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Recommended Ages for Social Media Platforms

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Recommended Ages for Social Media Platforms

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Many sites include an instant message function that allows private conversations between site members.

Most social networking sites have an app version available, meaning your child will have access to the social network from their smartphone or tablet. Some app versions of social networks use the location of the phone.

Information shared between friends can be easily copied and may spread.

It isn't easy to take back information that has been posted - and can be impossible if it's already been shared.

Not everyone your child meets online will be who they say they are. Chatrooms and forums can connect people who are complete strangers and can be unmoderated.

Chatrooms and forums are some of the places online groomers go to connect with children. They can also be places where people use a lot of sexual language and engage in online flirting. This is sometimes done through video chat programs.

Here are some age-appropriate social media apps for younger kids that you may find useful.

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What age can my child start social networking? | Internet Matters

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Many sites include an instant message function that allows private conversations between site members. Most social networking sites have an app version available, meaning your child will have access to the social network from their smartphone or tablet. Some app versions of social networks use the location of the phone.

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Online Safety Issues - Overview & Resources

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Online Safety Issues - Overview & Resources

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Get advice on a range of harmful online safety issues such as cyberullying and grooming to keep children safe online and give them a safer experience.

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How to determine privacy settings for multiple platforms, including live gaming and streaming.

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In addition to our how-to guides on the most popular apps, you can also find out more about other social apps that children are using. Below we have compiled a list of apps to watch out for and provide a related web link for you to learn more about how to set controls on the app.

Live streaming apps

Live streaming has captured the imagination of teens around the world but also introduced a number of risks they could be exposed to. See our list of safety guides to get up to speed on the most popular Live streaming apps.

Periscope - Designed by Twitter, Periscope lets you share and experience live video streams from your mobile or tablet device.

Live.me - Live.me is a social platform that allows users to connect with others and earn virtual goods which can be exchanged for prizes, rewards, and cash.

YouNow - The app allows you to comment and like users videos and buy gifts that generate money for the app creator.

Social gaming apps

If your child is gaming online, they may be using platforms to allow them to chat and communicate with other players or friends. Use the following safety guides to help keep them safe on the most popular social gaming platforms.

Steam - This is one of the most popular social gaming networks that allows you to buy and play games online and store them in the cloud.

Xbox live - Microsoft's online service for its consoles is called Xbox Live and when you're signed into the service you can chat to other Xbox Live members and befriend them.

Twitch TV - Twitch.tv is a live streaming social gaming platform that is equipped with a chat feature to allow players to interact with each other and live stream and watch video game competitions.

Roblox - One of the biggest online gaming platforms and features social elements which allows players to talk to each other and send friend requests.

Minecraft - One of the most popular gaming platforms among primary school age children (despite 13 minimum age guide).

PlayStation Network - Allows users to go online and access PlayStation Store content, online gameplay and use the chat function to talk to other players.

Nintendo Network - Nintendo's consoles are more family-friendly than most and therefore its chat functionality is a lot more geared to safe interaction for younger players.

Limitation of network filters

Some content and sites can be encrypted, which means they're coded in a way that prevents the controls from knowing what the content actually is, so filters will not necessarily apply. There are also ways of bypassing filters using what's called a Virtual Private Network (VPN) if your child is technologically savvy enough.

They also don't usually restrict purchases through apps or the use of certain programmes that are already on the device. You'll need to consider setting your device controls and platform (such as Chrome or Netflix) controls too.

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Take a look at our list of social media guides to get you up to speed on the most popular platforms and help set the right privacy settings.

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Snapchat, Kik, and 6 More Iffy Messaging Apps Teens Love

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Cool new apps give teens lots more opportunities to overshare (or worse). Advice from Common Sense Media editors.

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Family Tips for Interacting Safely Online

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Family Tips for Interacting Safely Online

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Family Tips for Interacting Safely Online

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Social media sites and apps are an important part of how we all use the internet. Younger children may enjoy sites like Animal Jam that do not fit the traditional social media mold, but still allow users to communicate with each other, while older children, teens, and adults, may prefer sites like Facebook, and apps like Snapchat and Instagram.

In a 2018 Pew Research survey, teens were split on whether social media had a mostly positive or mostly negative effect on their lives. The noted positive elements included social media's role in connecting them with friends and family, easy access to news and information, and meeting others with similar interests. The noted negative effects included bullying, lack of in-person contact, and unrealistic views of others' lives. ¹

Most social media sites and apps (including Facebook, SnapChat, Twitter, Instagram, and Musical.ly) require users to be at least 13 years old, though it is not uncommon for youths to be untruthful about their date of birth in order to gain access to the site or app. By accessing these platforms before age 13, young children are at an increased risk of encountering inappropriate content and/or contact from older users.

