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
Snapchat is the number one platform for sextortion. The disappearing messages give predators confidence that evidence will vanish. Teach your child: screenshot everything before it disappears. The recipient can screenshot too — so can your child.
TikTok
Why predators love it: The algorithm can push content to millions. DMs are enabled by default for adults. 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: DMs are open by default for non-followers. 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. The "Com" and 764 coercion networks operate primarily through 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
Discord is the primary platform used by 764 and "The Com" coercion networks — groups that dare children to self-harm for points. 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. Our partner Project Morris documents hundreds of predatory accounts on Roblox daily.
Critical Settings to Change
- Account age: Ensure accurate birth date. Users under 13 get automatic chat filters (COPPA)
- 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 age verification
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.