How to Make Social Media Safer for Children and Teens

For many children and teens, apps like WhatsApp, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube are part of everyday life. Kids use these apps to watch videos, share content, and connect with friends, but these platforms can also expose them to risks like bullying or harassment. In this post, we’ll share helpful tips on using safety settings on these platforms and add some School of Gaming advice on how to create a safe gaming experience, for example, in Minecraft.

1. WhatsApp: Safe Communication and Channel Settings

WhatsApp is often a child’s first experience with social media, and parents often use it for family communication. However, WhatsApp’s recent channel feature, where public channels are visible to all users, requires attention. You can post content on these channels, and followers can react to posts with emojis.

School of Gaming Tip: Talk with your child about what’s appropriate to share on these channels and how to handle negative reactions from others. Let your child know that reactions can be limited to safe options if they experience any issues. Also you can prevent your child joining the mass groups.

2. TikTok: Managing Comments and Privacy Settings

TikTok is popular among young users but can present challenges, such as the rapid spread of inappropriate videos and negative comments. Setting a TikTok account to private can help prevent unwanted comments and limit the visibility of posts.

School of Gaming Tip: If your child is interested in sharing videos, set the account to private and restrict comments to friends or disable them entirely. In Minecraft or other games, teaching constructive feedback and receiving feedback positively can also prepare them to handle social media interactions better.

3. Snapchat: Protecting Against Unwanted Contacts

Snapchat has features like the Snap Map and friend suggestions that increase the risk of strangers contacting children. It’s essential to limit unknown contacts and adjust Snap Map settings to hide the user’s location.

School of Gaming Tip: Like in games, teach children never to share personal information or locations with strangers. In Minecraft and other games, emphasize that online friends stay in the gaming world unless a parent has approved other contact.

4. YouTube: Managing Comments and Video Privacy

YouTube videos can attract inappropriate comments. We recommend setting up your child’s YouTube account to allow you to approve comments before they are published or disable commenting altogether.

School of Gaming Tip: If your child enjoys sharing Minecraft or other game-related content, it’s useful to go over how to handle negative comments appropriately. Creating content can also be a great way to develop storytelling skills and understand the value of positive feedback – a skill we emphasize in School of Gaming courses.

School of Gaming Tip for Safe Gaming Experiences

In Minecraft and other games, social play is popular, but kids can still encounter unwanted behavior. School of Gaming recommends that gaming sessions are always supervised on monitored platforms or servers, where trusted GEDUs (Game Educators) are present to guide and support children. This ensures they experience the joy of community without fear of bullying or inappropriate behavior. You can read more about School of Gaming's services that guarantee a safe and fun gaming experience.

Let’s work together to make both gaming and social media safe and enjoyable spaces for children and teens!