The online world can feel like a whole new universe, especially when it comes to your tween’s digital life.
From TikTok trends to gaming chats, it’s easy to feel out of the loop.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need to be a tech expert to help your tween navigate the online world safely.
You just need to understand a few key aspects of what they’re dealing with.
Here are seven things every parent should know to make sure their tween stays safe, smart, and savvy online.
1. Social Media Isn’t Just About Sharing Photos
For tweens, social media is a lot more than just sharing selfies or funny memes.
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are spaces for them to connect with friends, discover new interests, and express themselves.
But it’s also a place where they can encounter risky behaviours, like oversharing personal information, cyberbullying, or exposure to inappropriate content.
What You Can Do:
Talk to your tween about privacy settings and the importance of thinking twice before posting anything.
Encourage open conversations about what they’re seeing online and how they feel about it.
2. Online Friends Aren’t Always Who They Seem
Your tween might chat with people in games, on social media, or in forums.
While these online friendships can feel real to them, it’s crucial they understand that not everyone online has good intentions.
Scammers, predators, and cyberbullies often hide behind fake profiles.
What You Can Do:
Teach your tween to be cautious about who they talk to online.
Encourage them to only interact with people they know in real life, and to come to you if something doesn’t feel right.
3. Apps and Games Collect More Data Than You Think
Many apps and games are “free” to download, but that doesn’t mean they’re harmless.
These platforms often collect tons of personal data—everything from your tween’s location to their browsing habits.
This data can be sold to third parties or used to target them with ads.
What You Can Do:
Review the apps your tween is using.
Check the privacy policies, and make sure they’re not granting unnecessary permissions (like access to the microphone or location).
4. Cyberbullying Is Real (and It Hurts)
Bullying has moved from the playground to the screen, and cyberbullying can be just as damaging as in-person harassment—sometimes even more so, because it can follow your child anywhere, anytime.
Tweens often struggle with the emotional fallout from hurtful comments, exclusion, or rumors spread online.
What You Can Do:
Keep an open line of communication with your tween about their online interactions.
Encourage them to come to you if they ever feel uncomfortable or upset by something happening online.
Remind them it’s okay to block or report people who are being harmful.
5. Screen Time Isn’t Just About “How Long”—It’s About “What” and “Why”
It’s easy to get caught up in the number of hours your tween is spending online.
But it’s just as important to consider what they’re doing and why they’re doing it.
Are they using their screen time for creative projects, learning new things, or simply zoning out to endless videos?
What You Can Do:
Focus on balance.
Create screen-free zones (like during family meals) and encourage offline activities.
Discuss with your tween the difference between productive and mindless screen time.
6. Online Challenges and Trends Can Be Dangerous
The internet is full of viral challenges and trends that can range from harmless fun to downright dangerous.
Tweens can be easily influenced by what they see online, especially when these challenges are wrapped in peer pressure or the promise of “going viral.”
What You Can Do:
Stay informed about the latest online trends.
Talk to your tween about the risks of participating in certain challenges and remind them that just because “everyone is doing it” doesn’t mean it’s safe.
7. There Are Tools to Help Keep Them Safe (But They’re Not Foolproof)
There are plenty of tools available—parental controls, screen time limits, and content filters—that can help monitor and protect your tween’s online activity.
But here’s the truth: no tool is foolproof.
The most powerful tool you have is open, honest communication with your child.
What You Can Do:
Set up parental controls, but don’t rely on them completely.
Use them as a starting point for discussions about online safety and smart digital habits.
Make sure your tween knows they can come to you with any concerns or questions.
At the end of the day, the best way to protect your tween online is through education and conversation.
The internet is part of their world, and understanding the landscape they’re navigating can help you guide them safely through it.
It’s all about staying involved, staying informed, and keeping the lines of communication wide open.
At Be Hard to Hack, we help families stay safe online by breaking down these big concepts into manageable steps.
Need help setting up parental controls or starting that online safety talk with your tween?
We’ve got you covered.