A guide for parents
Social networking: Most young people are on social networking apps and most of these have a minimum age of 13 years of age. The preferred apps for young people is Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok. Instagram is an image and video based social network, TikTok has short videos, and Snapchat is an app that allows users to send pictures to each other that disappear off screen within a set amount of time. If you are worried about any form of bullying on these apps, please read our advice on how to get help.
Instant messaging: this allows users to chat to each other online through private messaging. There are various formats used by different apps, but they all do the same thing. Common platforms are WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat or Facebook Messenger.
Online chat room: A virtual meeting place where users can chat to each other instantly. Conversations are open and public, and anyone can join in - but users can opt for private chats. Some popular chat rooms are Reddit and Discord.
Forum: A platform or noticeboard where people can post messages - often in response to a topic or subject. The chat isn't live or instant but gets updated as and when people respond to messages. Forums and message boards are often overseen by a moderator.
Online abbreviations to be aware of:
- BRB: Be right back
- IDK: I don’t know
- IDC: I don’t care
- LOL: Laugh out loud
- BRB: Be Right Back
- GTG: Got to go
- K: OK