His write-ups blend creativity, personal experience, and tailored technical advice, meeting reader needs effectively.
8 min read
Social media not only snatches your time, but it also teaches you attention deficiency.”
– Neeraj Agnihotri
(filmmaker)
Today, we live in an era that is now keen on social media apps and software. from sharing a photo to election campaigns, these apps show their dominant value everywhere, social media has helped this generation in various wonderful matters like providing easy access to education, spreading awareness, donation campaigns, and many other stuff
But the other side of these platforms is very terrifying, we know how many teens are suffering existential crises, lack of emotional availability attention deficiency and so many other problems.
This is just because they are not using these apps safely and proportionately. Threats become more frightening when you know there are apps and software in which you can talk to anyone while being anonymous
So what measures should teenagers take to make their social media experience more reliable and risk-free?
Don’t worry, this guide will give you a complete roadmap to follow which will make your internet networking journey safer than ever before
Tips for Safety: How a Teen Can Stay Safe on Social Networks
There are many social networking platforms, and they offer various benefits to users. For instance, some use social media to connect with family and friends who are away. Due to the hype of making content viral, some users post videos and reels to get their desired engagement. You may also find individuals who use these networking platforms to build relationships. For instance, they can use a random chat platform that resembles Omegle, such as Emerald Chat. C
There are also random chat apps. They allow you to socialize and hold conversations with strangers. This concept of anonymity provided in such platforms makes it more appealing to youngsters. Imagine not having to reveal who you are, especially if you are shy and only trying to connect with the world, and being anonymous allows you to be your true self.
Nonetheless, such random chat applications may cause a safety risk because there is no control over who is initiating a conversation with you. It’s a concern for minors. The following tips can help keep your teen safe on such applications.
Avoid Sharing Personal Information Online
safeguarding the details that identify your teen is the key element of their safety online. As such, a young person should not share their full name, location, phone number, where they go to school, or even details that create a timetable for their day.
Doing so allows potential intruders or criminals to put the information together and discover their identity. Some users may do so out of curiosity or for fun as a gotcha! However, there is no telling who is genuine or not. The information might also be revealed to someone who has shady motives from the start.
You can check the location feature of your teen’s device and turn it off whenever they access chat platforms.
Use a Nickname
Random chat apps and other platforms allow you to create a nickname or alias. Your teen should use these instead of sharing their true identity. In another aspect, although it’s a nickname, they should avoid using one that identifies the private details or is a common nickname they use in the school or area. They might chat with people in the same region who know them by nicknames.
Further, a teen should use an avatar instead of a picture that identifies them. The avatar should also not be the same as what they use on platforms that identify them, such as WhatsApp.
As you can clearly see this data shows that over 30 % of kids aged between 12 to 17 years old have been threatened while using mobile phones and these are increasing day by day
Select the Chatting Platform Wisely
Random chat apps are not the same. Some have modern security measures, while others haven’t invested as many resources to protect your safety. Therefore, read reviews first. Understand what other users say about the platform in general and if they have highlighted any safety issues. On top of that, a teen is safer on a platform that uses moderation features. Such a chat app filters content and allows users to flag conversations that feel too personal.
Other than that, you can check the policy for clauses that state the safety standards and the measures they have to protect personal data. There should also be a policy for users to report any account breaking the safety policy.
Use the Privacy Settings
Although random chats are about mingling and interacting, a person can control access to the profile. Hence, find an app that allows your teen to restrict access to crucial information and who can send a message. The settings may also control who can view connections or friends to prevent a user from connecting the dots and knowing who your teen is. It can also allow you to block specific users you do not wish to interact with your teen.
Avoid Video Calls with Strangers
Video calls allow a more engaging conversation, unlike text chats. A teen might be tempted to agree to a video call after a few chats with a stranger. It can be a security issue since they may expose details that identify where you are and your surroundings. Hence, ask your teen to limit video calls to familiar people. These can include family members or classmates. However, the calls should be out of free will, not coercion.
Filter Harmful Content
Harmful or explicit content can infiltrate a chat app despite moderation policies. Therefore, the teen or guardian has to control any inappropriate material from their side. On top of that, to leave any conversations that advocate or share such content. It is always wise to be on your guard and to trust that inner feeling when the conversation your teen is having or the sheer number of chats from a random person is overwhelming.
Ask your teen not to download apps unless they know the contents and the source is authentic because they might end up installing malware or spyware that infiltrates their data. In addition, advise your teen to involve you when dealing with such users and content. You can even be the one to tell the stranger off and report them to the moderators.
Learn about the Online Space and Chat Apps
It helps to educate yourself and your teen on the issues arising from random chats and potential pitfalls for teens. One such issue is sharing personal information online. Learn about the impact disclosure can have on identity.
In addition, learn about common online scams and the popular strategies scammers use when prowling chat apps. You can also read articles and watch videos that discuss the impact of suspicious links and what can happen when your teen responds to uninvited friend requests.
Did you know According to the DQ Institute’s 2022 Child Online Safety Index (COSI), 73% of 8-18-year-olds experienced at least one cyber risk in the 12 months to September 2022. Source ( YOUTH-USAID )
Social Networking Time Limits
Mental well-being is part of safety. Therefore, limit the time your teen spends on social networking apps so they can rest and prevent fatigue. In addition, a well-rested mind is more alert and can detect when things aren’t going as planned, such as when the conversations turn into stalking or sharing inappropriate content. Ensure they have a balance between online chats and their life offline. Remember, social media addiction is a reality.
Protect Their Account
Sometimes, the enemy is not without but within. Hence, your teen should share their chat account details with people they trust. Further, if they share a device, remind them to always log out after accessing their accounts and to use all the authentication measures provided to ensure no one else logs in.
Conclusion
Social networking is the present and promises to impact interactions in the future. Therefore, preventing your teen from accessing chat platforms is almost impossible and may prompt them to do so behind your back. You can instead try to keep them safe in such spaces.
The tips above suggest strategies that even your teen can handle, such as eliminating personal information from the profile and using an avatar instead of an actual picture.
However, other measures require an adult’s assistance. For obvious reasons, content filtering and helping your teen understand the impact of video calling strangers requires your input.
Gaurav Rathore
