Internet Safety for Families: 12 Internet Mistakes Teens Make Most Often
Meta Description: Safe surfing starts by teaching your family the dangers of teenage mistakes such as oversharing, poor passwords and ignoring privacy settings.
Online Safety Has Never Been More Important
Every day, millions of adolescents are logging on to social networking sites, playing online games and engaging in various forms of social interaction on the web. There are great opportunities in the digital world for learning and connecting, yes, but there are also serious risks that many of these young people truly do not understand.
The numbers paint a disturbing portrait. As it turns out, 95% of teens have access to a smartphone and the majority are spending between 4-6 hours online each day. And during that time, they’re making decisions about their safety, the consequences of it and what doors may be shut.
Parents are frequently crushed by the prospect of learning a new app, or platform. Teens, meanwhile, think they have the whole staying-safe-online thing pretty much figured out. The reality is somewhere in between. The best way for families to stay safe online is not through fear, but by having everyone understand the real risks and taking practical steps to stay protected from them.
Below, I detail the 12 most common and serious errors of judgment young people make online. Even better, it offers straightforward solutions that really work in real life.
1. Sharing Too Much Personal Information
The largest mistake teens make is treating the internet as a personal diary. They don’t think twice before sharing their full names, birth dates, phone numbers, addresses and the names of their schools.
Why This Is Dangerous:
Every bit of personal information you share online is a puzzle piece for others to fit together. A person could guess your passwords using your birthday and the name of your school. Others might use your location to determine where you live or hang out.
Identity thieves will gather this information to open fraudulent accounts, thieve and commit crimes in your name. Years later, that information still resides on the internet and may be accessed by college admissions offices or potential employers.
The Smart Alternative:
- Facebook, Twitter and other platforms allow you to use a nickname or even partial name
- Do not ever update your status with your real address or town/place where you are
- Keep your phone number private
- Have your birthday month in common without an overlap of date
- Do not include pictures with street signs, house numbers, or school logos
Imagine personal information as money. You can’t get it back once you spent it online.
2. Using Weak or Repeated Passwords
Most teens rely on passwords that are far too obvious. People often use “password123,” the name of their pet or their birth date. Even worse, they recycle that same password across everything from Instagram to online banking.
The Real Risk:
If one of your (weak) passwords is cracked, someone can access all your accounts. Hackers deploy programs that attempt millions of password combinations in a matter of minutes. Weak passwords are broken within seconds.
When your accounts are hacked, criminals can drain your bank account, impersonate you or even restrict you from accessing your own private photos and information.
Creating Stronger Security:
| Weak Password | Strong Password | Why It’s Better |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer2024 | Sc!7$bL#mN2@pQ | Uses mixed characters |
| TaylorSwift | T$y1@r_Sw!Ft_F@n | Adds symbols and numbers |
| Password123 | bR3@kF@t∗sUnh!N3 | Random word combination |
Password Best Practices:
- Make passwords at least 12 characters long
- Include capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
- Use varied passwords for different accounts
- Try a password manager app to keep track of them all
- Change passwords every 3-4 months
- Never share passwords with friends
3. Disregarding the Privacy Settings of Social Media
For the most part, when teenagers (and adults for that matter) create new social media accounts, they breeze right through the privacy settings. They do everything on “public,” so everyone in the world can see their posts, photos and personal information.
What Can Go Wrong:
Public profiles allow unrelated people to see everything about you. They are able to monitor your schedule, let them know when you’re alone at home and show them pictures of you and your friends. Bullies might screenshot your posts and share them in a different context. Your data is collected by companies in order to create detailed profiles about you.
Taking Control of Your Privacy:
There are varying privacy features across different platforms. Here’s what to change on popular social media platforms:
Instagram:
- Switch to a private account
- Remove location tags from posts
- Turn off activity status
- Restrict who can tag you in photos
TikTok:
- Set account to private
- Disable “Suggest your account to others”
- Disable comments from strangers
- Disable duets and stitches for all people
Snapchat:
- Change “Who Can…” settings to “My Friends”
- Get off the grid on Snap Map
- Disable “See My Story”
- Get out of public search results
Take 10 minutes right this minute and go take a look at every social media app you use. It’s worth the extra privacy.
4. Accepting Friend Requests from Strangers
It’s flattering when a person wants to follow you or be your friend online. Many teens accept every request they receive, in an effort to increase their number of followers. It is an invitation for predators, catfishers and scammers.
The Hidden Dangers:
Especially those you meet online, who aren’t always what they seem. The adults masquerading as teens created fake profiles with stolen photographs. First they build trust gradually then begin asking for personal information, request inappropriate photos or suggest meeting in person.
Fake accounts also are used to push malware, spread phishing scams and make attempts at identity theft. Others merely exist to gather information about you for later attacks.
