Keep the Kids Safe Too
Teen Text Message Security: Complete Research Report
Executive Summary
Text messaging has become the primary communication method for teenagers, but it also presents significant security risks. This comprehensive research examines current threats targeting teens through SMS and messaging apps, including cyberbullying, phishing, malware, privacy breaches, social engineering attacks, and identity theft. The report also provides evidence-based best practices, security settings, parental controls, and expert recommendations for keeping teens safe while texting.
Current Security Threats Affecting Teenagers
1. Cyberbullying via Text Messages
Prevalence and Impact:
Nearly half of U.S. teens (49% of 15-17-year-olds; 42% of 13-14-year-olds) reported being threatened or harassed online or via messaging at least once, according to 2022 Pew Research
37% of U.S. middle schools reported students being cyberbullied via texts or social platforms at least weekly; 25% for high schools
Cyberbullying is linked to anxiety, depression, substance use, and is among the strongest predictors of self-harm and suicidal behavior
Common Tactics:
Persistent harassment through group texts
Sharing embarrassing photos or private information
Sending unsolicited explicit images
Exclusion from group conversations
Impersonation and spreading rumors
2. SMS Phishing ("Smishing") Attacks
Growing Threat:
Mobile-targeted attacks are surging, with experts predicting generative AI will enable even novice threat actors to craft convincing phishing texts in 2024
Globally, trillions of phishing emails are sent yearly, with mobile-specific phishing rising sharply in 2023
Common Smishing Tactics:
Account Verification Texts: Fake messages from Amazon, Netflix, TikTok, or mobile carriers claiming account problems
"Refund" and "Billing Error" Texts: Promises of refunds requiring verification of bank details
Urgent Security Alerts: Messages claiming "unusual login detected" or "account will be locked"
Fake App Updates: Texts about security updates for popular apps like Minecraft or social media platforms
3. Identity Theft Through Text Messages
Primary Attack Methods:
Personal Information Harvesting:
Fake scholarship, job, or talent contest alerts requiring SSN, birth date, or bank account information
"Account verification" requests that capture login credentials and personal details
Premium-rate subscription traps through "free" ringtones or wallpapers
Financial Fraud:
"Friend in trouble" money transfer scams using spoofed accounts
Gift card scams demanding payment for fake emergencies
Cryptocurrency and peer-to-peer payment app exploitation
Synthetic Identity Creation:
Scammers combine real teen information with fake data to create new identities
Use harvested data to open credit accounts in the teen's name
4. Sextortion and Deep-Fake Blackmail
How It Works:
Scammers initiate contact with compliments or romantic interest
Persuade victims to share photos or videos
Threaten to post content publicly unless ransom is paid (often via gift cards or cryptocurrency)
Increasingly using AI-altered "deep-fake" sexual images, claiming they originated from the teen
Severe Consequences:
Emotional trauma and psychological damage
In tragic cases, has driven teens to self-harm
Financial extortion that can continue indefinitely
5. SMS Malware and Social Engineering
Malware Distribution Methods:
Fake game or app updates ("Your Minecraft is out of date! Tap to install the new mod manager")
Free gift card or in-game currency offers
Disguised parcel-tracking apps that are actually banking Trojans (e.g., FluBot)
Common Malware Types:
Banking Trojans: Steal login credentials and financial data
Remote-Access Trojans (RATs): Grant attackers full device control including camera, microphone, and messages
Stealer Malware: Collects saved passwords, photos, and on-device data for resale
Red Flags of SMS Malware:
Unfamiliar sender ID or short code
Urgent language ("Verify now or lose access")
Suspicious or shortened links
Grammatical or spelling errors
Unexpected prompts to install apps or provide passwords
Best Practices for Teen Text Message Safety
Core Safety Principles
1. Only Text with Known Contacts
Avoid conversations with strangers; online identities can be easily faked by predators
Never meet anyone in person without telling a trusted adult first
Verify friend requests through other communication channels
2. Protect Personal Information
Never share full name, address, phone number, school name, birth date, or Social Security number
Avoid sharing financial information or account details
Be cautious with location services—disable or restrict unless approved by guardians
3. Think Before Sending
Assume any message or image can be screenshotted, forwarded, or archived
Remember that even "disappearing" messages can be captured
