Youth Shield Youth Shield

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about accounts, privacy and safety

Account

Signs include being unable to log in, password reset emails you didn't request, friends reporting strange messages from the account, posts your child didn't make, and login alerts from unknown devices. If hacked, reset password immediately, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), and log out of all devices.

Password

A strong password has at least 12 characters, mixes uppercase and lowercase letters, includes numbers and symbols (like @, #, $), and is not a common word or name. Example: "BlueTiger$42Forest!" is strong. "Password123" is weak and easy to hack.

Privacy

Three settings: (1) Location Services – set to "While Using" for maps, "Never" for games; (2) Camera & Microphone – disable for apps that don't need them; (3) Ad Tracking – turn off personalized ads in phone settings. These three changes significantly reduce data collection and unwanted contact.

Legal

Most platforms require users to be at least 13 years old (COPPA law in the US). This applies to Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Discord, and Facebook. If a child is under 13, the account must be parent-managed. Roblox has age verification and different settings for users under 13. Creating an account with a fake age violates platform terms and removes safety protections.

Technical

2FA adds a second layer of security. After entering a password, the user must enter a code sent to their phone or generated by an app. To set up: go to account settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication. Choose an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy) over SMS for better security. Store backup codes in a safe place.