Tips for Parents:

Instagram  
Instagram is a free photo and video sharing app for use on mobile phones. Users can upload photos or videos and share them with their followers or with a select group of friends. They can also view, comment and like posts shared by their friends on Instagram. Anyone 13 and older can create an account by registering an email address and selecting a username. 

Facebook
Teens use Facebook to connect with friends—through chat, personal messages and sharing photos, videos, links and other kinds of information.

Snapchat
Snapchat is for sharing moments with friends -- through Snaps, Chats and Stories. 

Twitter
Twitter is a global social broadcast network that enables people and organizations to publicly share brief messages instantly around the world. The service can be accessed on the web at twitter.com, on a wide variety of mobile devices, and via text messaging.

Please review the Parent Tips, Safety and Security guidelines discussed on the Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and Twitter websites:

• Instagram: Parent Tips, Safety and Security
• Facebook: Help Your Teen Play it Safe
• Snapchat: Snapchat Safety Center
• Twitter: Stay Safe, Have Fun

If you or your teen see someone posting distressing messages or content on any social media site or behaving dramatically differently than usual, it may signal that this person needs help.

If you have a gut feeling that something is not right, you should act on it.

Please read, "Learn the Facts", tips for spotting potential warning signs that a friend might be in emotional distress and need your help.

• Additional resources are available at SPTS Teens website.