Refrain from sending nude or sexually explicit content due to legal and reputational risks
Technical Security Measures
Device Security:
Enable built-in spam and phishing filters on phones and messaging apps
Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all important accounts
Install reputable mobile security apps to detect malicious links and apps
Disable "Install from Unknown Sources" on Android devices
Only install apps from official app stores
Privacy Settings:
Disable or restrict location sharing in messaging apps
Turn on screen locks and strong device passwords
Enable disappearing messages where appropriate
Restrict who can add you to groups or send direct messages
Parental Controls and Monitoring Options
Platform-Specific Controls
iMessage (Apple):
Screen Time limits and communication restrictions
Communication safety settings to blur explicit images
Family sharing for app management
Ability to read deleted messages via iCloud (if enabled)
WhatsApp:
Block unknown numbers
Disable "Last Seen" status
Restrict group invite permissions
Limited native parental controls—requires third-party monitoring
Snapchat:
Family Center for contact monitoring and content filters
Ghost Mode to hide location
Restricted public profiles for users under 16
Parents can see chat contacts but not message content
Third-Party Monitoring Solutions
Recommended Features:
Contact approval and management
Content monitoring and filtering
Usage time limits and scheduling
Activity reports for parents
Suspicious link detection and blocking
Popular Parental Control Apps:
BrightCanary for comprehensive monitoring
Bark for AI-powered content analysis
Qustodio for screen time and app management
Circle Home Plus for network-level filtering
Secure Messaging Apps for Teenagers
Apps with Strong Parental Controls
1. Messenger Kids (Ages 6-12)
Parents approve every contact
Activity reports via parent dashboard
End-to-end encryption for calls and messages
COPPA-compliant with no ads or in-app purchases
Requires Facebook parent account for setup
2. JusTalk Kids
Parents manage and approve all contacts
Encrypted messages and calls
No ads or in-app purchases
Simple, child-friendly interface
Video call supervision capabilities
3. Kinzoo (Under 13)
Family-only network with parent-approved contacts
No data collection or ads
COPPA-compliant
Drawing tools, voice messages, and stickers
Limited to pre-approved contact list
Apps for Older Teens (13+)
4. Signal
Fully end-to-end encrypted messages and calls
Disappearing messages feature
Screen-capture protection
Open source with no data collection
No built-in parental controls (requires device-level management)
5. WhatsApp
End-to-end encryption by default
Global reach with voice/video calls
Disappearing messages (24 hours to 7 days)
Limited parental controls—requires external monitoring
Mainstream Apps with Security Features
6. iMessage
End-to-end encryption between Apple devices
Screen Time integration for parental controls
Communication safety settings
Family sharing features
7. Snapchat
Disappearing messages by default
Family Center for parental oversight
Ghost Mode for location privacy
Age-appropriate content filters
Expert Recommendations and Best Practices
Communication and Education
1. Establish Clear Family Agreements
Create written smartphone contracts covering acceptable use, approved apps, and monitoring arrangements
Review and update agreements regularly as teens mature
Include consequences for violating agreed-upon rules
2. Maintain Open Communication
Regularly discuss texting experiences and concerns
Ask who teens are communicating with and why
Review suspicious messages together and develop response strategies
Create a judgment-free environment for reporting problems
3. Teach Digital Literacy
Explain how algorithms work and how content can be manipulated
Help teens analyze their screen time data and recognize unhealthy patterns
Discuss the permanence of digital communications
Teach critical thinking about online information
Boundary Setting
4. Establish Screen-Free Times and Zones
No texting during meals, family time, homework, or bedtime
Enforce strict "no texting while driving" rules
Create physical spaces where devices are not allowed
Model healthy device use as parents
5. Foster Digital Empathy
Emphasize that texting can't convey tone—encourage pausing to avoid misinterpretation
Teach teens not to reply when upset
Promote supportive messaging and discourage gossip or harassment
Encourage reporting and blocking of bullying content
Balance and Well-being
6. Promote Offline Activities
Develop family media plans that allocate time for non-screen activities
Encourage outdoor play, board games, reading, and family walks
Support face-to-face social interactions and hobbies
Monitor for signs of technology addiction or social isolation