Who to Trust Online:
Before you accept any friend request, ask yourself:
- Is this someone I know in person?
- Do we share friends who can vouch for their existence?
- Does their profile appear authentic (several photos, frequent posts, participation in the site’s community)?
- What reason does this person have to reach out to me?
Red Flags for Fake Accounts:
- Brand new profile with only a couple photos
- Model-perfect photos (often lifted from other accounts)
- Small or large number of friends (both extremes are questionable)
- Generic posts or comments
- Asking personal questions too quickly
- Profiles with inconsistent information
5. Mindlessly Clicking on Sketchy Links
Teenagers tend to click first and ask questions later. They click links in text messages, email and from social media posts without considering whether the source is legit. This puts them in the path of viruses, malware and phishers.
How These Attacks Work:
Cybercriminals hide harmful links to appear benign. They may claim to be from Netflix telling you that your account is suspended or from a friend sharing a “hilarious video.” One click can trigger software that steals your passwords, tracks your activity or holds your files ransom.
Phishing lets hackers dupe you into entering your login credentials on websites that are fake, though good enough to fool you. After you enter both your username and password, the scammers now have complete control of your account.
Staying Safe from Bad Links:
- Hover over links before you click to see the actual web address
- Check for URL misspellings (such as “Amaz0n.com” instead of “Amazon.com”)
- Don’t follow links in messages from anyone you don’t already know
- Never trust strangers with shortened URLs
- If it’s too good to be true, it most likely is
- If you’re in doubt, click directly on the website rather than a link
Your phone and computer likely already have many layers of security. Don’t skip them because you are curious.
6. Downloading Apps Without Checking Permissions
New apps pop up every day, promising fun new filters or free games or the next big thing in social networking. Teenagers download them immediately without checking what permissions they are giving.
The Permission Problem:
Apps often request access to your camera, microphone, contacts, location and files. A few actually do need those permissions to function. The rest collect that data to sell the information to advertisers, or for more nefarious purposes.
That free game could be listening in on your conversations. The cool photo filter might be able to read all the photos in your photo library. The messaging app could be siphoning off all of your contacts.
Before Downloading Any App:
| Question to Ask | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Is this from the official app store? | Third-party sources may contain malware |
| What does it ask for? | Apps do not need excess access |
| What are the reviews? | Read recent reviews for security complaints |
| Who developed the app? | Do some research on the developer’s reputation |
| Does it have a privacy policy? | Reputable apps tell you what they do with your data |
Permission Red Flags:
- Flashlight app that is seeking to reach your contacts
- A calculator needing your location
- A wallpaper app asking for microphone permission
- Any application that requests unnecessary permissions
Remember, you can always check and modify app permissions in your phone’s settings later. Deny access to everything you don’t need.
7. Participating in Online Challenges Without Thinking About Safety
Social media challenges can go viral overnight. Everyone wants to get into the game, get views and be part of the trend. All too often, however, the challenges are hazardous and embarrassing or have lasting consequences that teenagers simply don’t think about.
When Trends Turn Dangerous:
Other challenges result in physical injuries, ranging from minor bumps and bruises to major medical emergencies. Others even appear innocent but can ruin your reputation, get you suspended from school or result in criminal charges.
The pressure to participate is intense. Nobody wants to appear afraid or uncool. But smart teenagers know that a few seconds of internet fame is hardly worth permanent consequences.
Examples of Risky Challenges:
- Physical stunts that cause injuries
- Playful acts that cause pain and embarrassment to others
- Challenges involving drugs, alcohol, or dangerous substances
- Trends that damage property
- Activities that could be considered crimes
Making Smart Decisions:
Before you decide to be part of an online challenge, ask yourself:
- Will this harm me or someone else?
- If there were no cameras, would I be doing this?
- What if it goes wrong?
- Will I regret this next year? In five years?
- Is this against the law or school rules?
True friends will think more highly of you for making choices that are protective of your wellbeing, rather than doing something risky just to make them laugh.
8. Cyberbullying Others or Not Reporting
Cyberbullying occurs when individuals use technology to harass, threaten, humiliate or target another person. It is more common than many adults realize, and teenagers do not always know when they are engaging in it or suffering from it.
Forms of Cyberbullying:
- Spreading rumors or lies online
- Unprovoked sharing of embarrassing pictures or videos
- Using a fake name to make fun of someone
- Sending threatening or mean messages
- Intentional exclusion from online groups
- Publicly sharing private information to shame someone
Why This Matters:
Nothing typed on a screen is quite as real feeling as something spoken face-to-face, but they hurt all the same. Sometimes more. With cyberbullying, victims can be pursued everywhere by way of their phones and computers. They can’t escape it.
