With summer in full swing and June being Online Safety Month, now is the perfect time to equip teens and tweens with tools that foster healthy digital habits and prevent risky behavior.
1. Bark (Free version available)
What it does: Monitors social messages, emails, and 30+ apps for signs of cyberbullying, predators, or risky content.
Why it’s perfect: Balances teen privacy with safety—alerts parents only when needed.
2. Skill Struck (Free student access options)
What it does: Teaches kids coding, problem-solving, and digital literacy through interactive challenges.
Why it’s great for prevention: Builds focus, confidence, and real-world tech skills that keep teens productive and off risky paths. Bonus: it encourages a growth mindset and career exploration.
3. MyLife Meditation (Free version available)
What it does: Offers quick, age-tailored mindfulness practices based on teen moods.
Why it matters: Helps teens manage stress and strengthens emotional resilience.
4. Common Sense Media
What it does: Delivers ratings and reviews of shows, apps, games, and influencers.
Why it’s helpful: Encourages thoughtful media choices and opens up healthy family conversations.
5. FutureMe (Free)
What it does: Teens write letters to their future selves to foster reflection and purpose.
Why it’s relevant: Helps cultivate long-term thinking and self-awareness—key to prevention.
6. Duolingo (Free)
What it does: Gamifies language learning with daily lessons and friendly competition.
Why it’s perfect: Keeps minds active and gives teens a meaningful summer goal.
7. Forest (Free version available)
What it does: Blocks distractions and grows virtual trees when users focus offline.
Why teens love it: Turns digital detox into a fun, visual challenge.
Tie-In with Online Safety Month
Since June is Internet Safety Month, it's an ideal opportunity for families to engage in healthy digital routines:
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Reinforce cyber hygiene habits: Encourage password strength, account security, and cautious clicking .
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Lead by example: Show teens how you use devices responsibly.
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Start the conversation: Share tips and safe habits throughout June—and keep it going all summer.
Final Thought
This summer, prevention isn't about restriction—it's about empowerment. By giving teens the right tools and awareness, families can turn June’s Online Safety Month into healthy, lifelong digital habits. Need these formatted for social or email? I’ve got you covered!