and aren’t okay for them to watch. 
  • Monitor their viewing. Keep tabs on what they watch by periodically checking in on what they’re viewing, occasionally watching shows together, and using a monitoring service like BrightCanary to see what they’ve searched for.

How do I set up Netflix parental controls?

Follow these steps to set parental controls on Netflix:

Create a Kids profile

  • Go to your Manage Profiles page.
  • Choose Add Profile.
  • Add a name to the profile. 
  • Select For Kids, Kids Profile, or Kid? depending on your device.
  • Select Continue. 

Set a maturity rating

  • Select your child’s profile. 
  • Select Viewing Restrictions.
  • Select Maturity Rating.
  • Enter your Netflix account password.
  • Set the Maturity Rating (TV-Y, TV-Y7, G, TV-G, PG, TV-PG).

Block shows you don’t want your child to access on Netflix 

  • Select your child’s profile.
  • Select Viewing Restrictions.
  • Enter your Netflix password if using a web browser.
  • Select Block Titles if using a mobile device and Title Restrictions if using a web browser.
  • Type the name of the TV show or movie you wish to block.
  • Select the TV show or movie to add it to your blocked list. 
  • Select Save if using a web browser. 

Turn off autoplay on your child’s Netflix profile

  • Select your child’s profile.
  • Turn off Autoplay Next Episode.
  • Select Done if using a mobile device and Save if using a web browser. 

See your child’s viewing history

  • Select your child’s profile.
  • Open Viewing Activity. 
  • If you see a limited list, click on the Show More button. 

For additional information on how to use Netflix parental controls, visit this guide

Final thoughts 

Netflix is a great resource for child-friendly shows if you take appropriate steps to make your child’s viewing experience safe, such as setting up a Kids profile, using parental controls, and monitoring your child’s viewing. 

BrightCanary helps parents monitor what their kids search on popular platforms, including streaming services like Netflix, as well as social media, text messages, and internet browsers. Download BrightCanary today to get started for free.

Young boy playing Stardew Valley on his Nintendo Switch

Does your kid talk nonstop about farming, mining, and foraging? Do they excuse themselves from dinner to tend to their chickens? If so, you might have a Stardew Valley player on your hands. But is Stardew Valley appropriate for kids? 

Let’s get into why it’s a good pick for your child and what parents need to know about the game. 

Stardew Valley age rating

Stardew Valley is rated for kids ages 10+, according to the ESRB and Common Sense Media.

Older kids (and adults) can also enjoy Stardew Valley, which is often called a comfort game due to its slower-paced gameplay.

Language in Stardew Valley

The language built into Stardew Valley is mild, but does include put-downs like “idiot” and swear-adjacent words like “damn.” 

Users can join a multiplayer game, which can expose them to mature language from other players, who can make custom signs and send messages to each other. 

So, the language in Stardew Valley is only as mature as your child and their friends decide to make it. 

Is there sex and nudity in Stardew Valley?

There are no explicit sex scenes in Stardew Valley, but there is some mature content parents should know about:

  • Heavily implied sex scenes
  • Infidelity
  • Sexual innuendos

These will likely go over the heads of younger children, but older or more precocious kids could easily turn the game into a dating simulator. 

There’s a case to be made for a safe outlet for roleplaying adult romantic relationships, but parents should be aware of this possibility.

As for nudity, the most your child will see is the occasional topless man or a woman in a bikini. 

Is there violence in Stardew Valley?

The violence in Stardew Valley is cartoonish and not graphic. Aside from the rare argument that leads to one player punching another, players don’t fight against each other or human non-player characters (NPCs). Instead, they battle non-human creatures. 

The only weapons are swords and tools, not guns. When monsters die, they just disappear. 

Is Stardew Valley scary?

Every kid has a different threshold for what frightens them, but Stardew Valley isn’t scary by most standards. Because the graphics are rendered in a pixelated 2D style, the monsters are unlikely to be scary even for younger children.  

Is there substance use in Stardew Valley?

There’s substance use (and abuse) in Stardew Valley

A player can have their avatar drink, and some of the NPCs drink to excess, including one character whose entire story revolves around his alcoholism. To be fair, the negative impact drinking has on his life is made clear. There are also NPCs who smoke tobacco. 

Are there any mature themes in Stardew Valley?

In addition to depictions of alcoholism, the game also touches on suicide. 

The alcoholic NPC is open about his depression and sometimes lies on the edge of a cliff, begging players to give him a reason not to roll to his death below. It’s pretty heavy stuff, but the upside is the character also asks around about getting help for his depression. 

Parents might want to use it as an opening for discussing mental health with their child. 

Are there parental controls in Stardew Valley?

No, Stardew Valley doesn’t have in-game parental controls. However, you can use the parental control settings on the platform your child plays, most of which allow you to set time limits and content filters. 

Stardew Valley is available on desktop, Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android. Here’s our guide to Nintendo Switch parental controls.

It’s common for kids to search for videos and fan content about the media they consume, including YouTube playthroughs and fan forums on Reddit. You can also use a monitoring app like BrightCanary to keep track of your child’s activity on their iPhone or iPad, including what they search on Google and YouTube.

Is there diverse representation in Stardew Valley?

The representation in Stardew Valley is a mixed bag. 

The game only allows for two genders when selecting an avatar, and there are no varied body types aside from one slender avatar. Gender presentation and roles aren’t fixed; female avatars can grow beards, and same-sex marriages are allowed. 

The majority of the villagers are white and able-bodied. One character is in a wheelchair, but his attitude toward his disability and ableist treatment from other NPCs are controversial. Players are given the option of calling out the ableism, but oddly, the game mechanics steer them away from this option. 

Can my child interact with strangers in Stardew Valley?

It’s possible to play Stardew Valley remotely with others, but only in co-op mode. An invite code is needed to join someone’s game — there aren’t public games like in Roblox

The only way your child could encounter strangers in the game is if they’re invited by a friend who also invites other people your child doesn’t know. 

Final word: Is Stardew Valley okay for kids? 

Stardew Valley is a safe, fairly tame game that’s appropriate for most kids over 10. It includes some mature themes such as alcoholism and suicide, and there are a decent amount of sexual innuendos, depending on what your child chooses to focus on in the game. 

Parents will want to keep an eye on how their child plays Stardew Valley and consider using the mature themes as conversation starters. Check out our guide to other kid-friendly video games.

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