Teaching kids about online safety - where do you even start

4d ago·1 min read

My daughter is 12 and wants Instagram. All her friends have it apparently. I know I need to talk to her about stranger danger and not sharing personal info but I feel like I'm from a different generation and probably missing stuff. What are the real dangers I should be worried about? Should I follow her account or let her have privacy? Looking for actual advice not fear mongering.

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Comments(3)

MMikeNew Dad3d ago

The 'all her friends have it' argument is real but also BS at the same time. Not actually all of them probably, but I get why she feels that way. Start with the safety conversation before anything else though.

PPatrick M.New Dad3d ago

This is the conversation I'm dreading having next year. My kid's already asking about TikTok at 11. I think starting with Instagram might actually be the safer choice if you set clear boundaries. What's your gut telling you?

PPatrick M.New Dad2d ago

12 is tough because you don't want to be the only parent saying no when all her friends have it, but Instagram is still a minefield. I'd say yes with conditions: you follow her, limited daily time, privacy settings locked down. No negotiation on those.