How to Keep Your Teen Safe Online

Surfing the web, swiping through social media, and sharing memes is the norm nowadays. But while the internet may seem like a harmless abyss of viral videos and TikTok trends, it’s important to teach your teens the basics of online safety. Consider this your guide to navigating the digital world and internet safety for teens, including how to protect the data on their phone.

Talk to your teen

When it comes to online safety, ignorance is certainly not bliss. At least not as a parent. Share the useful tips in this guide with your teen, both to help keep their information secure and, more importantly, to keep them secure.  

Educate your teen about online safety

Kids won't know the basics about safety unless they're taught. These guidelines provide a great starting point for making sure their information stays private.  

1. When it comes to passwords, the stronger the better. Make sure they use a different password for each of their accounts. Consider getting a family account for a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass. These create and remember strong passwords for you, and you only have to remember a master password to open the app. Otherwise, your teen might default to simple passwords and re-using them on multiple accounts. 
2. Double down with a two-factor authentication. This extra layer of verification is like having a second lock on your virtual door. 2FA, as it's known for short, adds another step to logging in such as receiving a code by text or email, using an authenticator app, or using biometrics like facial recognition or a fingerprint.
3. Be cautious with sharing personal information online. Explain how to look out for suspicious emails or phishing scams, and why your teen should never click on links they're not 100% sure about.  
4. Keep software and apps up to date. This helps keep accounts safe and works to protect against vulnerabilities hackers might discover. When you see a new OS version is available, make sure your teen updates devices.  

5. Stick to secure connections. Explain the dangers of logging into websites or entering personal details while on public Wi-Fi (like logging into a banking app). It’s like leaving your front door wide open for anyone to enter. 

Explain identity protection and social media

Social media has changed the way we connect with those around us. And while sharing details about our day-to-day may be the norm, protecting your identity online is crucial. To help ensure a safer online experience, talk to your teens about the “3 C’s” of online safety:

• Contact: Be cautious about what you share online and with whom. Don’t accept random friend requests from strangers, and use privacy settings to limit who has access to your social media pages. 
• Content: Be critical of the content you encounter. Just because it’s online doesn’t mean that it’s real or true. Assess credibility and always be on the lookout for misinformation and scams. 
• Conduct: Be respectful. Practice good online behavior and adhere to digital etiquette, just as you would out in the real world.  

As you learn about new risks, help your teen navigate adjusting their settings to protect themselves. For example, for public Instagram profiles Meta automatically allows anyone to use the photos and likeness to generate AI image with the Muse Image tool. Users must toggle off "Allow people to reuse your content" under "Sharing and Reuse" in Settings.

Monitor activity, guided by age and behavior

Tracking your kids’ online activity can come with lots of pushback — but this is where having open communication goes a long way. Explain why you want to check their activity. Then, find a balance that allows them autonomy. There are several choices of phone plans for kids and teens that include parental controls — things like activity and location monitoring, and sometimes the ability to block certain websites or app purchases.

Some apps also have parental supervision options, such as Instagram's Teen Accounts for ages 13-17. Consider requiring your OK before apps are downloaded by younger teens, and over time loosen the reins as you see responsible choices being made.

Teach your children about potential online risks so they can make informed decisions themselves. It’s important to respect their privacy while still being vigilant. 

FAQs about internet safety for teens