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Kids are growing up in a world where playdates, hangouts, and even homework often happen online. Apps like Roblox and Snapchat are part of everyday life for many children, and parents often feel pressure to allow their kids access to these apps before they know enough about the safety risks.

The good news: you don’t need to be a tech expert to help keep your child safe. You need a basic understanding of the apps they use, a few key settings, and ongoing conversations about online behavior.

Why online safety matters (even for “kid” apps)

Many apps your child loves were designed for older teens or adults, or they have social features (chat, friend requests, sharing photos) that can expose kids to:

• Strangers and inappropriate messages
• In-app purchases and scams
• Bullying or exclusion
• Content that’s too mature or frightening

That doesn’t mean your child can’t ever use these apps. It does mean they need your guidance, just like they do in the real world.

Roblox: More than “just a game.”

What it is:
Roblox is a platform where users can play games created by others and build their own. It’s hugely popular with elementary and middle schoolers.

Why kids love it:

• Creative, open-ended play
• Playing with friends online
• Endless variety of games and worlds

Key safety concerns:

• Chat with strangers in some games
• User-generated content (some games or avatars may be inappropriate)
• In-game scams or pressure to buy items with Robux

How parents can make Roblox safer

1. Create and control the account
   • Use your email to set up your child’s account.
   • Enter their real birth year, so Roblox applies age-based restrictions.
   • Keep the password and PIN private to you.
2. Turn on parental controls
   • In Account Settings, set a PIN so your child can’t change safety settings.
   • For younger kids, choose friends-only chat or disable chat entirely.
   • Turn on Account Restrictions (sometimes called “allowed experiences only”) to limit them to a curated list of age-appropriate games.
3. Talk about in‑game purchases
   • Explain that Robux is real money.
   • Set clear rules (for example, “We only buy Robux with permission and once a month”).
   • Turn off or password-protect purchases on your device.
4. Play together
   • Spend 10–15 minutes in a game with your child.
   • Ask them to show you their favorite games and friends.
   • Use that time to gently talk about not sharing personal info and what to do if something feels “off.”

Family rule idea:
“If you wouldn’t say it or share it with someone sitting next to you in class, don’t say or share it in Roblox chat.”

Snapchat: Disappearing messages that don’t really disappear

What it is:
Snapchat lets users send photos and videos that “disappear” after being viewed, along with stories and private chats. It’s very popular with middle and high schoolers.

Why kids love it:

• Fun filters and lenses
• Streaks and daily chats with friends
• Feels more “private” than other social media

Key safety concerns:

• Screenshots and recordings mean snaps aren’t truly gone
• Pressure to send photos or messages they wouldn’t normally share
• Location sharing (Snap Map)
• Group chats where drama and bullying can spread

How parents can make Snapchat safer

1. Have the “nothing disappears” talk
   • Explain that anyone can screenshot or record a snap.
   • Use a simple rule: “If you’d be embarrassed to see it on a school bulletin board, don’t send it.”
2. Check privacy settings together
   • Set Who Can Contact Me and Who Can View My Story to “Friends” only.
   • Turn Snap Map to Ghost Mode or limit it to close friends.
   • Review their Friend list regularly and remove anyone they don’t know in real life.
3. Set boundaries around photos
   • Be clear about what’s okay and not okay to send (no images in underwear, swimsuits, or anything they wouldn’t wear to school).
   • Let them know they can come to you if they’re pressured to send something—and that they won’t be in trouble for telling you.
4. Watch for warning signs
   • Sudden changes in mood after being on the app
   • Hiding the screen when you walk by
   • New usernames added that they won’t explain

Other popular apps to keep an eye on

Apps come and go, but many share the same risks: chat, sharing photos or videos, and connecting with strangers. A few categories to watch:

• Video apps (TikTok, YouTube, YouTube Shorts)
  • Risks: inappropriate videos, comments, challenges, and endless scrolling.
• Chat and social apps (Discord, Instagram, group texting apps)
  • Risks: group drama, cyberbullying, and strangers joining servers or group chats.
• Anonymous or semi-anonymous apps
  • Risks: unfiltered messages, harassment, and difficulty knowing who is who.

Instead of trying to memorize every app, teach your child to look for red flags:

• Can I message with strangers?
• Can I share photos, videos, or my location?
• Is there anything here that would upset me if a teacher or grandparent saw it?

If the answer is yes, it’s an app you should be actively supervising.

Simple family rules for safer screen time

You can’t control everything kids see or do online—but you can set a safety net. Consider a short list of family rules like these:

1. Devices in public spaces
   • No phones or tablets behind closed bedroom doors for younger kids.
   • Set a “device-free” bedtime (for example, all devices on a charging station in the kitchen by 8:30 p.m.).
2. You have the right to check
   • Be upfront: “We’ll occasionally check your apps and messages—not to invade your privacy, but to help keep you safe.”
   • For older kids, consider “spot checks” you do together and talk through, instead of secret monitoring.
3. Only add people you know
   • Roblox, Snapchat, or any app: friends must be people they know in real life.
   • If they’re not sure who someone is, they don’t accept or chat.
4. No sharing personal information
   • No last names, school name, address, phone number, or schedules in profiles or chats.
   • No sharing photos that show school logos, bus numbers, or street signs.
5. Tell an adult if something feels wrong
   • If they see bullying, scary content, or feel pressured to share photos, they should:
     1. Stop
     2. Screenshot (if safe)
     3. Tell a trusted adult

Make sure your child knows: they won’t be in trouble for telling you the truth, even if they broke a rule first.

How to start the conversation (without a lecture)

Kids often shut down when they feel judged or interrogated. Try curiosity instead:

• “What’s your favorite game on Roblox right now? Show me.”
• “Who do you usually talk to on Snapchat? What do you like about it?”
• “Have you ever seen anything online that made you uncomfortable?”

Listen more than you talk at first. Then you can say:

“I love that you enjoy this. My job is to help keep you safe, so let’s go through a couple of settings together.”

Make it clear that tech safety is ongoing, not a one-time talk—more like teaching your child to cross the street than handing them a map and walking away.

Final thoughts: You don’t have to be perfect to be protective

Online safety can feel overwhelming, especially when your child seems three steps ahead on every new app. You don’t need all the answers. You just need to:

• Stay curious about what they’re using
• Turn on basic safety and privacy tools
• Keep the conversation open and judgment-free

When kids know they can talk to you—even when they’ve made a mistake—you’ve already taken the biggest step toward keeping them safe online.