🎯 What you will learn
- By the end of this lesson you'll know how to set up a private, secure account.
- You'll know who to accept as a friend and how to spot fake profiles.
- You'll understand the risks of viral challenges and trends.
- You'll know why any message or photo can end up as a screenshot.
- You'll know how to block, report and ask for help.
Age limits and platform rules
Most social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook) require users to be at least 13 years old; in Europe, WhatsApp also requires users to be at least 13. These limits aren't random: the platforms collect lots of data, and the content isn't designed for younger children.
For teenagers, many platforms now offer teen accounts with extra protection: private accounts by default, limits on messages from strangers and supervision tools for parents. Don't lie about your age when you sign up – if you do, you lose these protections.
Set up your account: the basics
- Private account: only people you accept can see your posts.
- Messages: allow messages only from people you follow.
- Comments and tags: limit them to friends, and turn on filters for offensive words.
- Location: turn it off in your posts and on maps (e.g. Ghost Mode on Snap Map).
- Username: don't use your full name + year of birth; choose a nickname instead.
- Profile picture: this could be a drawing, or a photo in which your school or home can't be recognised.
- Security: a unique password and 2FA.
Friend requests and fake profiles
Not everyone is who they say they are. Some profiles are set up for scams, to collect photos or to win children's trust (grooming). Signs of a fake profile:
- Very few posts, created recently, or photos that look too “perfect” (often stolen or made with AI).
- Lots of followers you don't know, or lots of mutual friends you don't really know.
- They message you straight away with compliments: “You're so good-looking”, “You're not like the others”.
- They want to chat in a different, private app, or to keep things “secret”.
- They ask for photos, personal details or to meet up; they offer gifts, money or game codes.
The rule: only accept people you know in real life. If someone you know sends you a request from a “new” account, ask them in person or by phone – it could be a fake copy.
Viral challenges and trends
Some trends are fun (dances, recipes, sports challenges). But some “challenges” are dangerous: holding your breath, swallowing harmful substances, jumping from high places, damaging property or filming someone to make fun of them. Children in many countries have been seriously hurt by them.
- Ask yourself: Could I or someone else get hurt? Would I be embarrassed if my family saw this?
- If a challenge looks dangerous, don't do it, don't share it – report it.
- Watch out for “challenges” that spread fear (for example, scary characters who “give you orders”) – they're often viral hoaxes. Talk to an adult instead of passing them on.
- No number of likes is ever worth your health or your safety.
Screenshots and private messages
Anything that appears on a screen can be saved: with a screenshot, a screen recording or another phone. The “X took a screenshot” notification doesn't protect you, because by then the damage has already been done.
- Never send photos or videos you wouldn't want the whole school to see.
- Sending or sharing intimate images of anyone under 18 is illegal – even if you send them yourself or forward them “just to one friend”.
- If someone threatens to publish photos of you (sextortion), don't pay and don't send anything else. Save the messages, block them and tell an adult. It is not your fault.
- On the plus side: screenshots are a good way to keep evidence when someone is bullying you.
Block, report, tell
Every platform has tools to protect you. Get to know them before you need them:
- Block – the person can no longer see you or message you.
- Restrict – their comments can only be seen by them, and they don't know you've restricted them.
- Mute – you stop seeing their posts without removing them from your friends.
- Report – the platform reviews the profile or post. Reporting is anonymous.
And always: tell a trusted adult – a parent, a teacher or the school counsellor/psychologist. They won't take your phone away for it; they'll help you.
📖 A real-life story
Dardan, 14, from Ferizaj, got a friend request from “Ana”, a girl with lovely photos and 40 mutual friends. She messaged him every day and paid him lots of compliments, and after a week she suggested they chat in a different app and that he send her a photo “just for her”.
Dardan thought it was odd that “Ana” never agreed to a video call. He did a reverse image search on her photo and found it on the profile of a model from another country. He didn't send anything. He took screenshots of the conversation, blocked and reported the profile, and told his dad. His dad thanked him for telling him, and together they warned his classmates too, because “Ana” had been messaging them as well.
✅ Do / Don't
✅ Do this
- Keep your account private and allow messages from friends only.
- Only accept people you know in real life.
- Check by phone when a “friend” messages you from a new account.
- Think about safety before you try a viral challenge.
- Take screenshots as evidence when someone bullies or threatens you.
- Use blocking, restricting and reporting.
- Tell an adult when something worries you.
- Turn on 2FA and use a unique password.
❌ Don't do this
- Don't accept requests from strangers, even if they have “mutual friends”.
- Don't send photos or videos you wouldn't want everyone to see.
- Don't keep a conversation that makes you feel bad “secret”.
- Don't meet up with someone you only know online without a parent.
- Don't pay or send anything if someone threatens you.
- Don't take part in challenges that could hurt you or others.
- Don't lie about your age when you sign up.
👨👩👧 For parents and teachers
A total ban rarely works with teenagers; a clear agreement and trust are far more effective.
- Respect the age limits (usually 13+) and, when your child opens an account, set it up together.
- Use the platforms' family supervision tools (e.g. Family Center, Family Pairing) openly – your child should know about them.
- Ask with curiosity, not accusation: “Who do you follow? What's trending at the moment?”
- Keep repeating the message: “If anyone threatens you or asks you for photos, come to me. I won't be angry with you.”
- Learn the signs of grooming: sudden secrecy, gifts from people you don't know, changes in mood.
- If there are threats or blackmail, keep the evidence and contact the Kosovo Police (192).
🧠 Mini-quiz
Answer 3 questions. Get at least 2 right and the lesson is marked as completed in your passport.