St. Thomas, ON – Monday August 25th 2025
CRU & SADER — Summer Wrap-Up
This summer, CRU & SADER covered seven popular apps and platforms kids and teens use daily, and the risks they can pose if used without care.
Here’s what we learned:
1. Snapchat — Risks: predators, location sharing, fake profiles, screenshot leaks.
Tip: Use Ghost Mode and only connect with people you know.
2. Roblox — Risks: inappropriate “condo” games, predators in chat/voice.
Tip: Turn on Restricted Mode and set a PIN in parental controls.
3. YouTube — Risks: harmful content, unsafe comments, bad advice.
Tip: Enable 2-Step Verification and monitor viewing history.
4. TikTok — Risks: harmful trends, self-image issues, unsafe “For You” recommendations.
Tip: Use Family Safety Mode and Restricted Mode.
5. WhatsApp — Risks: phishing, fake profiles, location sharing, spyware.
Tip: Lock privacy settings and teach kids to spot scams.
6. Discord — Risks: bullying, explicit content, malware links, fake profiles.
Tip: Adjust DM and friend settings, block and report strangers.
7. Instagram — Risks: strangers, explicit content, location tagging, body image issues.
Tip: Make account Private and enable two step authentification.
The Big Picture
Talk openly with your child about online safety.
Use privacy settings and parental controls.
Report and block unsafe content or people immediately.
Teach kids to think before sharing. Once it is online, it is permanent.
Safe devices equal safe kids.
Thank you for joining us this summer. Remember, cyber safety is a year-round mission.
