A Parent's Guide to BeReal — Digipalz

How to keep your children safe on BeReal.

A Parent's Guide to BeReal

Understanding the App Together

Conversation Approach:

  • Sit down with your child and have them show you how BeReal works
  • Ask them to walk you through:
    • What they enjoy about the app
    • How friends use it
    • What makes it different from other social media platforms

Key Discussion Points:

  • Explain that "real" doesn't mean "safe"
  • Discuss the potential consequences of sharing spontaneous moments
  • Help them understand digital footprints

Conversation Starters

  • "Can you show me how BeReal works?"
  • "What do you like most about this app?"
  • "Have you ever felt uncomfortable with a photo you've shared?"
  • "How do you and your friends use BeReal differently?"

Privacy Settings: A Step-by-Step Guide

Account Privacy Configuration

  1. Restrict Friend Connections
    • Encourage your child to:
      • Only add people they know in real life
      • Regularly review their friend list
      • Remove connections that make them uncomfortable
  2. Control Post Visibility
    • Navigate to app settings
    • Set posts to "Friends Only"
    • Disable public sharing options
    • Turn off "Discovery" features that allow strangers to see posts
  3. Disable Location Sharing
    • Locate app permissions in phone settings
    • Revoke location access for BeReal
    • Explain why sharing location can be dangerous

Technical Privacy Checklist

  • Limit friend list to known, trusted connections
  • Set account to private
  • Disable location services
  • Turn off public discovery
  • Prevent screenshot notifications

Location Sharing: The Hidden Risks

  • Each BeReal post can inadvertently reveal:
    • Home address
    • School location
    • Current activity location
    • Daily routines

Practical Steps to Protect Location Privacy

  1. Phone-Level Restrictions
    • Go to phone settings
    • Find BeReal in app permissions
    • Disable location access completely
  2. App-Level Location Controls
    • Open BeReal settings
    • Locate location services
    • Turn off all location-related features
  3. Educate About Digital Footprints
    • Explain how background details can reveal location
    • Discuss potential risks of location tracking
    • Encourage mindful sharing

Warning Signs of Inappropriate App Usage

  • Secretive Behavior
    • Hiding phone screen
    • Becoming defensive about app usage
    • Sudden changes in online behavior
  • Potential Indicators of Risk
    • Sharing too much personal information
    • Interacting with unknown users
    • Feeling pressured to respond to BeReal notifications

Creating a Safe Communication Environment

  • Regular Check-ins
    • Monthly discussions about social media
    • Create a judgment-free zone for sharing concerns
  • Mutual Trust
    • Listen more than you lecture
    • Show genuine interest in their digital world
    • Avoid immediate punishment for sharing difficult experiences

Technology Agreement

Consider creating a family technology agreement that includes:

  • Agreed-upon social media guidelines
  • Consequences for misuse
  • Open communication channels
  • Regular privacy setting reviews

Final Thoughts

Technology evolves rapidly. The most powerful protection is an open, honest relationship built on mutual understanding and respect.

Remember: Your goal is not to police, but to guide and protect.