Recognizing and Avoiding Text-Based Scams
Common Scam Indicators
Red Flags to Watch For:
Urgency: "Act now or lose access," "Limited time offer"
Unfamiliar senders: Strange phone numbers, short codes, or email addresses
Suspicious links: Shortened URLs, misspelled domains, or unexpected redirects
Requests for information: Asking for passwords, SSN, financial data, or verification codes
Too good to be true: Free gift cards, unrealistic prizes, or guaranteed winnings
Grammar and spelling errors: Professional organizations typically proofread their messages
Emotional manipulation: Creating fear, excitement, or urgency to bypass critical thinking
Verification Strategies
Before Responding to Any Suspicious Text:
Don't click links immediately—go directly to the official app or website instead
Contact the company directly through official customer service channels
Verify with parents or guardians before sharing any personal information
Call or video chat with friends who request money or help
Check official social media accounts for known scams or security alerts
Response Protocols
If You Receive a Suspicious Text:
Don't respond or click any links
Take screenshots for evidence
Report to parents/guardians immediately
Block the sender
Report spam to your carrier (forward to 7726/SPAM)
Report to authorities if it involves threats or financial fraud
Recovery Steps if Compromised
If You've Been Scammed:
Stop all communication with the scammer
Preserve evidence (don't delete texts or emails)
Change all passwords starting with banking and email accounts
Enable two-factor authentication using authenticator apps (not SMS)
Notify your bank if financial information was shared
Run security scans with trusted mobile security software
Report to law enforcement or FBI's IC3 website for serious crimes
Monitor credit reports for signs of identity theft
Privacy Settings Configuration Guide
Universal Privacy Principles
Contact Management:
Only accept messages from known contacts
Require approval for group additions
Block unknown or suspicious numbers immediately
Regularly review and clean contact lists
Location Privacy:
Disable location sharing by default
Only enable for trusted contacts when necessary
Turn off location history and tracking
Use "Ghost Mode" or similar privacy features
Content Protection:
Enable read receipts selectively
Use disappearing messages for sensitive conversations
Disable message previews on lock screens
Enable screenshot notifications where available
Platform-Specific Settings
iPhone/iMessage:
Settings > Messages > Filter Unknown Senders
Settings > Screen Time > Communication Limits
Settings > Messages > Send & Receive (manage contact points)
iCloud > Messages (consider disabling for privacy)
Android/Google Messages:
Messages app > Settings > Spam protection
Settings > Apps > Messages > Permissions (review and restrict)
Enable RCS messaging for better encryption
Use Do Not Disturb during focus times
WhatsApp:
Settings > Privacy > Last Seen (Nobody or My Contacts)
Settings > Privacy > Groups (My Contacts)
Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification
Settings > Chats > Disappearing Messages
Snapchat:
Settings > Who Can... > Contact Me (My Friends)
Settings > Who Can... > View My Story (My Friends)
Settings > See My Location (Ghost Mode)
Settings > Memories > Save to... (My Eyes Only)
Resources and Reporting Channels
Emergency Contacts
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov
Local law enforcement: 911 for immediate threats
Reporting Scams and Fraud
Federal Trade Commission: ftc.gov/complaint
Anti-Phishing Working Group: reportphishing.org
Carrier spam reporting: Forward to 7726 (SPAM)
Social media platform reporting: Use in-app reporting features
Educational Resources
Common Sense Media: commonsensemedia.org
ConnectSafely: connectsafely.org
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: missingkids.org
Conclusion
Teen text message security requires a multi-layered approach combining education, technical safeguards, and ongoing communication between teens and parents. The threat landscape continues to evolve with new scams, malware, and social engineering tactics specifically targeting young people. However, by implementing the best practices outlined in this research—including secure messaging apps, proper privacy settings, parental controls, and regular safety discussions—families can significantly reduce risks while allowing teens to benefit from digital communication technologies.
The key to success lies in balancing safety with independence, maintaining open communication channels, and staying informed about emerging threats. Regular review and updates of safety practices, family agreements, and technical settings will help ensure continued protection as teens develop their digital literacy and communication skills.