THE LEGALLY ONLINE BLOG

We’ve all done it. You’re downloading an app, signing up for a new social platform, or connecting to school Wi-Fi and suddenly, a giant wall of text appears: the Terms and Conditions. Without hesitation, you scroll to the bottom and click “I Agree.”

But what exactly are you agreeing to?

As rising high school students passionate about legal literacy and youth empowerment, we launched Legally Online to demystify the systems that impact our lives. And one of the most overlooked (but important) legal documents we interact with every day is a contract.

Clicking “I Agree” Is a Legal Contract

Yes, seriously. When you click “I Agree,” you’re entering into a binding contract with the company or platform. That means you’re giving them certain permissions and agreeing to follow specific rules.

You may be agreeing to:

• Let them track your behavior across other apps or sites
• Allow them to use your data for advertising
• Give up your right to sue (many include forced arbitration clauses)
• Agree to automatic renewals or hidden fees
• Accept that they can change the terms at any time — and expect you to still comply

And here’s the kicker: it doesn’t matter if you didn’t read it. Legally, it’s assumed you did.

Why It Matters for Teens

Teens are among the most active internet users but the least legally protected when it comes to digital rights. Even though laws like COPPA exist to protect kids under 13, most teens don’t get tailored protections. Once you’re over that age threshold, platforms often treat you just like adults.

This becomes especially risky when:

• You share content that could be misused
• You join platforms that collect sensitive data (like location or biometrics)
• You “accept” terms that give platforms near-total control of your information

How to Stay Smart and Empowered

You don’t need to be a lawyer to protect yourself but understanding the basics gives you power. Here’s how:

1. Skim strategically. Look for bolded sections like “Arbitration”, “Data Sharing”, or “Your Rights.”
2. Search for summaries. Some platforms offer “plain English” versions of their terms (check for a TL;DR section).
3. Be cautious with personal data. Don’t give personal information such as phone numbers, locations, or biometric info.
4. Talk about it. Educate your friends and classmates. Most people have no idea what they’re agreeing to.
5. Use tools. Sites like Terms of Service; Didn’t Read break down agreements into ratings and summaries.

Final Thoughts

Clicking “I Agree” may seem harmless, but it’s often the most powerful legal choice we make online. As students navigating a hyper-connected world, we deserve to understand the rights we’re giving away, the protections we do (or don’t) have, and how to make more informed decisions.

At Legally Online, we believe that legal literacy isn’t just for adults, it’s for everyone who participates in society. Which means it’s for you.

Follow us @LegallyOnlineBlog for more teen-friendly legal insights and check out our latest publication on legal literacy.