With kids heading back to school and many receiving their first mobile phones, parents face the challenge of navigating online safety discussions. Jacqueline Beauchere, Snapchat’s Global Head of Platform Safety, offers practical advice to help parents and carers guide their children towards online safety. 

Take an interest Taking an interest in your teen’s digital life is a crucial first step. By showing curiosity and engaging in conversations about their online activities, parents can build trust and create a supportive environment. 

How does this work?  Learning how your teen’s favourite apps and games work can also help. Snapchat’s parent’s guide is an example of a resource that explains app features and safety tools. By understanding these platforms, parents can better support their teens in creating a safer online experience.

Help them understand Helping teens understand the real-world impact of their online actions is another key step. Parents can discuss the risks of sharing personal information and interacting with strangers, emphasising the importance of protecting themselves online. eSafety in Australia offers resources for parents to support these discussions.

With so much of our lives spent online, it’s important for teens to feel equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to help them navigate digital spaces safely and responsibly, Beauchere says. 

Respect boundaries Respecting a teen’s privacy while ensuring their safety can be a delicate balance. Tools like Snapchat’s Family Centre enable parents to set boundaries collaboratively, fostering trust while prioritising safety. Beauchere advises parents to explore parental control settings on the apps their teens use and to agree on how to use these tools together.

Listen – and hear, don't judge Listening without judgement is critical when teens share concerns about their online experiences. If your teen comes to you looking for help, be mindful of your reaction. They might be embarrassed, ashamed, upset, or scared, so let them know you are there to help, no matter what. Creating a safe space encourages teens to be open about any challenges they face.

Report it, don’t ignore it. Encouraging teens to report problematic content or behaviour is another way to promote online safety. Many platforms, including Snapchat, have confidential reporting tools. In Australia, parents can also reach out to organisations like eSafety and the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) for additional support.

Snapchat’s research highlights that teens who have regular conversations with their parents about online safety enjoy better digital wellbeing. 

Our goal is to provide a healthier and safer environment for all Snapchatters, especially the youngest members of our community, says Beauchere. 

By fostering open, ongoing discussions, families can help their teens navigate the digital world with confidence and care as they embark on the new school year.