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Social media sites and apps are an important part of how we all use the internet. Younger children may enjoy sites like Animal Jam that do not fit the traditional social media mold, but still allow users to communicate with each other, while older children, teens, and adults, may prefer sites like Facebook, and apps like Snapchat and Instagram.

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Helping kids stay safe while online is something many parents are concerned about. Yet, as a parent, it can be difficult to stay up to date with new technology and how to best protect your kids. ProtectKidsOnline.ca is here to help parents/guardians stay on top of the digital world their children are engaging in.

Here you'll find information about the ever-changing online interests of young people, the potential risks they face and proactive strategies to help keep your child/adolescent safe while online.

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Helping kids stay safe while online is something many parents are concerned about. Yet, as a parent, it can be difficult to stay up to date with new technology and how to best protect your kids. ProtectKidsOnline.ca is here to help parents/guardians stay on top of the digital world their children are engaging in.

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By Frannie Ucciferri | March 1, 2020

Next up on the list of wacky social apps that teens totally get but leave parents scratching their heads: Discord - Chat for Gamers. Compared with the bright and friendly feeling of kid faves like Snapchat and Instagram, Discord mixes low-key design with high-tech features. Initially created for gamers to talk while they're playing, Discord has morphed into a place for anyone to explore their interests in subject-specific groups. Like other social networks, Discord can be iffy or safe. But, because it allows any user to create both public and private groups, the risks for kids can be tiny or huge, depending on how they use it.

Partly due to the popularity of games such as Fortnite, Discord grew quickly (it now has over 100 million users -- a bit less than Snapchat but a lot less than Instagram's 400 million). It's also had safety problems, including being at the center of at least one serious crime against a teen and a human-trafficking ring. If they know where to look, teens can easily find mature content on its public channels. And its invite-only private servers also have become places where bad actors and even cybercriminals can come together to communicate. At the same time, teens can use the app without contacting anyone but their friends and avoid the unrestricted chat from other games and platforms for a more secure experience.

So is Discord the best thing that ever happened to gamers, or is it a Wild West of inappropriate content? Read Common Sense Media's full review of Discord - Chat for Gamers, and learn more about how it works. Then check out some of parents' most frequently asked questions about the app and how to use it safely, below.
What is Discord?
How old should you be to use Discord?
What are servers on Discord?
Is Discord safe?
How is Discord related to Fortnite and Pokémon Go?
Are there privacy settings for Discord?
Are there parental controls for Discord?
How does Discord chat work?
Can you share images or video on Discord?
Is Discord just for gaming content?
What is Discord?

Discord is a free app for mobile and PC that lets people chat via text, voice, or video in real time. Combining the internet-calling features of Skype with Reddit-like discussion boards, it's broadened from gamers-only to a social networking site for communities of all types, including those with non-gaming interests like anime, TV series, music, and more. It can also be an easy-to-use group-chatting tool for friends.

How old should you be to use Discord?

Discord requires that users be at least 13 years old, although they do not verify users' age upon sign-up. Common Sense Media also recommends Discord users be at least 13 due to its open chat. Because it's all user-generated, there's plenty of inappropriate content, like swearing and graphic language and images (though it's entirely possible to belong to a group that forbids these). Discord also has "NSFW" channels and servers that require users to be 18 or older to join (but it's easy to click through the verification).

What are servers on Discord?

Servers are the main communities on Discord, often focused on a single game or topic. Anyone on the app can create a server upon sign-up. There are private servers that require an invitation to join as well as public servers that anyone can take part in. Servers are broken up into text channels and voice channels, and some have bots (computer programs that mimic human interaction) that do automatic moderation, welcoming, and community management. Discord doesn't have an in-app way to search for servers unless you've already joined them, so users have to be invited directly or else find out about them from other sources, like friends or social media.

Is Discord safe?

With the right privacy settings and monitoring, it's easy to use Discord safely. However, there's always a risk when it comes to sites and apps with open chat. The safest way to use Discord is to only accept friend requests and participate in private servers with people you already know. Although it's rare, there have been a handful of cases where predators have targeted kids by using Discord's public servers to send direct messages (DMs). Even though most server moderators (and other users) are often quick to police this kind of behavior, kids and parents should know how to recognize and deal with creeps and online predators.

