Keeping Kids Safe Online (Without Losing Your Mind) Part 2

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This week, we’re looking at the privacy settings that actually matter — the ones that determine who can find your child, message them, track them, tag them, or see more than they should.

Keeping Kids Safe Online (Without Losing Your Mind)

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You’re navigating Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Roblox, Fortnite, group chats, private messages, disappearing messages, livestreams, and a whole digital universe that didn’t exist when most of us were teenagers.

Who’s Watching You? The Surprising Ways Companies Track Us All Day, Every Day

In today’s digital world, data is like currency, and we’re paying with it all the time, often without realizing. Whether we’re sending emails, browsing, shopping, or just watching TV, our data is being collected, sold, and used to influence our choices. Companies collect this data to target ads, personalize recommendations, and even build profiles that can reveal our habits, preferences, and future actions. In this series, we’ll explore the everyday tools that collect data about us and provide actionable steps for limiting what we share.

A Breakdown of the Most Popular Social Apps Used by Kids

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In today’s digital age, social apps are a central part of kids' and teens' lives. These platforms allow them to connect with friends, share content, and explore their creativity. However, each app comes with its own set of risks and benefits, and it’s important for parents to understand what their children are using. Here's a deeper dive into the most popular social apps among young users and what parents should be aware of.

How old is old enough for social media?

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The question of when kids should start using social media is a tough one for parents. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok set a minimum age of 13 to comply with regulations like the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), but age alone doesn’t determine whether a child is ready to handle the responsibilities and risks of social media.

Common TikTok Scams That Target Kids

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TikTok’s fast-paced environment is perfect for quick entertainment, but it’s also a breeding ground for scammers who prey on younger users who may not recognize the warning signs of a scam. These scams come in various forms, from fake giveaways to phishing attacks and investment schemes.