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A study by Pew Research Center found that 59% of U.S. teens have experienced some form of cyberbullying, and nearly half have been contacted online by strangers in ways that made them uncomfortable [1].
The anonymity of the internet can make it easier for predators to manipulate or harass teens, and studies indicate that teens often underestimate the long-term consequences of sharing private information.
Promoting online safety involves education, open communication, and practical strategies. Parents can take steps such as learning about the risks of certain apps, helping their teen find alternatives to social media platforms, and setting privacy controls or using parental monitoring tools.
5 Apps To Be Aware Of As A Parent
Some of the riskiest apps that teens regularly use are often social media or networking apps that allow direct messaging, anonymous interactions, or exposure to unfiltered content [2].
- TikTok: Highly personalized algorithms are designed to keep users engaged, which can lead to excessive screen time and impact sleep. Teens are also frequently exposed to sexual, explicit, or inappropriate content, and trends have been linked to dangerous behaviors or risky online challenges.
- Snapchat: Disappearing messages, private accounts, and my eyes only vaults make it hard for parents to monitor. While many teens use it to stay connected with friends, it can also expose them to explicit photos and drug activity. Location features, such as Snapmap, can reveal users’ locations in real time if not disabled.
- Instagram: Exposure to sexualized images, unrealistic body standards, and self-harm content. Features like private messaging, hidden/private accounts (finstas), and disappearing messages can make harmful interactions harder for parents to detect.
- Tellonym: This lets users receive anonymous messages “tells” from others, similar to the original anonymous question app Ask.FM.
- NGL: This anonymous messaging tool is integrated with Instagram/Snapchat and has seen pushback due to concerns about targeting minors and cyberbullying.
4 Parental Control Apps That Help Keep Teens Safe
Discuss with your teen how parental control apps aren’t meant to control them or “spy” on what they are doing, but rather to protect their privacy and safety from real online risks and predators.
- Qustodio: Set screen time limits, monitor across all devices, filter content, receive detailed reports of digital patterns and search history.
- Norton Family: Location tracking and content filtering. Unlimited device coverage, ideal for large families.
- Google Family Link: Free option for basic parental control settings, such as screen time limits on both Android and iOS.
- Bark: Monitor social media and get real-time alerts about cyberbullying, explicit media, or flagged websites.
4 Teen-Friendly Apps That Encourage Learning and Creativity
Encourage your teen to explore apps that benefit their mental well-being, education, and creative skills.
- Canva: Teens can design posters, social media graphics, videos, and collages either for school or personal expression.
- Pinterest: Create vision boards, mood boards, manifest goals, and design wardrobes, home interiors, and other creative projects.
- Soundtrap by Spotify: Make music, create beats and podcasts, and collaborate on audio projects with friends.
- Duolingo: Flashcards, games, and fun challenges that help teens learn a new language. Perfect for teens who want to travel in adulthood.
3 Apps To Reduce Screen Time
Nearly 59% of teens report spending too much time on their phones but struggle to cut back. Most teens actually would like to spend less time on their screens, but many simply don’t know how. Apps that encourage screentime blocks and focus can help [3].
- Opal: Block distracting apps for a set period of time at varying intensities (with or without breaks) and track stats over time to gain insights into smartphone use; ideal for short-term sessions and long-term habit-building.
- Forest: Grow your own virtual tree by staying off your phone. This turns productivity and focus into a game that can be highly motivating for teens.
- Flipd: Similar to Opal, this app uses app blocking and lockout modes, and has specific features for study blocks and group challenges.
Addressing Social Media Use Among Teens at Clearfork Academy
Clearfork Academy is a network of behavioral health facilities in Texas committed to helping teens recover from substance abuse disorders and co-occurring mental health challenges.
We also provide education to families and communities to support the growth and development of teens. Our family support services include therapy, skill-building workshops, and educational events to help parents and caregivers strengthen their relationships with youth, fostering their success and emotional well-being.
Discover how Clearfork Academy can support your teen today.
Sources
[1] Anderson, M. 2018. A Majority of Teens Have Experienced Some Form of Cyberbullying. Pew Research Center.
[2] Kids Hub Advocacy Center. Risky Apps Parents Should Be Aware Of.
[3] Anderson, M. et al. 2024. How Teens and Parents Approach Screen Time. Pew Research Center.
Austin Davis, LPC-S
Founder & CEO
Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. He then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas. Austin’s professional history includes both local church ministry and clinical counseling. At a young age, he began serving youth at the local church in various capacities which led to clinical training and education. Austin gained a vast knowledge of mental health disorders while working in state and public mental health hospitals. This is where he was exposed to almost every type of diagnosis and carries this experience into the daily treatment.
Austin’s longtime passion is Clearfork Academy, a christ-centered residential facility focused on mental health and substance abuse. He finds joy and fulfillment working with “difficult” clients that challenge his heart and clinical skill set. It is his hope and desire that each resident that passes through Clearfork Academy will be one step closer to their created design. Austin’s greatest pleasures in life are being a husband to his wife, and a father to his growing children. He serves at his local church by playing guitar, speaking and helping with tech arts. Austin also enjoys being physically active, reading, woodworking, and music.
