Safety Tips for Teens
At OurTeenNetwork, your safety is our number one priority. We want you to have fun, make new friends, and find cool Snapchat and Kik usernames, but we also want you to be safe. Please read these guidelines carefully before using our site.
Remember: You are in control. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, block them immediately and report them to us.
1. Protect Your Personal Information
While sharing your social usernames (like Snapchat, Kik, or Instagram) is part of the fun, be careful about what else you share:
- Never share your home address, the name of your school, or your specific location.
- Do not give out your phone number right away. Stick to messaging apps where you can easily block users (like Kik or Snapchat).
- Keep your passwords secret. Even your best friends shouldn't know them.
2. Be Smart with Social Apps (Snapchat, Kik, TikTok)
When you add someone from OurTeenNetwork on another app, remember:
- Check privacy settings: Ensure your Snapchat map (Snap Map) is turned off or set to 'Ghost Mode' so strangers can't see your location.
- Think before you send: Once you send a photo or video, you lose control of it. Never send nudes or compromising photos.
- Verify who they are: Ask for a live pic or a video call early on to ensure they are who they say they are (and not a catfish).
3. Spotting a 'Catfish' or Scammer
A 'Catfish' is someone who pretends to be someone else online. Watch out for these red flags:
- Their profile photo looks like a model or is too perfect.
- They refuse to video chat or verify their identity via Snapchat snaps.
- They tell you hard-luck stories and ask for money. Never send money to anyone you meet online.
4. Meeting in Real Life (IRL)
We recommend keeping your friendships online. However, if you decide to meet someone:
- Always ask a parent or guardian first.
- Meet in a very public place (like a mall or a coffee shop). never in a private home or park.
- Bring a friend with you.
- Tell someone exactly where you are going and when you will be back.
5. Zero Tolerance for Bullying
OurTeenNetwork is a positive community. We do not tolerate:
- Bullying or harassment.
- Racism, hate speech, or discrimination.
- Explicit or adult content.
How to Report a User
If you see a profile that violates our rules or makes you feel unsafe, please report it immediately. You can find the 'Report' button on every user profile. Our moderation team reviews reports 24/7.