Kids and teens are using Snapchat more and more as a primary way of communicating. With its lighthearted cartoon interface, it’s a fun way to keep connected with friends and family — that’s why they’ve racked up over 360 million daily users. However, like any other social media app, Snapchat can be used improperly.
This is why it's important to monitor your child's usage and set some basic rules. Here are some tips for setting up Snapchat privacy settings, so your child can use the app safely.
Snapchat is a free social media app available for Android and iOS devices that allows users — known as Snapchatters — to share messages, pictures (Snaps), and videos with their friends and family.
When a someone posts a Snap, it's sent out to all of their followers who can view it for a limited time before it disappears. Snapchatters can also send their Snaps to multiple recipients simultaneously, making it perfect for sending group multimedia files to a group of friends or classmates.
By default, a one-on-one message immediately deletes after a user views it. If it remains unopened, the message will automatically delete after 31 days.
Users can choose to change this setting and set the messages to delete immediately after the recipient views them. This setting triggers all previously reviewed messages to disappear.
Group messages delete after 24 hours of all recipients viewing them or one week after they were sent, whichever comes first.
Keep in mind that messages may stay on Snapchat’s servers, even if they appear deleted to the user. So it may be possible to retrieve messages in certain situations.
Message viewers can always screenshot messages, or save messages in the app by pressing and holding. After saving a Snap, the Snap will appear in the chat as Chat Media.
Users can delete a Snap in the Chat window by pressing and holding it, then tapping “Delete.” Snapchat sets it to delete user-deleted messages from its servers, and as long as friends are using the most recent version of Snapchat, the app will delete the message from their devices as well.
Snapchat draws in tweens and teens by gamifying app use. Snapchat Streaks and Snap Scores encourage kids to repeat certain behaviors in the app and engage in friendly competition with each other.
A Snapchat Streak is when you and another Snapchatter have been sharing snaps within 24 hours over three consecutive days. The more the Snapchatters exchange snaps, the stronger the streak gets.
You’ll know when you and a friend are on a Snapchat Streak because the fire emoji will appear. And you’ll know it’s about to expire because the hourglass emoji takes place of the fire emoji. The hourglass encourages users to keep the streak going before it disappears completely.
The number next to the fire emoji represents the number of days the Snapstreak has been going, so kids are encouraged to get that number as high as they can.
A Snapchat score (or Snapscore) is a measure of how active a Snapchatter is on the app.
A high Snap score shows your child has been busy sharing content, snaps, watching videos, chatting, and interacting with other Snapchatters. While the Snap score doesn't give the Snapchatter any special perks, it's a great way to earn bragging rights. Kids compete with each other and show off their high scores.
The Snap Map allows Snapchatters to share their physical location in real time. This feature displays where your child is throughout the day and updates in real time.
While it's a fun way to let your child's friends know what they are up to, there might be times when you don’t want people to know where your child is, and there may be people you want to exclude from knowing where your child is.
The feature can be helpful, because you as a parent can check in on where your child is. But, before you allow the Snap Map to display your child, consider who might also be keeping tabs.
The good news is, you can turn it off.
Fortunately, you can hide your child's location by entering Ghost Mode. In Ghost Mode, your child’s location is hidden.
Snapchat Stories lets a Snapchatter share something with all their followers at once. Your child creates a story through a collection of memories, such as Snaps and videos.
Once a Snapchatter taps on the circle, it auto-plays through the content they’ve selected.
Stories are set to delete after 24 hours. However, if they are a Snapchat+ subscriber, they can customize the stories' timer to change when the stories delete.
It's crucial to know that Stories are public, all the more reason to learn how to activate Snapchat privacy controls.
To restrict those who can watch your child's stories:
Snapchat's parental control settings are found in Snapchat Family Center. This setting allows you to supervise who your child is chatting with in the app, how much time they spend on it, and the details of who they're chatting with. However, you won't be able to view the content of their messages.
With BrightCanary, you can monitor what your child types on social media apps, such as sent chats on Snapchat. It's easy to set up, and it's designed for Apple devices — try it for free here.
