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BeReal

Low

A low-risk, authenticity-focused app — the least concerning social platform your teen is probably using.

Ages 13–15Ages 16+
Minimum ageNot specified
Strangers can contactNo
Location sharinghidden
Disappearing messages
Parental visibilityLimited

What it actually is

BeReal sends a daily notification at a random time and gives users 2 minutes to take a front-and-back camera photo showing exactly what they're doing at that moment. The concept is designed to counteract the performative nature of Instagram — no filters, no planning, just a snapshot of real life. The friend network is typically small and mutual — both people must follow each other to see each other's posts. DMs are available but not a primary feature. BeReal has significantly lower risk than most social platforms. The main concerns are location metadata embedded in photos and the friend discovery feature.

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Location settings

  1. iPhone → Settings → BeReal → Location → set to Never or Ask Next Time
  2. This prevents location data from being embedded in photos

Friend discovery

  1. Open BeReal → Friends tab
  2. Review the "People You May Know" section — decline any you don't recognize
  3. Your child's friends list should be people they know in real life

What to check periodically

  • Friends list (should be real-life friends only)
  • Memories tab (stores all previous BeReals)
  • That Location is still set to Never in iOS settings

Other apps to know about

Partiful

Low

A party invitation app that's relatively low risk — the main concern is the public guest lists and RSVP visibility.

Ages 13–15Ages 16+

Character.ai

High

AI companions that blur the line between friendship and fantasy — with no guardrails for emotionally vulnerable teens.

Ages 13–15Ages 16+

Discord

High

Built for gamers but now used for everything — the private servers and DMs are where the real risks hide.

Ages 13–15Ages 16+

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