Complete Resource Database

Everything Florida families need: platform ratings, parental controls, legal resources, conversation guides, and actionable steps to protect youth mental health and well-being online.

Platform Mental Health Ratings Database

Research-based assessments of how social media, apps, and games impact youth anxiety, sleep, addiction, and well-being. Each platform is rated across 5 mental health dimensions.

16+ Mental Health Concerns

TikTok

Short-form video platform with highly addictive algorithm and significant social comparison effects.

Read Full Rating →

14+ Use with Awareness

Instagram

Photo and video sharing with strong social comparison effects but creative expression opportunities.

Read Full Rating →

13+ Use with Awareness

Fortnite

Battle royale game with social features and moderate addictive design patterns.

Read Full Rating →

TBD Coming Soon

Snapchat

Ephemeral messaging app with significant teen usage. Rating in development.

TBD Coming Soon

YouTube

Video sharing platform with recommendation algorithm. Rating in development.

TBD Coming Soon

Discord

Chat platform popular with teens and gamers. Rating in development.

TBD Coming Soon

Roblox

Gaming platform with user-generated content and social features. Rating in development.

TBD Coming Soon

BeReal

Authentic photo-sharing app with daily prompts. Rating in development.

TBD Coming Soon

WhatsApp

Encrypted messaging platform. Rating in development.

TBD Coming Soon

X (Twitter)

Real-time social network. Rating in development.

TBD Coming Soon

Twitch

Live streaming platform popular with gamers. Rating in development.

TBD Coming Soon

Reddit

Discussion forum platform with diverse communities. Rating in development.

Database Growth: We currently have 3 platforms with complete mental health ratings and 9+ more in development. Our goal is to rate 50+ platforms over the next 18 months, prioritizing those most used by Florida youth.

Parental Control Applications

These applications enable parents to manage screen time, monitor online activity, and restrict certain websites and applications. All have received reputable ratings from third-party review websites.

Aura

Comprehensive parental controls with real-time monitoring, content filtering, and screen time management across all devices.

Visit Aura

Bark

Monitors texts, emails, and social media for potential safety concerns including cyberbullying, online predators, and harmful content.

Visit Bark

Qustodio

Cross-platform monitoring and filtering with detailed activity reports, screen time limits, and app blocking capabilities.

Visit Qustodio

mSpy

Comprehensive monitoring solution with location tracking, call and message monitoring, and social media oversight.

Visit mSpy

Parentaler

Family-friendly parental control app with screen time management, web filtering, and app usage monitoring.

Visit Parentaler

Norton Family

Norton's parental control solution offering web supervision, time supervision, and location tracking for families.

Visit Norton Family

Net Nanny

Real-time content filtering, screen time management, and app blocking with family safety features across devices.

Visit Net Nanny

Note on Parental Controls

While parental control tools can be helpful, they work best when combined with open communication, education about digital well-being, and age-appropriate independence. No technical solution replaces ongoing conversations about responsible technology use.

Understanding the Laws

Important federal and state laws protect children online. Here's what parents need to know:

COPPA (Federal Law)

Children's Online Privacy Protection Act

What it does: Protects the privacy of children under 13 by requiring parental consent before collecting personal information.

Key provisions:

  • Websites and apps must get verifiable parental consent before collecting data from children under 13
  • Parents have the right to review and delete their child's information
  • Companies must maintain reasonable security for children's data

Enforced by: Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Learn More About COPPA

Florida HB-3

Florida's Social Media Law

What it does: Regulates social media companies' interactions with minors in Florida.

Key provisions:

  • Prohibits social media accounts for children under 14
  • Requires parental consent for 14-15 year olds
  • Mandates account termination upon request from parents or minors
  • Companies must comply within specific timeframes

Enforced by: Florida Attorney General

Visit Florida AG Website

What to Do If Your Underage Child Has a Social Media Account

If you discover your child has created an account in violation of age requirements or without your consent, here are the steps you can take:

Step 1: Contact the Platform Directly

Most social media platforms have processes for parents to request account deletion. Look for "Report" or "Help Center" options on the platform. Under COPPA and Florida law, companies are required to terminate accounts for underage users.

Step 2: Document Everything

Keep records of:

  • When you discovered the account
  • When you requested deletion
  • All communications with the platform
  • Screenshots of the account (if needed for evidence)

Step 3: File a Complaint If the Platform Doesn't Comply

If the social media company fails to terminate the account within the required timeframe, you can file official complaints:

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

File a COPPA violation complaint if the platform collected data from a child under 13 without proper consent.

File FTC Complaint Visit FTC Website

Florida Attorney General

Florida residents can file complaints about violations of HB-3 and other state consumer protection laws.