You can also leverage the app’s privacy settings to ensure a safer Snapchat experience for your child:
To change who can contact you child:
The Quick Add feature suggests Snapchatters with similar interests to your child. This feature is supposed to be disabled for minors, but if your child signed up with a different birthdate, it might be available in their app.
If you want your child to interact with only people they know in real life, you won’t want them to appear in Quick Add suggested users. To uncheck it:
Once you are in the account:
Snapchat parental controls are part of keeping your child safe while using the app. The other part is talking and monitoring their usage.
Here are some talking points to get you started.
Every social media platform has its own set of safety issues. Fortunately, Snapchat privacy controls can add a protective layer between your child and the rest of the world. Monitoring your kids' online activities goes a long way to keep them safe, so keep tabs on your teen or tween’s social media activity. Most importantly, let them know that you’re in this together and they can always ask for help.
YouTube is a treasure trove of video content for kids. Whether they’re watching Peppa Pig, learning magic tricks, or doing kid yoga, the video sharing site has something for every child, no matter their age.
However, like any online platform, YouTube also poses safety risks to your child. In this guide, we'll explore some safety concerns kids may face on YouTube and offer tips for managing your child's YouTube experience to ensure they stay safe and happy online.
YouTube makes it easy for children to watch one clip after the next, increasing the chances that your child may accidentally stumble upon inappropriate videos, including violent or sexual content, profanity, or hate speech. YouTube reportedly has content filters in place for teen accounts under age 18, but it's relatively easy for kids to bypass these restrictions.
The comment section on YouTube can also pose a danger to kids — it is often unmoderated and can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying and other harmful content. That’s why it's crucial to monitor your child's YouTube activity and teach them how to report and block users who engage in inappropriate behavior.
Unfortunately, harassment and cyberbullying are common on YouTube, and kids may become targets of online abuse. As a parent, it's important to be aware of the signs of harassment and to teach your child how to recognize and report this behavior. You also want to monitor your child's activity on the platform and to have open and honest conversations with them about online safety and responsible behavior.
Finally, letting your child post videos on YouTube also carries risks, including potentially exposing them to online predators.
For more info, check out our article on How to Talk to Your Children About Sharing Personal Information Online.
The good news is, there are several ways to manage your child's YouTube experience to make it a safe and enjoyable online space.
YouTube can be a wonderful way for your child to explore their interests and learn new things. But as with any online space, the platform carries safety risks. Fortunately, with a bit of planning, you can keep your child safe while allowing them to take advantage of all the site has to offer.
If your family uses iPhones or iPads, BrightCanary is the better choice.
BrightCanary monitors what your child types across every app — including Snapchat, Discord, text messages, and internet browsers (even incognito mode).
Bark can’t monitor most apps on iOS, limiting its visibility into your child’s digital life.
| Feature | BrightCanary | Bark |
| Monitors all apps (Snapchat, Discord, TikTok, etc.) | Yes | Limited list on iOS |
| Text message monitoring | Yes, including explicit images and deleted texts | Limited |
| AI monitoring (ChatGPT, Character.ai, etc.) | Yes | Not supported on iOS |
| Real-time alerts | Yes | No |
| 24/7 monitoring | Yes | Can only scan when child is home |
| iPhone & iPad monitoring | Yes | Limited |
| Apple Watch monitoring | Yes, on Text Message Plus plan | No |
| Price | Starting at $29.99/year | Starting at $99.99/year |
BrightCanary uses a secure on-device keyboard that monitors what kids type across every app — social media, messaging, AI chatbots, and more.
It delivers real-time alerts and AI-powered summaries about your child’s online interactions and emotional state. You can choose how much insight you need, whether you want to skim the summaries or dig into each message.
Bark, by contrast, has limited effectiveness on iOS. If you add Bark Home or a router with Bark built-in, you can block and filter apps and websites to all internet-connected devices — but only while your child is home.
BrightCanary was built to complement Apple’s Screen Time controls for parents, which are free. These settings allow you to block and filter apps and websites no matter where your child is with their phone.
