Tweens and teens use social media and online video platforms to post photos, watch videos, follow creators, keep up with friends, discover new interests, share their own content and communicate throughout the day. Because features and safety settings vary from platform to platform, parents should know what their kids are using and what protective measures are available.
YouTube
YouTube is the go-to for everything from music, gaming and sports highlights to how-to videos, comedy, podcasts and content from favorite creators. Teens can also create and share their own videos and Shorts—popular short-form videos designed to watch on phones.
YouTube offers supervised experiences for younger children, while parents of teens can use supervised accounts to manage settings. YouTube recently added a control that allows parents to set limits on the amount of time teens spend scrolling Shorts, including setting the limit to zero. Parents can also set customized bedtime and “take a break” reminders. Since kids can be directed from one video to another, parents may want to talk with kids about what they’re watching and review their account settings rather than relying solely on automated filters. youtube.com
TikTok
TikTok hosts short-form videos via a personalized feed, which learns from what users watch, like and interact with. Kids can use it to follow trends, watch comedy and tutorials, discover music, explore hobbies and create their own videos.
TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years old and automatically applies additional protections to teen accounts. Accounts for ages 13-17 are private by default, with daily screen time set to a 60-minute limit and nighttime notifications disabled. Younger teens ages 13-15 cannot use direct messaging, host live videos, download posts or allow everyone to comment. Parents can link accounts through Family Pairing to set screen-time limits and scheduled breaks, filter keywords, manage comments and messaging, and see followers, following and blocked accounts. tiktok.com
Snapchat
Snapchat offers quick photo and video messages, stories, group chats, video calls, filters and a disappearing-message format. Teens can also use features such as Spotlight, where short-form videos can be shared and viewed, and Snap Map to share or view locations.
Snapchat accounts require users to be at least 13 years old, and teen accounts are private by default. Parents can use Family Center to see who their teen has recently communicated with and who their friends are without reading private messages. Parents can also limit sensitive content, restrict My AI, request location information and set Place Alerts. Family Center recently expanded to include more insight on how teens use the app, including time spent and activity. Kids should be aware that disappearing messages can still be screenshot, recorded or saved in other ways. snapchat.com
Instagram combines photos, videos, Stories, Reels, direct messages and livestreaming, making it both a social network and a source of entertainment. Kids can use it to keep up with friends, follow interests, share photos and videos and communicate through messaging.
Instagram automatically opts users ages 13 to 17 into teen accounts, which are private and have additional protections around who can contact them and the content they see. Teens under 16 need parental permission to make their settings less protective. Parents who set up supervision can view settings, see accounts their teen chats with, set time limits and approve changes to safety settings. Instagram also includes Sleep Mode and limits notifications during designated hours. Parents may want to review followers and privacy settings with their kids and remind them that anything posted online can potentially be copied or shared. instagram.com
