When teens and kids find a place for community, news, information, and more, smart parents know to ask questions. A common question we’ve received is “Is Reddit safe?” and how to keep my kids safe on Reddit and similar sites. Here, the attorneys at Reich & Binstock are discussing the potential hidden dangers and how to protect kids from online predators, accessing pornographic material, and navigating the legal system in cases of abuse.
Call (713) 622-7271 to schedule a free consultation with our Texas social media addiction lawyers regarding your case.
What is Reddit and How to Use Reddit
Before understanding how to stay safe in such communities, we have to identify what the site is. While Reddit is one of the more popular online communities, it often acts as a search engine, like Google, for example. Creators tout the site as “The Front Page of the Internet.” The site provides a person with the ability to find a wealth of knowledge, from helpful tips to an array of absolutely beneficial resources. However, like anything on the web, you can’t always trust the data that’s posted. For some users, the benefits do not outweigh the security issues, especially with respect to young people.
Additionally, users can download the app version of the popular website, allowing them to connect with others, read any article that piques their interest, post, and use other tools. Both the web-based and app versions offer similar functionality; the app poses more concerns for the average young person.
How Does Reddit Work?
A user can post, vote, or spend time discussing a range of topics with other users in various communities. These communities are called subreddits. A user can post in the form of text posts, links, videos, and other users can upvote or downvote the content based on their preferences.
Popular posts rise to the top of the subreddit or front page of the site. People can comment or make text posts within subreddits or other communities to further conversations. Each subreddit or community has its own security settings and moderators.
Is Reddit Safe to Use?
Reddit can be safe to use if approached cautiously. However, due to the standard anonymity of the site, users are interacting with random strangers on the internet. Users can be exposed to harmful content and strangers who purposely expose kids to inappropriate content, like pornography, for example. In addition, because this is an online community, it poses dangers of becoming addictive, especially for young people.
To stay safe, enable two-factor authentication to keep the user’s account safe. Minors should not have a username that looks “childish.” It’s important to enable privacy settings and parental controls for teens. While users can report suspicious or harmful content, website developers cannot keep a user from sharing personally identifiable information with strangers online. For this reason, the answer to “Is Reddit safe for children?” is generally “no.”
Many communities expose teens and kids to pornographic or unsafe content, as well as predators who use the site for online sexual grooming.
Is Reddit Safe for Kids?
No, Reddit is not safe for kids or pre-teens. Due to the platform’s open nature, users can post and share content with minimal restrictions, including offensive and adult content, making it easy for children to find this content.
Also, due to username anonymity and limited security settings, Reddit doesn’t have a robust age verification system. This means Reddit predators use the site to exploit vulnerable adults and younger kids.
So, are kids under 13 safe on Reddit? The standard practice is no. We argue that to stay safe on Reddit, kids of any age shouldn’t be on the site unsupervised.
Is Reddit Safe for Teens?
While standard practice says that teens over 13 are generally safe on Reddit, we argue that there’s a massive safety issue here as well. Programs that show search traffic for “Reddit + teens” are nauseating, at best. This is included below.
Even with content filters and parental controls in place, it’s almost impossible to control what teenagers see from other users. While new Reddit users have NSFW content disabled by default, this setting can be changed very easily and without the need to verify that the user is over the age of 18.
Due to the anonymity on Reddit, teens are also at risk of being groomed or experiencing covert sexual abuse. Also, since this is an online community, it’s much easier for them to suffer a Reddit addiction.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Use Reddit?
According to Reddit’s terms of service, users must be at least 13 years old to create an account. However, individuals between 13 and 18 should use the platform with parental supervision, as Reddit does not have strict age-gating measures in place.
Is Reddit Inappropriate?
Since Reddit hosts a wide range of user-generated content, it can be considered inappropriate for some users. While many communities are moderated and follow specific rules, Reddit’s open platform allows for content that may not be suitable for all audiences, especially younger users. The lack of strict content filtering means users can easily encounter inappropriate content if they aren’t careful about the subreddits they visit.
Parental Controls for Reddit Users
Compared to other online communities, the site has limited parental control and safety features. Guardians can take some steps for restricted access, like blocking “mature” or “NSFW content,” for example. But, this doesn’t ensure the teen will stay safe on the site.