Bark has many of the same features as Apple Screen Time as part of their paid app.
Choose BrightCanary if you want to:
Choose Bark if you want to:
“It actually captures my daughter’s bazillion iPhone texts when Bark did not. Thank you!”
— Julie
“Parents! I just found BrightCanary. (If you know about it shame on you for not telling me!) It helps monitor your kiddos phone. It detects bullying and anything inappropriate for kids! And yes you can see the messages they send — including Snap, Discord, Roblox.”
— Carly
If your child uses Apple devices, BrightCanary gives you the insight Bark can’t. You’ll see what your child types — across every app — and receive alerts the moment something concerning happens.
Start your free trial today. Get 10% off a year of Text Message Plus with code PARENTS10.
Yes. BrightCanary monitors everything your child types across all apps on iPhones and iPads. Bark’s iOS monitoring is limited and only scans certain data when the child’s device is connected to Wi-Fi at home.
Partially. Bark’s monitoring on iOS is restricted due to the way the company works with Apple’s privacy rules, so it can’t see most direct messages or app activity.
Yes. BrightCanary monitors what kids type in Snapchat, Discord, TikTok, and all other messaging and social apps in real time.
No. BrightCanary focuses on message visibility and emotional safety, not app blocking. Screen time controls are freely available on Apple Screen Time.
Yes. BrightCanary doesn’t read passwords or private documents. It monitors only what your child types and stores data securely with encryption.
More and more parents are being asked by their kids if they can use ChatGPT. It’s understandable — the revolutionary AI service is everywhere, and it’s natural that children and especially teens would be curious about it.
OpenAI requires users to be 13 years old to sign up for an account, but younger children can use ChatGPT under a parent’s supervision. With the new ChatGPT parental controls, it’s also easier for families to manage how kids use AI safely.
On one hand, using a service like ChatGPT can offer numerous benefits to your teen or pre-teen, including homework help, learning opportunities, and entertainment. On the other hand, there are also potential risks to consider. Here are some of the pros and cons, recommendations for managing the risks, and advice for talking to your child about your decision.
When used thoughtfully, AI tools like ChatGPT can be beneficial for kids in a number of ways:
If your child is struggling with a particular subject or assignment, they can use AI services like ChatGPT to get helpful explanations and tips. This can help them understand the material better and complete their homework more efficiently. (But they shouldn't use AI to complete their homework — more on that later.)
AI services can offer children a unique opportunity to learn about new topics or explore their interests. For example, if your child is interested in dinosaurs, they can ask ChatGPT questions about the different types of dinosaurs or their habitats. AI can be helpful for more advanced interests, too: ChatGPT can be especially helpful for kids who want to learn how to code.
ChatGPT can spark your child’s imagination and help them flex their creative muscles. Your kid can ask ChatGPT to tell jokes, help them brainstorm story ideas, or even come up with scenes like what would happen if dinosaurs could talk.
AI chatbots perform best when the prompts are clear and direct. So, chatting with an AI service can help children develop their ability to ask questions, express themselves clearly, and listen to others.
By the time your kids graduate from high school, the ability to work and communicate with AI platforms will be an essential skill for many in college and in the workplace. From crafting ChatGPT prompts to brainstorm research paper topics to using one of the many AI platforms to write or check code, giving your kids access to AI services now will give them a head start on learning this crucial skill.
As a new and relatively unknown technology, there are obviously potential risks to letting your child use AI tools like ChatGPT.
If your child becomes too reliant on AI services, they may not develop important critical thinking and problem-solving skills. AI is a tool, but it isn’t a replacement for developing essential skills like the ability to develop a strong argument or research an important topic.
ChatGPT stores conversation data unless memory or training settings are turned off, or if parental controls are enabled. Children could also share personal details unintentionally.
Some AI services may not filter out inappropriate content, such as explicit language or violent images. This could be harmful or upsetting to your child. AI services like ChatGPT have also been known to “hallucinate” responses and come up with sources that don’t actually exist, so it’s essential to talk to your child about double-checking their information.
