Introduction: The Privacy Paradox

In today's connected world, social media has become an integral part of teenage life in Sweden. From Instagram to TikTok, Snapchat to Discord, these platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for self-expression, connection, and creativity. Yet they also present unique privacy challenges that many teens may not fully understand.

Research from the Swedish Media Council shows that over 95% of Swedish teenagers use social media daily, with the average teen spending nearly 3 hours per day across various platforms. While most teens understand the concept of privacy in general, many don't realize the extent to which their personal information is collected, stored, and potentially shared when using social media.

"Many teens believe their data is private because they've adjusted their settings, without realizing that the platform itself still collects extensive information about them."

— Swedish Data Protection Authority

Understanding the Basics of Social Media Privacy

Before diving into specific strategies, it's important to understand what we mean by "privacy" in the context of social media. Privacy encompasses several key aspects:

  • Content Privacy: Who can see what you post, comment, like, or share
  • Data Collection: What information platforms gather about you
  • Data Sharing: How your information might be shared with third parties
  • Location Privacy: Whether your physical location is tracked and shared
  • Future Impact: How your digital footprint affects your reputation long-term

Unlike some countries, Sweden has strong privacy protections under both the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and national laws. These give you rights regarding your personal data, but you still need to be proactive about protecting your privacy online.

Essential Privacy Settings Every Swedish Teen Should Configure

Each social media platform has different privacy settings, but there are some common adjustments every teen should make:

Profile Privacy

Consider making your profile private or limiting who can see your content to people you know and trust. On most platforms:

  • Instagram: Set your account to private under Settings → Privacy → Account Privacy
  • TikTok: Go to Settings → Privacy → Private Account
  • Snapchat: Under Settings → Privacy Controls → Contact Me, select "My Friends"

Location Sharing

Many apps track and share your location by default. Disable this unless absolutely necessary:

  • Disable geolocation tags on photos and posts
  • Turn off "Precise Location" permissions for social apps in your phone settings
  • Avoid using check-in features that broadcast your exact location

Targeted Advertising

While you can't completely eliminate data collection, you can limit how it's used to target you:

  • On Facebook/Instagram: Settings → Ads → Ad Settings → Data about your activity from partners → turn off
  • On TikTok: Settings → Privacy → Personalized ads → disable
Privacy Settings Illustration

Think Before You Share: The Permanence of Digital Content

Even with strong privacy settings, it's crucial to remember that once something is shared online, it can be difficult or impossible to completely remove. Before posting, ask yourself:

  • Would I be comfortable with this content being seen by future employers, teachers, or family members?
  • Could this information be used for identity theft or to answer security questions?
  • Am I oversharing personal details like my home address, school location, or daily routine?

Remember that even "temporary" content like Snapchat messages or Instagram Stories can be captured via screenshots and shared without your knowledge.

Personal Information: What to Never Share on Social Media

Certain information should never be shared on social media, regardless of your privacy settings:

  • Personal Identification Numbers: Your personnummer (Swedish personal ID number) should never be shared online
  • Full Address: At most, share only your city, never your complete address
  • School or Work Schedule: Detailed routines can make you vulnerable
  • Vacation Plans: Announcing when your home will be empty increases burglary risk
  • Financial Information: Bank details, card numbers, or financial circumstances
  • Passwords or Security Answers: Even seemingly innocent questions like "What was your first pet's name?" could compromise security

Special Considerations for Swedish Teens

As a teen in Sweden, there are some unique considerations to keep in mind:

Age of Digital Consent

In Sweden, the age of digital consent is 13 years. This means that if you're under 13, your parents must provide consent for you to use social media platforms. Even if you're older, discussing your social media use with your parents can help keep you safe.

The Right to Be Forgotten

Under GDPR, you have the "right to be forgotten" (data erasure). If you want content removed that contains your personal information, you can request its deletion from platforms and search engines. This is particularly important for teens who may not have considered the long-term impact of their early social media activity.

Cyberbullying Laws

Sweden has strong laws against cyberbullying and online harassment. If you experience harmful behavior online, document it and report it to both the platform and, in serious cases, to the police.

Online Protection Illustration

Practical Tips for Everyday Privacy Protection

Beyond settings, here are practical habits Swedish teens should develop:

  • Regular Privacy Checkups: Review your privacy settings quarterly, as platforms often update their policies
  • Friend/Follower Management: Regularly review and curate your connections
  • Two-Factor Authentication: Enable 2FA on all accounts to prevent unauthorized access
  • Secure Passwords: Use unique, strong passwords for each platform
  • Incognito Browsing: Use private browsing when accessing sensitive content
  • App Permissions: Review which apps have access to your social media accounts

When Privacy is Violated: What to Do

If you believe your privacy has been breached:

  1. Document everything with screenshots
  2. Report the violation to the platform
  3. If serious, report to Datainspektionen (Swedish Data Protection Authority)
  4. For illegal violations, contact the police
  5. Inform a trusted adult about the situation

Conclusion: Balancing Privacy and Connection

Social media offers valuable opportunities for connection and expression, and with the right privacy practices, Swedish teens can enjoy these benefits while minimizing risks. Remember that privacy is not just about settings—it's about thoughtful choices regarding what you share, who you connect with, and how you engage online.

By developing strong privacy habits now, you're not just protecting yourself today—you're building skills that will serve you throughout your digital life.

Additional Resources