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How to Keep Your Teen Safe on Facebook: A Parent’s Guide
Even though Facebook’s popularity among teenagers has waned in favor of newer platforms, millions still use it regularly. If your teen has a Facebook account, it is critical to ensure they are using the platform safely and securely.
While the internet offers great benefits, it also brings risks. By adhering to the following ten security and privacy guidelines, your teen can enjoy social media while keeping their personal information and identity protected.
10 Security and Privacy Tips for Teens
Optimize Security Settings: Access the security center by clicking the down arrow at the top right of Facebook, then navigate to Settings and then Security and Login. Always ensure you are using a strong, unique password.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Set up 2FA, which requires a code sent to your phone in addition to your password. This provides an essential layer of security that makes accounts extremely difficult to hack.
Activate Login Alerts: In the Security and Login section, turn on alerts for "unrecognised logins." This feature helps you immediately track when and where your account is being accessed.
Audit Privacy Settings: Navigate to the Privacy pane to review each option. Ensure the account is as private as possible, restricting visibility to true friends and family only.
Never Type Passwords on Timelines: It sounds basic, but teens should never type their passwords into a post or comment. It is incredibly easy for others to accidentally (or maliciously) capture this information.
Avoid Phishing and "Bait" Posts: Be cautious of mass phishing attempts. This includes posts asking you to "list five things about yourself" or content that asks for likes to find a "missing" child or pet. These are often designed to capture active account data.
Filter Friend Requests: Never accept friend requests from random strangers, even if they claim to know you. Once a stranger is in your friend list, they can access a significant amount of your personal details.
Minimize Personal Information: Be cautious about how much you share on your profile. Avoid including your full date of birth, home address, school, or workplace.
Think Before You Post: Always consider the content of your posts and replies. Ask yourself: could your address or other sensitive information be discovered through the images or background details you share?
Practice "Digital Etiquette": In life and online, it is often best to stay silent rather than offend someone who might be baiting you into an argument.
A Final Word to Parents
Digital safety is an ongoing conversation, not a one-time setup. Encourage your teen to be cautious, think critically about who they interact with, and—most importantly—feel comfortable coming to you if they ever encounter something that makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe online.