In rare cases, AI services could pose a safety risk if they give your child dangerous or inaccurate information, particularly in response to sensitive topics.
Your kid could be tempted to pass off the output they get from ChatGPT as their own. Make sure your kids understand that it’s not OK to present information from this tool as their own work, especially for homework.
Most schools have a zero-tolerance policy for plagiarism and consider it cheating. Talk to your child about the importance of using ChatGPT as a thought-starter, not as a replacement for their work.
In late 2025, OpenAI introduced built-in parental controls that let parents and teens link accounts, giving parents powerful new tools to manage safety and screen time.
Here’s how they work:
If ChatGPT’s system detects a potential serious safety risk, such as threats of self-harm, parents may receive a notification — only with the minimal information necessary to help protect their child.
Parents can also manage related OpenAI features from the same settings menu:
You can minimize the potential downsides while letting your child use ChatGPT by talking to your child and staying connected to how they’re using AI.
Explore ChatGPT as a family. This helps you model how to ask good questions and identify reliable answers.
Teach your child never to share personal information — like their real name, location, or school — with ChatGPT or any online platform.
Remind your child that AI can be wrong. Encourage them to double-check facts and ask, “How do you know that?”
Add ChatGPT use to your family’s digital device contract. Set limits if necessary, including when and how often they can use them — especially as it relates to schoolwork.
Even with parental controls, it helps to have another layer of oversight. BrightCanary lets you monitor what your child types on AI platforms like ChatGPT from their iPhone or iPad. You’ll receive real-time alerts for concerning topics, plus AI summaries that make it easy to understand how they’re using the app.
Staying involved is a big part of supporting your child as they learn to use AI apps like ChatGPT. BrightCanary makes it easier to stay connected.
How to set up a ChatGPT account to use with your child
You must be 18 years old to create an account with OpenAI to use ChatGPT. But you can create an account for yourself and use it with your child.
If you’re concerned about giving your child access to ChatGPT, there are some AI services that are explicitly kid-friendly. Here are a few:
Allowing your child to use AI services like ChatGPT is more a matter of “when” and “how” than “if,” given the way it’s changing work and school. As a parent, you can choose the best time to introduce your child to AI, and how to do it in a way that maximizes the benefits and manages the risks.
The second season of the Netflix smash hit series Wednesday has officially dropped. Even though the series is centered around teens, parents may wonder: Is Wednesday appropriate for kids? Let’s break down the show’s content to help you decide.
The show features the Addams family’s teenage daughter, Wednesday Addams, played by Jenny Ortega. The show, set at Nevermore Academy boarding school, is best described as a supernatural teen murder mystery.
Keep in mind that age ratings are simply suggestions — your child might be able to handle the show before age 14, or you may have a child older than 14 who finds it too scary. That’s where your discretion as a parent comes in.
If you’re a household that doesn’t mind a few swear words in the media you consume, this won’t be an issue. Some research has shown that exposing kids to curse words isn’t a bad thing — it can be a discussion-starter on when it’s appropriate to use strong language.
If your kids are still at an age when they might use a swear word inappropriately, and you want to keep their exposure to foul language to a minimum, Wednesday might not yet be right for your family.
Most of the characters in Wednesday are in high school so you can expect standard teen romance fare, including crushes and a few kissing scenes.
Wednesday’s parents get a little, ahem, overly affectionate with each other from time to time, much to their daughter’s annoyance, but they remain fully clothed at all times.
Wednesday is trying to solve the mystery of a monster who savagely kills people in the woods, so expect a fair amount of blood and gore throughout. The monster itself is terrifying, with a hunched back, long sharp claws, fangs, and huge eyes.
Wednesday is also obsessed with the macabre and speaks often about death and dying. At one point, she hides from the authorities in a refrigerated drawer in a morgue.
Wednesday is best suited for teens and older children who can handle scary imagery, supernatural themes, and mild profanity. While there is no explicit content, the violence and dark themes may not be suitable for younger viewers.
Any time your child asks to watch a new show, it’s generally a good idea to investigate it yourself first. That way, you can make an informed decision about what’s suitable for them. Parents need to be aware that shows, just like other online material, can expose your child to content they may not be ready to handle on their own.