Victims report feeling depressed, anxious, performing less well in school and at times contemplating self-harm. There are serious consequences for bullies, too — from suspension (if the bullying occurs at school) to loss of a college acceptance to potential criminal charges in extreme circumstances.
What to Do:
If you witness cyberbullying:
- Do not take part or disseminate this content
- Keep evidence (screenshot messages, posts etc.)
- Report it to the platform
- Tell a trusted adult
- Support the victim privately
If you’re being bullied:
- Don’t respond or retaliate
- Block the bully
- Document everything
- Tell an adult and webmaster
- Remember it’s not your fault
If you’ve bullied others:
- Stop immediately
- Apologize sincerely
- Delete harmful content
- Think about why you did it
- Commit to changing your behavior
9. Believing Everything They See Online
But the internet is rife with fake news, doctored photos and carefully curated “real life” content. The thing is, teenagers generally don’t question sources or verify facts; they tend to believe what they hear.
The Impact of Misinformation:
Between them, deciding to believe in something false can influence real-world decisions. It molds our views of health, politics, science and current events. It can result in poor choices, unjustified fear or unwarranted trust.
Edited and curated photos distort what we think people should look like, how they should live or achieve success. Measuring your real life against someone’s highly edited online persona is destructive to mental health and self-esteem.
Developing Critical Thinking:
| What You See | Questions to Ask |
|---|---|
| News article | Who wrote this? What’s their source? |
| Health guidance | Is this coming from a doctor? |
| Celebrity photo | Is this edited or filtered? |
| Product review | Is this sponsored content? |
| Viral story | Is this story fact-checked? |
Fact-Checking Resources:
- Snopes.com for viral stories and urban legends
- FactCheck.org for political claims
- Google Reverse Image Search for the original photo source
- Verify information from multiple reputable news sources
And don’t forget, people only post their top moments on the internet. No one’s life is as perfect as their Instagram feed would have you believe.
10. Neglecting to Use Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an additional security step beyond your password. Even if your password gets stolen, nobody can log into your account without a second code. But despite this protection, most teens never turn it on.
How Two-Factor Authentication Works:
You must have a second proof of identity, after entering your password. This might be:
- A texted code sent to your phone
- A code from an authenticator app
- A fingerprint or face scan
- A physical security key
Because hackers do not have your phone or biometric data, they will be unable to access your account even with your password.
Setting It Up:
On most of the major platforms, you can turn on 2FA in their security settings:
Step-by-step process:
- Open account security settings
- Look for “Two-Factor Authentication” or “Two-Step Verification”
- Select your preferred method (text, app, security key)
- Follow the setup instructions
- Store your backup codes in a secure place
Where to Enable 2FA:
- Email accounts (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.)
- Social media (Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook)
- Gaming accounts (Xbox, PlayStation, Steam)
- Shopping sites (Amazon, eBay)
- Banking and payment apps
Yes, it’s a few seconds to type an additional code. But those few seconds may help protect you from identity theft, financial loss or a hacked account.
11. Oversharing Daily Routines and Locations
These days, many are sharing their entire lives in real-time online. They tell when they are going to bed, where they think they might be going and when they’re attending events. They check in from restaurants, concerts and friends’ homes. They share photos from family vacations while they are on them.
The Security Risk:
Announcing your schedule serves as an alert to potential burglars when there’s nobody home. Sharing your location, in this very moment, is telling potential strangers where to find you right now. Writing a post about being at home alone leaves you vulnerable.
Real-World Consequences:
Thieves watch Twitter, Facebook and other social media to see when someone is on vacation. To schedule encounters, stalkers follow the routines of victims. Kidnappers know or can spot vulnerable victims and their habits.
This isn’t paranoia. Hundreds of cases a year are reported to law enforcement in which criminals used social media postings to facilitate crimes.
Safer Sharing Habits:
- When posting about something, write it up after you do it, not in the process of doing it
- Never share that you’re home alone
- Never broadcast family vacations until you are home
- Remove location tags from posts
- Do not post routine schedule info (for instance, “Monday evenings – Soccer”)
- Be unspecific about plans (“hanging with friends” as opposed to “at Central Park Mall”)
You can still live your life online. You just have to add a time delay and omit some details that would put you in danger.
12. Sending Inappropriate Photos or Messages
Young people may unknowingly exchange intimate photos or messages with romantic partners, however they often fail to anticipate the severe ramifications of this activity. They expect contents will be kept confidential but that trust is misplaced.
