Privacy and security settings

Private or public

Even though the entire range of an application’s features are usually only available through a public account, private accounts are highly recommended so as to limit the number of users gaining access to your teen’s information and photos.

Live and instant

Instant messaging and live broadcasts, which often fall beyond an application’s security features, should also be monitored. In general, it is possible to deactivate vocal and text messages in video games as well as restrict access to live broadcasts (stories) to friends only.

Geolocation

Certain applications share their users’ location in real time. It is recommended that location sharing be turned off in all accounts and to encourage your teens to avoid providing specific information on the places they visit in their messages and posts.

Protecting personal information

Sharing information which would allow to be easily traced, such as a full name, date of birth, phone number or where a user lives, is not recommended. Using a pseudonym and posting neutral photos, without an easily discernible address for instance, is a sound approach.

Applications

Instagram: Settings – Privacy and Security – Account Privacy

TikTok: Me – … – Privacy – Private Account

Facebook: Settings & Privacy – Settings – Privacy

Snapchat: Settings – Who Can…

Discord: User settings – Privacy & Safety

Twitch: Settings – Security & Privacy

Video games

Fortnite: Settings – Privacy or Menu – Parental Controls

Roblox: Settings – Privacy – Contact Settings and Other Settings

Minecraft: Settings

Tips for parents

Taking an interest in what your teen does online will help ascertain their favourite applications and their activities. While adjusting security settings is part of the solution, talking with your teen to help develop critical thinking and safeguard their privacy is as important.