Another option is using third-party parental control apps or device settings to limit screen time or ensure the teen is banned from Reddit entirely. We also recommend that adults enable two-factor authentication attached to any minor’s username to limit access to Reddit without supervision.
Two-factor authentication requires the person to have the account password as well as an additional device in order to unlock the site. This can help prevent children from unauthorized access to a Reddit account, allowing guardians to monitor activity more closely.
Since Reddit allows anonymous interactions and has subreddits with minimal moderation, parents should actively supervise younger users and teach them to exercise caution while on the internet.
Reddit Account Controversies: Doxxing and Hate Groups
Reddit has been the center of a number of controversies, including those involving “doxxing,” which involves publicly sharing someone’s personal information without their consent. This practice can lead to severe consequences, including harassment, stalking, and threats, putting individuals’ safety and privacy at risk.
Despite Reddit’s efforts to combat doxxing through moderation and reporting tools, the platform’s open nature and user anonymity make it challenging to fully eliminate such harmful activities. This can be incredibly harmful when done to minors, which is another reason why kids on Reddit should only use the platform under strict parental supervision.
Additionally, Reddit has been the host of various hate groups and subreddits that promote racism, misogyny, and other forms of bigotry. While the platform has taken steps to ban certain hate-filled communities, these groups have often found ways to re-emerge or shift to other subreddits, creating an ongoing challenge for Reddit’s moderation team.
Young people who are exposed to hate speech on the platform can be introduced to prejudiced ideologies, promoted negative behaviors, and potentially lead to emotional distress. Such content can influence their attitudes and beliefs in a damaging way. Parents should closely monitor their child’s Reddit use to prevent exposure to these harmful groups.
What Should Parents Watch Out for on Reddit?
If a minor has a Reddit account, a lot of things should be on your radar. From pornography to inappropriate content to bullying, grooming, and other harmful content, there are just a few things to watch out for:
- Inappropriate content
- Exposure to hate groups
- Signs of cyberbullying
- Personal information sharing
- Changes in behavior
- Interactions with strangers
- Symptoms of social media addiction
It’s crucial to identify red flags for Reddit addiction or addiction to other platforms, like spending long periods of time or being chronically online, for example. Other digital addiction symptoms include:
- Neglecting other personal responsibilities
- Becoming irritable or anxious when unable to access the platform (social media withdrawal)
- Showing a decline in real-world relationships and activities
- Negative changes in mood
- Changes in sleep patterns (excessive sleeping or lack of sleep)
- Negative changes in academic performance
- Negative changes in mental health
If you notice that your child is exhibiting the signs and symptoms of a social media addiction, contact the social media addiction attorneys at Reich & Binstock today.
How to Keep Your Children Safe on Social Media
To protect your child from harmful content and individuals on Reddit, start by having open conversations about safe online practices and the types of content they might encounter. Actively monitor their activity and engage in discussions about the potential risks of interacting with strangers online.
Encouraging critical thinking and setting clear rules about internet use can also help safeguard your child from online dangers. Ensure that their account does not reveal any personally identifiable information about them and discuss the importance of keeping that information private while online.
Go into your child’s account settings and use Reddit’s content filters to block mature material from your child’s feed. Consider using third-party parental control apps to restrict access to the platform, if necessary. Help them find communities that they would be interested in and would be safe to view content within.
Continue to monitor your child’s account and overall Reddit usage. If your child seems to be addicted to social media or Reddit in particular, take the steps necessary to stop social media addiction and prevent further damage to their physical and mental health.
Contact a Texas Reddit Lawsuit Attorney For a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one is struggling with social media addiction and its impact on daily life, Reich & Binstock is here to help. Our experienced attorneys specialize in addressing the legal and psychological challenges associated with social media use, providing personalized support to those affected by harmful online behaviors.
We understand the unique challenges that come with managing social media addiction, from privacy concerns to emotional distress, and are dedicated to guiding you through the legal options available.
We handle the following types of cases and more:
- Instagram claims in Texas,
- Facebook claims in Texas,
- TikTok claims in Texas,
- Character AI claims in Texas,
- Discord claims in Texas, and
- Snapchat claims in Texas.
Let us help you explore your options and take the first steps toward reclaiming your well-being. Call (713) 622-7271 or contact us via our website to schedule a free consultation with a legal professional on our team.
