Every platform has different risks, different privacy settings, and different ways predators exploit them. Here is what you need to know about each major platform your child is probably using right now.
Snapchat
Why predators love it: Messages disappear by default. Snap Map shows real-time location. Quick Add suggests strangers as friends. The younger user base means more potential targets.
Critical Settings to Change
- Account privacy: Settings > Who Can... > Contact Me = My Friends Only
- Quick Add: Turn off so strangers cannot find your child through the suggestions feature
- Snap Map: Disable or set to "Ghost Mode." Live location sharing is extremely dangerous
- Family Center: Enable this to see who your child is communicating with and set content controls
- Memories backup: Disable cloud backup so sensitive snaps are not stored online
Snapchat Sextortion Warning
Sextortion can start on any platform, including Snapchat. Disappearing messages can make offenders feel confident that evidence will vanish. Teach your child to take a screenshot of the threats before blocking, and to tell a trusted adult right away.
TikTok
Why predators love it: The algorithm can push content to millions. Adults can message other users, so check the DM settings. The "For You" page can expose children to inappropriate content. Duet and Stitch features allow predators to interact with children's content.
Critical Settings to Change
- Family Pairing: Link your account to your child's. This lets you control DMs, screen time, content filters, and search from your own phone
- Private account: Settings > Privacy > Private Account = On
- Direct messages: Disable for users under 16 (or set to Friends Only)
- Restricted Mode: Enable to filter mature content from the For You page
- Comments: Limit who can comment to Friends Only or disable entirely
- Downloads: Disable so others cannot download your child's videos
Why predators love it: Check who can message your child, including people they do not follow. Stories show viewing activity. Reels algorithm can push inappropriate content. The visual nature makes it ideal for grooming through compliments and attention.
Critical Settings to Change
- Private account: Settings > Privacy > Private Account
- Activity status: Turn off so predators cannot see when your child is online
- Story sharing: Disable sharing to prevent content from being reshared
- Close Friends: Use this for stories so only trusted people see them
- Comment filters: Enable hidden word filters to block inappropriate comments
- Supervision: Use Instagram Supervision to set time limits and see who they follow
Discord
Why predators love it: Anonymous usernames. Private servers. Voice and video chat. Direct messages from server members. Extremely popular with gamers aged 10–17. Law enforcement and child-safety groups have warned that some coercion networks use Discord.
Critical Settings to Change
- Safe Direct Messaging: Enable to scan for explicit content in DMs
- DM permissions: Settings > Privacy & Safety > disable "Allow direct messages from server members"
- Server list: Review every server your child has joined. If you do not recognise it, investigate
- Two-factor authentication: Enable on the account to prevent hijacking
- Parental controls: Use Discord's Family Center to monitor activity
Coercion Network Warning
Law enforcement and child-safety groups have warned that some coercion networks, such as 764, have used Discord to target children and pressure them into self-harm. If your child is in Discord servers with names you do not recognise, or has friends you have never heard of, investigate immediately.
Roblox
Why predators love it: Massive young user base. In-game chat is open. User-generated content can contain hidden inappropriate material. Voice chat is available.
Critical Settings to Change
- Age check: Since January 2026, chat requires an age check, and users can only chat with similar age groups. Chat is off by default for under-9s unless a parent consents. Keep the birth date accurate
- Account Restrictions: Enable to limit who can message, chat, and find your child
- In-app purchases: Disable or require parental approval through monthly spend restrictions
- Privacy settings: Settings > Privacy > set "Who can message me?" to Friends or No One
- Voice chat: Disable unless you are comfortable with it. Voice chat requires an age check
General Rules for All Platforms
Make Profiles Private
Every platform should have a private account. This is the single most impactful setting you can change.
Disable DMs From Strangers
If a platform allows people who are not friends to send direct messages, disable it. This is how predators make first contact.
Review Together Monthly
Sit with your child once a month and review their accounts together. Make it a routine, not a punishment.
Use Two-Factor Auth
Enable 2FA on every account. This prevents account hijacking and adds a critical security layer.