Beyond TV shows, children are also exposed to concerning content on social media, messaging apps, and search platforms. BrightCanary helps parents supervise their child’s online activity, offering AI-powered alerts for inappropriate content on Apple devices, YouTube, Google, and social media.
Start your free trial of BrightCanary 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.
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 monitor what they're typing and searching online.
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.
In 2021, Sammy Chapman was 16 years old, a straight-A student, and getting ready to apply for college. Like most parents, Samuel Chapman and Dr. Laura Berman worked hard to keep Sammy away from dangerous people and places — but they had no idea that drug dealers were preying on kids through Snapchat and social media platforms.
Or that drugs could be delivered to their house as easily as a pizza.
One night, a drug dealer connected with Sammy on Snapchat. Sammy returned to his bedroom with a drug that unknowingly contained a lethal dose of fentanyl. Tragically, he didn’t realize what he was taking, and it cost him his life.
Sammy’s death prompted his parents to create Sammy’s Law — a proposed measure that would require social media companies to integrate with child safety apps. What is Sammy’s Law, and why is now the time for lawmakers to act? Let’s discuss.
Sammy's Law (H.R. 5778) would require social media companies to work with child online safety apps, empowering parents to more effectively monitor their children's online activities.
Currently, social media platforms like Snapchat and TikTok prevent parents from having full access to their child’s online activities. While these platforms claim to offer parental controls, they often don’t address serious risks, such as enabling strangers to communicate with minors. For example, Snapchat allows parents to see who their kids are messaging, and Instagram defaults teen accounts to private. But parents can’t see what kinds of messages their kids receive or what appears on their feeds.
Some child safety apps are able to show parents more detail about worrisome content. But oftentimes, social platforms don’t allow third-party apps to access important information. Parents are left in the dark about potential dangers like cyberbullying, predators, and drug solicitation in their child’s messages and activity.
Sammy's Law seeks to change that by requiring social media companies to integrate with third-party safety apps.
Sammy's Law is a bipartisan effort that addresses a critical gap in online child safety. While many platforms offer limited parental control features, they often fall short in identifying serious threats.
By allowing third-party apps to access social media data, parents can receive alerts about potentially harmful content, enabling timely interventions. For instance, if a child is exposed to self-harm content or dangerous drug offers, a safety app could notify the parents, helping to prevent tragic outcomes like Sammy's.
Sammy’s Law would:
This integration would drastically change the landscape of social media monitoring.
Sammy’s Law gives parents the ability to be alerted to concerning content and interactions, without having to look through every individual message or post. Currently, platforms like Snapchat offer minimal parental review, focusing on general tools that don't provide real-time alerts for serious issues. With Sammy's Law, parents would have more options to effectively understand their children’s activity and interactions online.
Parents can support Sammy's Law by:
Sammy's Law represents a crucial step in protecting children in the digital age. By requiring social media companies to work with third-party safety apps, it empowers parents to play an active role in their children's online safety. More effective parental monitoring has the potential to save lives, which makes this legislation a significant and necessary development.
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If your child set up their own TikTok account, there’s a good chance they don’t have a TikTok password. You can create a TikTok account using just a phone number — which isn’t exactly a good password.
As a parent, it’s a good idea to set a password that you know. That way, you can help them get back into a locked account and make sure they’re using a secure password.
Most importantly, if you have a password, you can access your child’s account even if you don’t have their device. This could be useful if you have safety concerns and need to check their account or change their password on TikTok.
But how do you do it? Here’s how to set up your child’s TikTok password.
From your child’s phone:
That’s it! Now you can help your child get into their account if they end up locked out, and you can check in on their TikTok usage if you have safety concerns.
While you’re there, now’s a good time to set up TikTok Family Sharing if you haven’t already. This feature allows you to link your account with your child’s so you can monitor their activity, set restrictions around who can chat with them, and set limits for their daily activity.
If you want to update your child’s password, the process is similar: navigate to Settings and Privacy, tap account, tap password, and enter the security code sent to your child’s phone number or email. Then, you’ll be able to change the password.