File FL AG Complaint Visit FL AG Website

Conversation Guides for Families

Practical questions and talking points to start productive discussions about social media, screen time, and mental health with your teens.

About Screen Time & Addiction

  • "How much time do you think you spend on TikTok/Instagram each day? Would you be surprised to check?"
  • "Have you ever felt like you couldn't stop scrolling even though you wanted to?"
  • "What would it be like to take a week off from social media? Want to try it together?"
  • "When do you usually use your phone? Is it affecting your sleep or schoolwork?"

About Social Comparison & Self-Image

  • "Do you ever compare yourself to people you see on social media? How does that make you feel?"
  • "Can you tell when photos are filtered or edited? What do you think about that?"
  • "Do you ever feel bad about yourself when you see other people's posts?"
  • "How does it feel when you don't get as many likes as you expected?"

About Algorithms & Content

  • "What kind of content does TikTok/Instagram show you most? Is it making you feel good or anxious?"
  • "Have you seen content on social media that worried you or made you uncomfortable?"
  • "Do you know how the algorithm decides what to show you?"
  • "Have you ever gotten stuck watching videos you didn't even like?"

About Privacy & Data

  • "What do you think TikTok/Instagram does with your data? Does that concern you?"
  • "Do you know what information apps are collecting about you?"
  • "Have you ever felt pressured to share something you weren't comfortable with?"
  • "Do you check privacy settings on your accounts?"

About Gaming & In-Game Purchases

  • "Do you ever feel bad about yourself when you don't win or don't have certain skins?"
  • "How does it feel when other players have items you can't afford?"
  • "Do you ever feel like you need to play 'just one more game'?"
  • "What would your friends think if you took a break from playing?"

About Online Relationships

  • "Have you met people online who you don't know in real life?"
  • "How do you know if someone online is who they say they are?"
  • "Do you ever feel pressure to respond to messages right away?"
  • "Has anyone ever made you uncomfortable online? Would you tell me if they did?"

Approach with Curiosity, Not Judgment

The goal is to help teens develop self-awareness and agency, not to shame them. Listen to their experiences, validate their feelings, and work together on healthy boundaries. These conversations work best when they're ongoing, not one-time lectures.

Resources for Teens

Information and support designed specifically for young people navigating social media and mental health.

Crisis Support

If you're struggling with your mental health, you're not alone. Help is available 24/7:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth): 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678

Understanding Social Media Design

Social media platforms are engineered to be addictive. It's not your fault if you find them hard to put down:

  • Variable rewards (like a slot machine)
  • Autoplay keeps you watching
  • Algorithms show you endless content
  • Social pressure to stay connected

Check out our platform reviews to learn how these design tricks work

Setting Boundaries

You have the power to create healthier social media habits:

  • Set daily time limits (try 30-60 minutes)
  • Turn off all notifications
  • Use "Do Not Disturb" at night
  • Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad
  • Delete apps when you need a break
  • Tell friends you're taking time offline

Mental Health Resources

Professional support for teens:

  • Teen Line: 310-855-4673 or text TEEN to 839863
  • NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Free support groups and education
  • Psychology Today: Find therapists in your area
  • School Counselors: Free confidential support at school

Partner & External Resources

Other trusted organizations providing complementary resources for digital well-being and online safety.

Common Sense Media

Comprehensive age-based ratings and reviews for movies, games, apps, TV shows, books, and more. Focus on content appropriateness.

Visit Website

ConnectSafely

Short, practical guides for popular apps and platforms plus tips for talking with kids about online safety and digital citizenship.

Visit Website

NCMEC / NetSmartz

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children provides education for parents and teens on online safety, cyberbullying, and exploitation prevention.

Visit Website

ESRB Ratings

Entertainment Software Rating Board provides age and content ratings for video games to help parents make informed decisions.

Visit Website

Protect Young Eyes

App reviews and training for parents, schools, and organizations on protecting kids from digital dangers.

Visit Website

Internet Matters (UK)

Parent hub with platform guides, advice by age, and tools to help families stay safe online.

Visit Website

Our Unique Contribution

While these organizations provide excellent resources for content ratings and parental controls, our Center fills a specific gap: research-based mental health impact ratings by age. We focus specifically on how platforms affect anxiety, sleep, addiction, social comparison, and overall well-being—not just content appropriateness. We complement, not compete with, these valuable resources.

Additional Resources

Conversation Starters

Each of our platform reviews includes age-appropriate conversation starters to help you discuss digital well-being with your child.

View Reviews

Research & Evidence

Learn about the research behind our ratings and stay informed about the latest findings on digital well-being.

Our Methodology

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