How is Discord related to Fortnite and Pokémon Go?

and are two games with particularly big followings on Discord, especially for tweens and teens. There are plenty of public servers dedicated to those games but also tons of private servers that friends use to chat while they play together. For example, a squad on Fortnite could create a private server on Discord to chat and strategize together in order to avoid the public chat on Fortnite itself. Discord also allows an in-game "overlay" for Fortnite and other PC games, so gamers can use Discord to chat directly within those games (instead of having the app open in the background or using the in-game chat).

Are there privacy settings for Discord?

Discord has a wide array of privacy and safety settings that allow users to control who has the ability to send them direct messages or add them as a friend. Its "Safe Direct Messaging" feature can automatically scan and delete direct messages containing explicit content (although this isn't foolproof, and it doesn't apply outside of DMs). Discord also lets its users decide whether the app can collect and use their data for customization or analytics purposes, which is a nice change of pace from other social apps that provide no insight or control over your data. To view and change your privacy settings, select the "User Settings" gear icon by your username, then choose the "Privacy & Safety" menu item.

Are there parental controls for Discord?

At this time, Discord doesn't offer parental controls, so there's no way for parents to restrict content or password-protect the privacy settings within the app.

How does Discord chat work?

Each server on Discord has both text and voice channels. Text channels allow people to type messages to each other, while voice channels let people use the microphone and speakers on their device to talk to each other. Users can directly invite friends to a specific chat channel, or you can join a channel after being invited to a server. Some channels have limits on how many people can join, which are set by the server owners. Server owners can also set their own rules for what is or isn't allowed (for example, swearing or hate speech) and block from chat users who break the rules.

Can you share images or video on Discord?

You can share images, video, and GIFs on Discord either in text channels or direct messages (voice channels are audio only). Discord also allows for video chat and screen sharing in direct messages.

Is Discord just for gaming content?

You don't have to play video games or even discuss them to use the app. Just about any topic is represented on Discord, although gaming, music, anime, and memes tend to be the most popular categories. The app can also be used for friends and groups to chat with each other directly, as with WhatsApp, Skype, or any other messaging service.

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By Frannie Ucciferri | March 1, 2020 Next up on the list of wacky social apps that teens totally get but leave parents scratching their heads: Discord - Chat for Gamers. Compared with the bright and friendly feeling of kid faves like Snapchat and Instagram, Discord mixes low-key design with high-tech features.

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Support for parents and children.

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If your child has shared an intimate/sexual picture or video with a person and that picture/video is being shared with others online or by phone (or your child is worried this may occur), there are steps your child can take to regain control over the situation.

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Sharing an Intimate Image without Consent

If your child has shared an intimate/sexual picture or video with a person and that picture/video is being shared with others online or by phone (or your child is worried this may occur), there are steps your child can take to regain control over the situation. Canada now has a law to help deal with the non-consensual distribution of an intimate image. It is illegal for a person to distribute an "intimate image" of another person without that person's consent. If the image involves someone under 18, it may be illegal to distribute the image regardless of whether consent was provided.

It is important to note that given the serious nature of criminal charges, it is likely that for something to be done, it will need to be clear that the person in the image is your child - for example, your child's face or some other identifying feature is showing.

Here are the steps you can take:

1. If the picture/video is already online, you can take action to have it removed. Determine what service (e.g., YouTube®, Facebook®, Twitter®) the picture/video is displayed on and contact that service to request that they remove the picture/video. Let the provider know that your child is a Canadian citizen who did not post the picture/video to their site, did not give permission for the content to be posted and that you want it removed.

2. If your child does not know whether the picture/video is online or otherwise being shared, but is worried that it might happen, or even if your child knows it is being shared and wants it to stop, your child could send a message to the person who has the picture/video saying something like:
"I do not consent to you having the picture/video of me [add description, such as "that I sent you on (DATE)"]. I want you to delete it and I do not give you permission to share it with anyone else."
Sending a message like this is important because once the person knows how your child feels, they can no longer say they didn't know your child's views. Your child can send a text or email, tell the person by phone or in person or have someone else communicate the message. The best way to send a message is in writing so there will be a copy of what was sent.

3. Whether your child sent the person who has the picture/video a message or not, if your child is scared that an intimate image will be shared by someone, this law does allow you to apply to the court for something called a "prevention order." Local courthouses have information about how to obtain a prevention order. If the judge is satisfied that your child's fear is reasonable, the order should be granted.

Visit needhelpnow.ca for more information.

NOTE: The above information is based upon a review of the legislation. It is provided as a courtesy and for general information only. The above is NOT intended as legal advice; the non-consensual distribution of intimate images offence is a new offence and it is not possible to anticipate how the legislation will be interpreted and enforced by police and the courts.

The tips and other information provided herein is intended as general information only, not as advice. Readers should assess all information in light of their own circumstances, the age and maturity level of the child(ren) they wish to protect and any other relevant factors.

