With the increasing use of social media by children and teenagers, there is a growing need for parents to play an active role in monitoring these accounts to protect them from digital risks such as blackmail, bullying, grooming, or inappropriate content.
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Cybersecurity experts advise families to follow a set of simple and effective steps to monitor their children's activity on various platforms without invading their privacy, as follows:
Establish digital rules together: Set guidelines for phone and internet use, such as limiting screen time, not accepting friend requests from strangers, or sharing personal information.
Account sharing or partial access: For younger children, it's preferable to create accounts with parental approval, saving passwords or at least linking the account to a parent's email or phone number.
Use parental control tools: Many apps like Google Family Link or Meta Family Center allow parents to track app usage and screen time, and can alert families to suspicious content.
Indirect monitoring through visible activity: Keep an eye on friends lists, public posts, and interactions, especially on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and look out for unusual behavior.
Stay updated on privacy settings: Keep track of changes in privacy and security policies for each platform, and take advantage of features like “teen restricted profile” or “safety mode.”
Educational psychologists stress the importance of avoiding spying or criticism, as teens may turn to hidden virtual worlds or fake accounts. Protecting children starts with building a relationship based on dialogue and digital awareness—not just surveillance.
