Glued to the Screen
You’ve probably noticed by now how often your teen is on their phone. What are they doing for hours on end? You want to respect their privacy, but the internet can be a dangerous place. Here are 20 things your teen may be getting up to—some safer than others.
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1. YouTube
According to American statistics from 2022, 95% of teens claim to use YouTube. YouTube is a huge site full of entertaining and even educational content. While it’s good for your child to be exposed to all sorts of people and beliefs, make sure they aren’t watching anyone who preaches dangerous behavior.
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2. TikTok
TikTok has taken the world by storm with its silly dances and challenges. But there are many sides to TikTok, including content on books, cooking, travel, fitness, and more. Unless your teen has an aptitude to participate in dangerous challenges, you should be fine.
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3. Playing Games
There are all sorts of games available online, from Fortnite to Roblox. Most of these games are harmless and are geared toward teenagers. However, their accessible chat features make it possible for anyone to talk to your teen. Make sure you have a good discussion about stranger danger before leaving them to their own devices.
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4. Instagram
Whether they exclusively follow their friends or use Instagram as a way to spy on celebrities, the app is relatively safe. However, the abundance of filters and Photoshop are proven to warp one's self-image, which can be harmful to your teen's self-esteem.
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5. Reddit
While not as popular as other social media platforms, Reddit hosts numerous communities that your teen can join. There's even a community specifically for teens. Just ensure your child is using it for the right reasons, as plenty of disturbing and mature content is easily accessible on Reddit.
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6. Discord
Discord is similar to Skype or Zoom, but it's geared toward a younger, tech-savvy audience. Your teen likely has a group of friends on Discord, and it's common for them to chat through it while gaming.
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7. Snapchat
This is a common means of communication for teens, even more popular than texting for some. While Snapchat allows them to send photos and videos with little consequence, ensure they aren’t sharing anything they might regret.
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8. Texting Friends
Everyone texts and your teen is no different. Take them at their word when they say they’re simply texting Jane from art class. However, if your teen has broken your trust in the past, be mindful of who they're really talking to.
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9. Twitter
Whether you call it Twitter or X, this platform is a hotbed for discussion and drama. Your teen is likely following ongoing sagas or is invested in a certain celebrity's tweets.
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10. Twitch
Twitch is a live streaming platform where users broadcast themselves live, often playing video games or engaging in casual activities like walks or fitness routines with viewers. Your child is likely a member of the audience, but if they’re streaming themselves, make sure they don’t film anything extreme.
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11. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is another texting app that many people use to create and manage groups. It's common for teens to chat with friends through WhatsApp, but the app is unfortunately known for scams as well. Teach your child about the signs of scams to make sure they stay safe.
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12. Tumblr
While Tumblr has lost significant popularity, your teen might still browse it occasionally. While most of Tumblr consists of fan art and casual chats, there is also a darker, more mature side that your child should avoid.
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13. Listening to Music
If your teen has headphones in and isn’t saying much, they’re probably listening to music. Many people use Spotify or YouTube for their music needs, finding it a soothing way to pass the time.
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14. Reading eBooks
It may surprise you to learn that many teens use their devices to read books through platforms like Audible, Kindle, or Wattpad. While physical books are an option, online formats make books more accessible and portable. Plus, there's no need to worry about shipping fees.
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15. Facebook
Although Facebook now appeals more to an older audience, many teens use it for official school and club forums. Like any communication app, be cautious about who they're interacting with, but the platform itself is generally safe.
16. Doing Homework
Half the time you ask them what they’re doing, they say “homework.” They might be telling the truth. It’s not uncommon for teens to actually do homework, though probably not for more than an hour or two on any given day.
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17. Face Timing
Face Timing is like answering the phone with a live video on both ends, often used between friends. However, many teens also use Omegle, a site that pairs users with strangers, which can be highly dangerous. Be aware of who your child is talking to.
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18. Shopping
If your teen has a part-time job or an allowance, they may be browsing Amazon or their favorite Shopify store. Like anyone else, teens enjoy shopping. Just ensure they aren’t hiding any packages from you—that would be suspicious.
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19. Messing With AI
In today’s modern era, many teens enjoy interacting with AI. This could involve using ChatGPT for research or playing with apps like Midjourney to create funny photos. Many teens find AI fascinating, and its strict boundaries make it quite safe.
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20. Keeping Busy
Whether they’re simply bored or killing time, a device is a reliable way to keep oneself busy. Your teen might not be doing anything in particular, they may just find comfort lounging in front of their screen. If that’s the case, it might be time to introduce some new and exciting hobbies to bring a little balance to their life.
