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.