Is it safe to let a child under 13 have an account?

Most platforms require users to be 13. Under-age accounts miss out on default teen safety settings and break the terms. Waiting is the safer choice.

What should I do if my child is being bullied online?

Screenshot the messages, use the in-app report and block tools, and contact the school if classmates are involved. Childline 0800 1111 can support your child.

Where do I report sexual messages from an adult?

Report to CEOP via the Click CEOP button or ceop.police.uk, and call 101 (or 999 if there is immediate danger).

Your Child's First Social Media Account

How to introduce a first social media account with realistic UK guidance on age limits, privacy and pressure.

Overview

Most mainstream platforms set a minimum age of 13. Younger accounts are common but break the terms and reduce the platform's own safety protections.

Start from privacy, friends-only sharing, and a clear plan for what your child will do if a stranger messages them or content upsets them.

Readiness signs

Understands that posts can be screenshotted and shared.
Can describe what personal information should stay private.
Recognises that friend requests from strangers can be unsafe.
Manages disappointment when posts get few likes.
Talks to you about online drama rather than hiding it.

Parent checklist

0 of 7 steps done

Confirm your child meets the platform's minimum age (usually 13).
Set the account to private from the first login.
Switch off DMs from non-followers where possible.
Turn off precise location tagging and geotags.
Review and limit who can comment on or reshare posts.
Agree what topics, images and personal details are off-limits.
Save IWF (iwf.org.uk) and CEOP report links as a bookmark.

Agreement with your child

•I will keep my account private and not accept strangers.
•I will not share my school, address or phone number.
•I will tell you if anyone asks for photos or to chat in private.
•I will think before posting about other people.
•I will take breaks if the app starts to make me feel bad.

Conversation guide

“"You can come to me about anything online, even if you think you have made a mistake."”
“"Likes and follows are not a measure of who you are."”
“"If a stranger DMs you, do not reply. Show me first."”
“"We are setting this up together so it works for both of us."”
“"You can block, mute or report anyone, and I will help you do it."”

Settings to review

•Account set to private and approved followers only.
•Direct messages restricted to followers or off entirely.
•Comments filtered or limited to followers.
•Location and tagging disabled for posts.
•Sensitive content filters on the strictest setting.
•Two-factor authentication enabled on the account.

Red flags

Late-night use and disrupted sleep.
Strong mood changes after scrolling sessions.
Hidden second accounts (often called "finsta").
Contact from older users your child cannot explain.

30-day review

Look at followers and remove anyone unknown.
Check DMs together for any unwanted messages.
Review time spent in the app this week.
Discuss any posts that caused upset or pressure.
Confirm privacy settings have not reset after updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last reviewed: 2026-05-16Next review: 2026-11-16

This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.