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Sharing an Intimate Image without Consent

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How parents can help their child regain control over images being shared online without their consent.

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Read the latest articles from MediaSmarts experts and parent bloggers.

Our games are a great, interactive way to start a conversation on media issues at home and sharpen your media and digital literacy skills as a family.

From choosing the right video games to talking to your kids about important media issues like stereotypes or sexting, these tip sheets are available to help you navigate parenting in the digital age.

Our guides offer information and practical tips for parents and trusted adults to support the young people in their lives through digital issues like cyberbullying, online privacy and more.

Get a better understanding of the various activities kids and teens love to do online and learn comprehensive strategies and tips to help them.

Visit our YouTube channel for even more digital and media literacy learning.

Get a better understanding of the various activities kids and teens love to do online and learn comprehensive strategies and tips to help them.

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Read the latest articles from MediaSmarts experts and parent bloggers. Our games are a great, interactive way to start a conversation on media issues at home and sharpen your media and digital literacy skills as a family.

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Screen time and digital media: Advice for parents of school-aged children and teens

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Screen time and digital media: Advice for parents of school-aged children and teens

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Many Canadian parents are concerned about how much time children spend using media. According to recent research from MediaSmarts, parents report that about 36% of their 10- to 13-year-olds spend 3 hours or more per day using digital devices for reasons unrelated to school work. That's at least 21 hours a week!

When kids are on their devices, they are usually not learning, interacting with friends and family, playing, or enjoying the outdoors. Solitary screen time also increases the chance that they'll be exposed to negative or harmful content.

So what can parents do? Actually, quite a bit. The key is to pay attention, get involved, and model positive media habits. Here are some specific suggestions, along with additional resources to explore in more detail.

MANAGE screen use through plans, rules, and limits.

Make and regularly review or revise a Family Media Plan, including individualized time and content limits.

Consider asking your child or teen to give you their phone at a certain time at the end of the day so they aren't interrupted with phone calls or text messages during family time.

Be present and engaged when screens are used and, whenever possible, watch together and talk about the content.

Discourage media multitasking, especially during homework.

Learn about parental controls and privacy settings.

Obtain your child's or teen's passwords and login information for devices and social media accounts, to help ensure safety online and to follow online profiles and activities if concerns arise.

Speak with children and teens about acceptable and unacceptable online behaviours.

Encourage MEANINGFUL screen use, so that time spent online serves a purpose.

Make sure daily routines come first: face-to-face interactions, sleep, and physical activity.

Encourage your child to watch programs that help teach, such as shows about nature, science, the arts, music or history.

Help children and teens to choose content that's appropriate for their age and stage.

Be a part of your children's media lives. For example, join in during video game play and ask about their experiences and encounters online.

Ask your child's school, after school program or child care centre whether they have a plan for digital literacy and screen use.

MODEL healthy screen use, because your kids are watching you.

Review your own media habits: Plan time for hobbies, outdoor play and activities.

Never text or use headphones while driving, walking, jogging or biking.

Encourage daily "screen-free" times, especially for family meals and socializing.

Turn screens off when not in use, including background TV.

Avoid screens at least 1 hour before bedtime, and keep recreational screens out of bedrooms.

How much is too much?

Watch for signs that screen use is becoming a problem, such as:

Your child complains about being bored or unhappy without access to technology.

Oppositional behaviour when you set limits on screen time.

Screen use is interfering with sleep, school or face-to-face interactions.

Screen time is interfering with offline play, physical activities or socializing with friends and family.

Negative emotions after interacting online, playing video games or while texting.

Talk to your child's doctor if these signs persist, or if they interfere with family life.

Digital Health Task Force

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Screen time and digital media: Advice for parents of school-aged children and teens

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Many Canadian parents are concerned about how much time children spend using media. According to recent research from MediaSmarts, parents report that about 36% of their 10- to 13-year-olds spend 3 hours or more per day using digital devices for reasons unrelated to school work.

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NeedHelpNow.ca helps teens stop the spread of sexual pictures or videos and provides support along the way.

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NeedHelpNow.ca helps teens stop the spread of sexual pictures or videos and provides support along the way. If you or someone you know has been negatively impacted by a self/peer exploitation incident, we are here to help offer guidance on the steps you can take to get through it and#ChangeTheStory.

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NeedHelpNow.ca helps teens stop the spread of sexual pictures or videos and provides support along the way. If you or someone you know has been negatively impacted by a self/peer exploitation incident, we are here to help offer guidance on the steps you can take to get through it and#ChangeTheStory.