If your child has been asking about the app BeReal, you’re not alone. This social media platform has taken the younger generation by storm with its unique approach to sharing authentic, unfiltered moments. But as a parent, you’re likely asking yourself, “Is BeReal safe for kids?”
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what BeReal is, the potential risks it poses, and whether it’s appropriate for your child. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision. Let’s get started!
What Is BeReal?
BeReal is a social media app that launched in 2020 and has since gained popularity, especially among teens and young adults. Unlike other platforms that emphasize curated, polished content, BeReal is all about authenticity.
Here’s how it works: Once a day, at a random time, users receive a notification prompting them to take a photo using both their front and back cameras within a two-minute window. The idea is to share a “real” snapshot of your life in that moment—no filters, no edits, just raw, unfiltered reality.
BeReal’s features include:
- Real-time sharing: You can only post during the daily notification window.
- Dual-camera photos: The app captures both your face and your surroundings.
- No likes or follower counts: Interaction is limited to comments and “RealMoji” reactions (photo-based emojis).
- Friends of Friends feed: Instead of a public discovery page, users can view posts from friends and their extended social circles.
While BeReal’s emphasis on authenticity makes it stand out, it’s still a social media platform—and that comes with certain risks.
Should I Let My Child Use BeReal?
This is a tricky question, and the answer depends on your child’s age, maturity, and how they use social media. BeReal has a 12+ rating on the Apple App Store and a 13+ rating from Common Sense Media, but even older kids might need guidance to use it responsibly.
On the plus side, BeReal’s lack of filters and follower counts reduces some of the pressures kids face on platforms like Instagram or TikTok. It encourages them to share authentic moments, which can be refreshing in today’s hyper-curated social media landscape.
However, there are still risks to consider. For example, the app’s real-time nature can create anxiety, especially if your child feels pressured to post immediately or if they’re in an inappropriate setting when the notification arrives. Additionally, privacy concerns—like location sharing—are worth noting.
What Parents Need to Know About BeReal
If your child is asking to download BeReal, here are some key things to keep in mind:
1. The Two-Minute Posting Window
BeReal’s daily notification gives users a two-minute window to take and upload their photo. While this can be fun and spontaneous, it can also lead to impulsive posting. Kids might not think about what’s in the background of their photos or whether they’re sharing sensitive information.
Tip: Teach your child to review their photos carefully before posting, even if they’re in a rush.
2. Location Sharing
If location services are enabled, BeReal automatically attaches your child’s coordinates to their post. This could reveal their home, school, or other private locations.
Tip: Make sure your child disables location sharing in the app’s settings and use VPN services if necessary.
3. Friends of Friends Feed
While BeReal no longer has a public discovery page, the “Friends of Friends” feed still allows users to see posts from people they don’t know personally. This could expose your child to strangers or inappropriate content.
Tip: Encourage your child to only add people they know in real life as friends on the app.
4. Community Guidelines
BeReal has community standards that prohibit bullying, hateful content, and other harmful behaviors. However, enforcement isn’t foolproof, and inappropriate content can still slip through.
Tip: Regularly check in with your child about their experiences on the app and encourage them to report any inappropriate behavior.
5. RealGroup Chats
BeReal recently introduced group chat functionality, which allows users to create closed groups with friends. While this feature can foster closer connections, it also opens the door to private conversations that parents may not be aware of.
Tip: Discuss online etiquette and the importance of respectful communication with your child.
Is BeReal Safe for Kids? What Are the Risks?
So, is BeReal safe for kids? While it’s generally safer than some other social media platforms, it’s not without risks. Here’s a closer look at the potential dangers:
1. Privacy Concerns
BeReal’s dual-camera feature and location sharing can inadvertently expose personal information. For example, a photo might reveal your child’s location, school logo, or other identifying details.
How to Protect Your Child: Disable location sharing and remind your child to be mindful of their surroundings when taking photos.
2. Anxiety Around Posting
The app’s two-minute window can create a sense of urgency that might stress kids out—especially if they’re busy or in a less-than-ideal setting when the notification arrives.
How to Protect Your Child: Emphasize that it’s okay to skip a post if they’re not comfortable sharing in the moment.
3. Exposure to Strangers
While the Friends of Friends feed is less risky than a public discovery page, it still increases the likelihood of your child interacting with people they don’t know.
How to Protect Your Child: Set their account to private and monitor their friend list regularly.
4. Screen Time Overload
Although BeReal only requires one post per day, kids might still spend time scrolling through their friends’ posts or engaging with the app’s features.
How to Protect Your Child: Set screen time limits and encourage a healthy balance between online and offline activities.
Final Thoughts
BeReal offers a refreshing take on social media by promoting authenticity and limiting some of the pressures associated with other platforms. However, it’s not without its risks. Privacy concerns, anxiety around posting, and exposure to strangers are all factors parents need to consider.
If you decide to let your child use BeReal, here are some steps to ensure their safety:
- Set their account to private: This limits who can see their posts.
- Disable or change location on their phones: Prevents their coordinates from being attached to posts.
- Monitor their activity: Periodically check in to see how they’re using the app.
- Have open conversations: Talk about online safety and encourage your child to come to you with any concerns.
Ultimately, no app is completely safe without parental guidance. BeReal can be a fun and relatively low-pressure way for kids to connect with friends, but it’s up to us as parents to teach them how to use it responsibly.
What do you think? Will you let your child use BeReal? Let me know in the comments! And if you found this guide helpful, share it with other parents who might be wondering, “Is BeReal safe for kids?”