Keep in mind that a good password for TikTok (and any other account) hits the following metrics:
This is a great opportunity to talk to your child about password security. Explain to them why they shouldn’t use personal information in a password (like a birthdate or the name of their pet), and discuss best password practices together — such as never writing passwords down on a piece of paper, which can be easily misplaced.
It’s also a good idea to let your child know that they may not change any passwords without your permission. If you haven’t already done so, set up a digital device contract that covers device use and how to manage logins.
Adding a password to your child’s TikTok account is easy — all you need is your child’s phone. Use the password conversation as a way to talk about online security and why you should manage their logins until they’re older.
Did you know? With BrightCanary, you can monitor what your child types on TikTok without needing their password. The app allows you to monitor sent messages and sent comments on every social media app they use, as well as messaging apps and other popular platforms. Download the app today and get started for free.
In the age of digital media, the line between friendship and fandom is often blurred. If your child spends a lot of time online, they probably have favorite personalities they follow closely. But when does this adoration cross the line into what's known as a “parasocial relationship,” and what does that mean for your child?
In the simplest terms, parasocial relationships are one-sided relationships where one party feels a deep, personal connection to the other, who likely doesn't even know they exist.
It’s akin to your child thinking they're best friends with a popular YouTube gamer or TikTok dancer, even though the influencer doesn’t know them at all. Your child may follow the influencer’s lives keenly, feeling a connection when the influencer shares a story, cracks a joke, or talks about their personal experiences. But there’s little or no reciprocation.
These relationships can have positive aspects. For instance, they can provide a sense of community, especially for kids who feel different or isolated. Influencers can inspire creativity, foster learning, and even stimulate interest in important social issues. An influencer who promotes healthy habits or encourages educational content can be a positive role model.
But this kind of relationship can be unhealthy if your child gets too invested in it, confuses it for a real friendship, or is taken advantage of by the influencer. In one extreme example, young fans of an influencer in her 30s alleged that she had essentially used them for therapy, asked inappropriate sexual questions, and got a 15-year-old boy to manage her social media accounts for free.
The key lies in understanding and managing these relationships in a way that ensures they have a positive impact on your child's development, rather than letting them turn into an unhealthy obsession.
The environment social media platforms create is personal, intimate, and designed to foster a sense of connection between users. Influencers are adept at using this space, sharing snippets of their lives that followers consume with gusto. They may respond to comments, “like” fan posts, or share personal stories, all of which intensify the sense of closeness followers feel.
In 2021, 18% of American kids aged 8-12 used social media every day; the number is likely higher today. Two-thirds of U.S. teens follow influencers. Combined, the tendency to check-in on influencers’ lives every day creates enormous potential for these parasocial relationships to form.
Children, particularly those in their preteen and early teenage years, are at a critical stage where they are learning about social relationships and connections. The drive to understand and belong often pushes them to form these virtual bonds. Their brains, still developing and prone to absorb influences, are more susceptible to falling into these relationships without realizing it.
Being aware of the signs of unhealthy parasocial relationships can help you intervene effectively. Here are some warning signs:
The presence of these signs doesn't necessarily mean your child is being taken advantage of. However, they are indicators that it's time for a conversation to help your child understand their online relationships better.
First, make sure you know which influencers your child follows and what kind of content those influencers are sharing. The best way to do this is through a monitoring app — so you can see exactly what the influencers are posting and how your child is engaging with them — but you can also ask your kids who they follow and follow those influencers yourself.
Then, raise the topic with your kids. Here’s how:
In a world where the line between real and virtual continues to blur, understanding and navigating parasocial relationships is crucial for every parent. While these relationships aren't necessarily harmful, they can become problematic if misunderstood or mismanaged.
As parents, being proactive, maintaining open communication, and staying alert to the warning signs are key to ensuring your child enjoys their digital journey while also understanding the difference between real and virtual relationships. The goal isn't to vilify social media or influencers, but to equip your child with the understanding needed to navigate the online world safely and healthily.
