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Summer is a time for young people to relax and take a break from school routines, while still continuing to learn and grow in different ways. As daily schedules shift, it can be a helpful time to think about balance and how to support healthy and flexible use of technology alongside other activities.

Our online world is constantly evolving, and for young people especially, it is fully integrated into their daily lives. Advocates and caregivers cannot always be there to monitor or control online behavior, so it is essential to equip young people with the knowledge and tools to increase their safety and possibly the safety of their peers.

This resource is designed for domestic violence and sexual assault advocates working with children and youth, and for caregivers and trusted adults of youth who have experienced domestic violence, sexual violence, dating violence, or stalking. It offers strategies to support children and youth in navigating gaming, socializing, and accessing content in online spaces in ways that increase their safety and the safety of others. 

The following topics will be covered:

  • Tools for caregivers, families, and trusted adults

  • Games and online chat spaces

  • Data and privacy awareness

  • Finding balance and making healthy choices

You can also find more resources in our Teens and Tech Toolkit.

 

Tools for caregivers and families

Helping young people with their online world can feel overwhelming, especially if you did not grow up with technology or are not familiar with the tools they are using. Apps and trends change quickly, and you do not need to know everything about every app, platform, or online trend. Even as technology changes, relationships, trust, and rapport remain constant and are key to supporting young people. These are skills you can use to learn from them and to start these conversations.

Start these conversations together before summer break, as it is a good time to set simple agreements together. Keep it clear and realistic. Talk about things like:

  • When devices can be used and when they are put away

  • What applications or sites are okay to use

  • What to do if something online feels confusing, upsetting, or unsafe

Try to make these agreements flexible, not strict rules set in stone. You can adjust them as things change.

Most important is keeping the conversation open. When young people feel comfortable talking about what they are seeing and doing online, it is easier to support them in making safer choices over time.

 

Tools for caregivers and families II

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Scroll through the accompanying text to see information about more tools and tips for caregivers and families.

Games and online chat spaces

Online gaming is a great way for teens to build skills, practice teamwork, and connect with friends. In many games chatting is an important part of gameplay. Games can have different ways of chatting, including voice or text options, “quick chat” with short automatic messages, platform messaging, or chat apps.

Chatting with friends

Just like in-person communication, online chat spaces with friends or peers can bring conflict, peer pressure, and even bullying. It is important for caregivers to understand the importance of online social interactions in young people’s lives and to provide support around setting boundaries.

Using built-in family tools and safety settings

Many platforms offer family tools or parental control settings. These may allow you to adjust privacy and safety options, set content filters, manage screen time, and learn how the platform works. While every application is different, these tools can be a helpful starting point for learning alongside young people and making informed choices together.

Anonymous chats

It is especially important to be aware of risks and red flags when young people are chatting with strangers online. Anonymous chats can cause harm by allowing predatory adults to misrepresent their age or identity and manipulate young gamers into sharing personal information, pictures, or even moving to other, more private chat spaces. Another risk is with cyberbullying – anonymity enables players, both minors and adults, to harass, gang up on, or verbally abuse others.

  • Don’t share personal information, location, pictures text.

  • Don’t click on links or download anything.

  • Do tell a trusted adult if they feel unsafe.

  • Do safety plan in advance, and get to know the chat options and settings for each game.

 

Data and privacy awareness

Data privacy awareness means understanding what personal information is being collected, how it is used, and how to make thoughtful choices about sharing it. Personal information can include things like your name, age, school, location, photos, videos, passwords, and even the apps you use or things you search online. It also includes details that may seem small on their own but can reveal more about you when put together.

It is important for young people to know that some people may try to get this information and use it in ways that can cause harm. That is why we should talk openly about what information is safe to share, who we should and should not share it with, what to keep private, and how to make choices that enhance their safety online.

Caregivers should talk with young people about making informed choices before sharing any personally identifying information to access content. Each family should consider the potential risks to safety if data is leaked or exposed.

Two hands, each holding a pen, facing each other. The left hand has a white pen and pink nail polish and is doodling in pink. The right hand is dark gray with a black pen and green nail polish. It is doodling in green.

How do online platforms collect personal information?

  • Technology is constantly evolving, and platforms routinely change requirements for access. Decide ahead of time what information is okay to share when creating a new account and what is not okay to share.

  • Age verification is a feature that is increasing across many gaming and social media platforms, including Roblox, Steam, Discord, YouTube, and Xbox. Some sites are using ID scans or facial age estimation, while others collect credit card information, date of birth, or parent/guardian verification.

 

Finding balance and making healthy choices

Avoid “brain rot!”

Brain rot is a slang term for digital media that is low value, especially doom scrolling, AI-generated content, and short form entertainment. Young people recognize the negative impact this kind of content has on our attention spans, mental health, and emotional wellbeing. Focusing instead on identifying high quality, educational digital media can help young people to make smart choices about what they consume now, and into the future!

Finding Balance: Join the Trend – Going Analog

Gen Z (ages 14–29) are leading a growing trend in 2026: “going analog.” This means intentionally stepping back from constant screen use and reconnecting with offline, hands-on experiences. Going analog is not about getting rid of technology. It is about balance. Screens are a normal part of daily life and help us learn, connect, and stay informed. At the same time, too much screen use can impact mental health and overall wellbeing. When there is no balance, constant scrolling and screen time can lead to:

  • Feeling overwhelmed or mentally drained
  • Increased stress or anxiety
  • Trouble focusing or staying present
  • Sleep disruption, especially with late-night use
  • Feeling disconnected even while being online

Creating balance between screen time and offline time helps support mental health. It gives the brain space to rest, reduces overstimulation, and helps people feel more grounded and focused.

The goal of going analog is to reduce time spent scrolling and make space for activities that support rest, creativity, mental health, and real-world connection.

 
Cartoon of a young person with long hair and a baggy sweatshirt skateboarding by a tree, their reflection visible. There are birds, hearts, and the sun above.

Finding balance and making healthy choices II

What it can look like:

  • Spending less time on social media and “doom scrolling”

  • Choosing in-person hangouts over digital-only interaction

  • Using physical tools like planners, calendars, and notebooks instead of apps

  • Making time for hobbies that do not involve screens

  • Using older or low-tech media and tools for enjoyment

  • Only accessing social media from a tablet or computer and removing it from cellphone to avoid endless scrolling.

Examples of analog activities:

  • Knitting, crochet, or other crafts

  • Journaling or writing by hand

  • Using film cameras instead of phone cameras

  • Listening to vinyl records or CDs

  • Reading physical books

These tips are meant to be a helpful starting point. It is not about having all the answers, but about building small, steady ways to support young people as they navigate technology in their everyday lives.

We hope this resource helps trusted adults and youth start open conversations, set clear expectations, find a healthier balance between online and offline time, and also leave room for enjoyment and fun.

Resources

For technical assistance, please contact us at SafetyNet@nnedv.org.

Teens & Tech Toolkit Homepage