What it is
Twitter, now called X, is a public social network. People post short updates, photos, and videos. Accounts can be followed by anyone, and direct messages are a second, quieter space.
Adult content, pile-ons, and strangers who reply to a child’s post are common. A public account that uses their real name and school makes them easy to find.
What to look out for
- A public account with their real name, school, or face.
- Direct messages from people they do not know.
- Replies that turn cruel or sexual.
- A second, private account they use to post more freely.
Ways to stay safe
These steps are for Twitter / X. The house rules still apply on every app.
- Younger children do not need this app.
- For older teens, use a protected account, turn off message requests from strangers, and keep their real name and school off the profile.
- Mute or block is allowed. They do not have to answer.
- If a pile-on has started, screenshot what you need and then leave the conversation. Do not reply in anger.
In the news
Published reports you can read yourself. A headline is the proof, not a set of instructions, and this page does not repeat graphic detail.
- Overhaul algorithms and age checks or face fines, tech firms told This BBC report is Ofcom’s 2025 children’s code. It is about age checks and harmful feeds, not this app by name.
- Twitter/X, Twitch and Discord fell short on child-exploitation questions A legal transparency report. X did not answer key questions. Twitch and Discord were in the same notice.
A way to start the conversation
You can say: "Anything you post here can be copied. If a stranger messages you, you do not owe them a reply. Show me instead."
Video
Parent briefing
A short video for this guide can be added by an editor. Until then, the written briefing above is the one to use.