Social networks safety settings: the starter pack for parents

Parents of teenagers face multiple challenges and have questions concerning social media usage. We know that young people are connected and create social profiles at a very young age, and their parents must adapt their rules to the increase in online connectivity. But are parents aware of the online applications their children use? And do they know they can have access to parental control options to keep their children safer on these social networks? Spurred on by new legislation and ongoing regulation, the platforms are now proactively providing safety features for the minors' best interests.

In practice: how can we help parents?

Internet Sans Crainte decided to ease parents' research for information and created a series of online safety guides - one per main social network. Parents will find a practical guide organised by topics like privacy, data, screen time, or bullying. With these resources, we have reached our goal of keeping the parents up-to-date with their children's habits.

Each parameter-setting action is timed, and screenshots make finding your way around the application easy without searching. Progress is shown in stages. These guides are an essential first step in empowering parents by reducing the anxiety they feel when faced with the settings.

They can now sit down with their teens and set up their phones properly without feeling lost or ignorant.

Find more information about the work of the French Safer Internet Centre, including their awareness raising, helpline, hotline and youth participation services – or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.

French Safer Internet Centre
15 January 2024
practices and engagement, media literacy education
parents and caregivers

Parents of teenagers face multiple challenges and have questions concerning social media usage. We know that young people are connected and create social profiles at a very young age, and their parents must adapt their rules to the increase in online connectivity. But are parents aware of the online applications their children use? And do they know they can have access to parental control options to keep their children safer on these social networks? Spurred on by new legislation and ongoing regulation, the platforms are now proactively providing safety features for the minors' best interests.

In practice: how can we help parents?

Internet Sans Crainte decided to ease parents' research for information and created a series of online safety guides - one per main social network. Parents will find a practical guide organised by topics like privacy, data, screen time, or bullying. With these resources, we have reached our goal of keeping the parents up-to-date with their children's habits.

Each parameter-setting action is timed, and screenshots make finding your way around the application easy without searching. Progress is shown in stages. These guides are an essential first step in empowering parents by reducing the anxiety they feel when faced with the settings.

They can now sit down with their teens and set up their phones properly without feeling lost or ignorant.

Find more information about the work of the French Safer Internet Centre, including their awareness raising, helpline, hotline and youth participation services – or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.

French Safer Internet Centre
15 January 2024
practices and engagement, media literacy education
parents and caregivers

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