Bullies and rule-breaking may have existed before the digital age, but at least it was all within plain view. As our kids become old enough for social media, the possibilities of what's happening behind all of those screens is simply terrifying. Many apps for smartphones make it difficult to prevent strangers from contacting your children, which just recently led to the kidnapping and horrifying murder of a 13-year-old girl, Nicole Lovell, by two Virginia Tech students who were contacting her over Kik messenger, a Canadian messaging app.
More and more parents are becoming wary of social media, though it can have its benefits if it's used in a safe way. Check out these eight trends happening on social media that every parent should be tuned into to make sure their teen is using their phone safely.