Teens use several apps every day. Knowing how each works helps parents guide them.
Popular apps
- Instagram: photos, Reels, stories and DMs. Minimum age 13. Teen accounts have stricter defaults.
- YouTube: videos and Shorts. Supervised experiences for younger users.
- Snapchat: disappearing messages and stories. Family Center for parents.
- WhatsApp: messaging and groups. Minimum age varies by region.
- Discord: chat communities for gaming and interests.
- Gaming platforms: chat features inside games.
Common risks
- Contact from strangers
- Cyberbullying
- Scams and phishing
- Oversharing personal details
- Too much screen time
Parental tools
Most apps now offer supervision. For Instagram, see parental controls.
Tips for families
- Agree on screen-time rules together.
- Keep accounts private for younger teens.
- Talk about what to do if something feels wrong.
- Set an example with your own phone use.
- Check privacy settings together every few months.
Read Is Instagram safe?
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