Why This Is Dangerous:
Once you send a photo or message to someone, you’ve forfeited control over it forever. The recipient can:
- Share it with others
- Post it online
- Use it against you to blackmail or manipulate you
- Keep it even after your relationship ended
Legal Consequences:
In many areas, it is illegal to send or receive sexual images of minors (anyone under 18), even when both people are teenagers and the exchange is consensual. This can result in:
- Criminal charges
- Sex offender registration
- Permanent criminal record
- Loss of college opportunities
- Difficulty finding employment
Additional Risks:
- Sextortion: Criminals blackmail you with intimate photos or ask for more
- Revenge porn: Private footage shared by ex-lovers in anger
- Reputation damage: Content circulates with friends, family and school
- Emotional trauma: Being a victim doesn’t just hurt, it is permanently damaging
Protecting Yourself:
- Do not send provocative pictures of yourself to anyone, for any reason
- Never feel pressured to send content
- Report those who ask for inappropriate photos
- If anyone shares intimate content of you, tell parents and authorities right away
- Just remind yourself that saying no isn’t prudish or uncool—it’s smart
If you have sent something you wish you hadn’t, let a trusted adult know right away. They can assist you in damage control.
Developing a Web Safety Plan for Your Family
Internet safety for families works best when everyone is on the same page. Parents and teens can work together to set some clear rules that are protective but not overly restrictive. For comprehensive resources on family internet safety, visit the Internet Safety Guide for expert tips and tools.
What Makes the Best Safety Plan:
Open Communication:
- Regular check-ins about online experiences
- No criticism when talking about mistakes or concerns
- Parents keep up with the latest apps and trends
Clear Boundaries:
- Mutual device use time frames
- Rules about posting personal information
- Guidelines for acceptable content
Safety Tools:
- Parental control software appropriate for age
- Privacy settings reviewed together
- Sharing your location for safety reasons when necessary
Education:
- Regular talk about new internet dangers
- Learning together about digital citizenship
- Being alert to the latest scams and threats
Consequences and Trust:
- Clear expectations for rule-breaking
- Balance of privacy and safety monitoring
- Incremental increases in freedom as responsibility is demonstrated
For additional guidance on creating effective family safety plans, check out the Federal Trade Commission’s guide on protecting kids online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I ever be sure about who someone online says they are?
A: Research the person in multiple ways. See if you have friends in common, make sure their social media profile information is consistent and video chat before totally trusting someone. Be suspicious if the person won’t video chat or has only vague, generic photos.
Q: What can I do if I have clicked a suspicious link by mistake?
A: You should close the page instantly without filling anything in. Run an antivirus software scan on the computer. Change passwords for important accounts. Keep an eye on your accounts for the next few weeks to spot any unusual activity. If you have entered any login credentials, change those passwords immediately.
Q: Can I use public WiFi at places like coffee shops or libraries safely?
A: Public WiFi is easy but dangerous. Don’t log into important accounts such as your online banking account or email on public WiFi. If you need to go on public WiFi, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your connection. Never type in passwords and personal information when using unsecured networks.
Q: What to do about someone who won’t stop messaging me online?
A: Block the person on every platform there is. Do not answer their messages — sometimes responding draws you into further contact. Save evidence of harassment. Report the behavior to the platform and let a trusted adult know. If there are threats, call local police.
Q: Do I need to delete my social media altogether as a safety measure?
A: Deletion is one possibility, but it’s not a decision that everyone needs to make. Rather concentrate on responsible use of platforms with appropriate privacy settings, mindful posting habits and an understanding of risks. Weigh the advantages of staying in touch with friends against potential risks.
Q: What is a good password that I can actually remember?
A: Create a passphrase consisting of random words that can be associated with numbers and special characters. For example, “Coffee!Desk$Green7Table” is strong and memorable. And you can also do one with the first letter of each word in a sentence: “My dog eats 3 meals every day at 5pm” is transformed to “Mde3meda5p!”
Moving Forward with Confidence
Internet safety for families isn’t about scaring people into submission or enacting bans on technology. This is about understanding risks and making intelligent choices. Each of the mistakes in this article can be avoided with a little knowledge and simple precautions.
The digital world is constantly changing with new apps, platforms and threats coming online all the time. The constant, however, is the importance of critical thinking, healthy skepticism and open dialogue between teens and their trusted adults.
It begins by checking your privacy settings, creating strong passwords and giving thought to what you share online. These little steps provide a lot of protection against everyday threats on the internet.
Don’t forget that errors are part of the learning process. If you’ve already done some of the things we discussed here, don’t worry too much. Acknowledge the steps that led you there, take corrective action and recommit to better decisions in the future.
What happens on the internet stays with you when you grow up. College admissions officers, employers and future romantic partners may well see what you post today. Create a digital presence you’ll be happy with tomorrow.
Keep asking questions, keep safe, and enjoy everything the internet has to offer while being careful. With the right information and practice, you will be able to sail through the online world safely and securely.
