Social media has become an integral part of everyday life, offering teens a space to connect, express themselves, and stay informed. However, it also comes with risks, especially when it comes to privacy and security. Many teens unknowingly expose personal information that can be misused by cybercriminals, online predators, or even peers with bad intentions.

While social media platforms provide privacy settings to control who can see your posts, interact with you, or access your personal data, these settings often go unnoticed or unoptimized. Understanding and using these privacy tools correctly is crucial for maintaining online safety.

The digital world operates on data collection and visibility. Everything shared on social media—whether posts, likes, comments, or even location data—contributes to an individual’s digital footprint. Without the right privacy settings, sensitive details can fall into the wrong hands.

• Preventing Identity Theft: Publicly shared personal details like full names, birthdays, and school names can be exploited by scammers.

• Avoiding Cyberbullying and Harassment: Restricting who can comment or message can prevent online bullying.

• Protecting Against Predators: Private accounts help reduce the chances of strangers accessing personal information.

• Managing Digital Reputation: Future employers and universities often check social media profiles; what is shared today can affect opportunities tomorrow.

1. Setting Accounts to Private

Most social media platforms default to public profiles, allowing anyone to view posts, photos, and even location check-ins. Changing this setting to private ensures that only approved friends or followers can access content.

• Instagram & TikTok: Switching to a private account means only accepted followers can see posts.

• Facebook: Allows customization of who can see profile information and posts.

• Twitter (X): Enables the option to protect tweets, making them visible only to followers.

2. Controlling Who Can Send Messages and Friend Requests

Receiving messages from strangers can be uncomfortable and, at times, dangerous. Social media platforms allow restrictions on who can DM (Direct Message) or send follow requests.

• Instagram: “Only people you follow” option prevents unknown users from messaging.

• Facebook Messenger: Filtering out message requests from non-friends keeps spam and unwanted messages away.

• Snapchat: Setting “Who Can Contact Me” to “My Friends” prevents random strangers from sending snaps.

3. Managing Location Sharing

Many apps encourage users to share their real-time location, which can be risky. Turning off location sharing prevents strangers from tracking movements.

• Snapchat’s Ghost Mode: Disables real-time location tracking.

• Facebook & Instagram: Turning off location access in app settings prevents accidental check-ins.

• Google Maps: Avoid sharing location history with apps unnecessarily.

4. Restricting Who Can Comment or Tag

Comments and tags can be used for cyberbullying or spreading misinformation. Most platforms allow users to control who can comment or tag them.

• Instagram & Facebook: Options to approve tags before they appear on the profile.

• TikTok: Settings to allow comments only from friends or disable them entirely.

• YouTube: Hiding or disabling comments on videos to avoid spam or hateful messages.

5. Reviewing App Permissions and Third-Party Access

Many social media accounts are linked to third-party apps and websites, which can collect unnecessary data. Regularly reviewing and removing unwanted connections prevents data leaks.

• Google & Facebook Login: Checking “Apps and Websites” in account settings shows which third-party services have access.

• Instagram: Removing connected apps that request unnecessary permissions.

• TikTok & Snapchat: Reviewing and revoking permissions from unknown apps.

6. Hiding Personal Information

Profiles often contain sensitive details like phone numbers, emails, birthdays, and hometowns. Hiding this information minimizes the risk of identity theft and impersonation.

• Facebook: Customizable options to show profile details only to close friends.

• Instagram & Twitter: Avoid adding phone numbers or emails visible to the public.

• Snapchat: Disabling public profile visibility prevents strangers from seeing personal details.

7. Managing Story and Post Visibility

Not every post should be visible to everyone. Platforms allow customization of who can see stories, reels, and posts.

• Instagram: Close Friends feature limits story visibility.

• Facebook: Custom post-sharing options (Public, Friends, Specific Friends).

• TikTok: Option to make videos private or visible only to mutual followers.

8. Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Even with the best privacy settings, account security is essential. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection, requiring both a password and a verification code to log in.

• Instagram & Facebook: SMS or authentication apps for login protection.

• Twitter & Google: Google Authenticator for additional security.

• Snapchat & TikTok: Enabling 2FA to prevent unauthorized logins.

9. Monitoring Digital Footprint and Old Posts

Teens often post without realizing the long-term impact. Periodically reviewing and deleting old posts ensures that embarrassing or sensitive content doesn’t resurface later.

• Facebook & Twitter: Options to archive or delete posts in bulk.

• Instagram: Removing tagged photos or archived posts.

• Google Search: Checking search results for personal information and requesting content removal if needed.

Privacy settings alone are not enough if online habits are careless. Here are some best practices to maintain long-term social media privacy:

• Think Before You Post: Anything shared online is permanent, even if deleted later.

• Avoid Sharing Real-Time Locations: Posting about travel plans or live locations can attract unwanted attention.

• Be Selective with Friend Requests: Accepting requests only from known individuals prevents unwanted interactions.

• Report Suspicious Activity: Any sign of hacking, cyberbullying, or fake profiles should be reported immediately.

• Stay Updated on Privacy Changes: Social media platforms frequently update policies; reviewing them regularly ensures continued protection.