Fanfic, short for fan fiction, is a popular medium where fans write new stories based on existing works. Fanfic creators draw inspiration from books, television, movies, and video games. It’s a huge phenomenon that’s captured the attention of many teens. But what is fanfic, and what are fanfics used for?
If your child has latched onto the craze, consider this your primer. We’ll get into what fanfiction is, why it’s popular with teens, terms parents need to know, potential concerns, and how to help your child stay safe.
What is fanfiction?
Fanfiction (or fanfic) is a genre of writing where fans use characters, settings, and plots from existing stories to create their own narratives. These stories often explore “what if” scenarios, new romances, alternate endings, or completely different worlds for familiar characters.
Where did fanfic come from?
Fanfic originated in Star Trekfanzines in the 1960s. Then, in the ‘90s, when the internet exploded, fanfic really took off.
FanFiction.net gave fanfic writers a global platform to connect with readers, and other sites like Archive of Our Own (AO3) and Wattpad eventually followed.
Why is fanfic so popular with teens?
Here are some of the reasons that people are drawn to write and read fanfic:
More material to engage with on stories they love
Imagining “what if” as they expand on their favorite stories with new scenarios and storylines
Exploring new relationships (known as ships) between characters that aren’t featured in the original work
A sense of community
Creative expression
Fanfic terms parents should know
Fanfic is very jargon heavy. Here are some terms parents need to know:
Canon: Elements from the original source material, such as plot, setting, and character development.
AU: Short for alternate universe, AU is a story where the plot, setting, or characters deviate from the canon.
Shipping: When fans root for two characters to get together romantically.
Angst: A genre of fanfic that features emotional (and occasionally physical) torment of characters.
Fluff: Fluff is the comfort food of the fanfic universe. These sweet stories are often short and don’t include any angst.
Smut: Stories where graphic sex is central to the plot.
Adult: Stories intended for readers 18+ that feature explicit sexual content and/or violence.
BNF: Short for Big Name Fan, this term refers to a fan (typically a writer) who has gained notoriety within a particular fandom.
Many of these platforms have large teen audiences and offer both public stories and private messaging, which can introduce safety risks.
Are there risks in reading fanfiction?
Although fanfiction can be a wonderful space for teens, there are some risks parents need to know:
Mature themes: Fanfic often features adult themes and situations, such as explicit sexual content or violence.
Unhealthy relationship dynamics: Some stories glorify unhealthy, abusive relationships.
Explicit material: Stories may include explicit sexual content and/or violence.
Parasocial relationships: Teens may form one-sided attachments to characters or writers they adore.
Predators:A major element of fanfic is the opportunity for interaction between readers and between readers and writers through comments, reviews, direct messages, and forums. This could expose your teen to predators.
How can I help my teen read and write fanfic safely?
You don’t need to ban fanfiction, but you do need to stay involved. Here’s how:
Teach them how to find appropriate material. This includes paying attention to warning labels and being willing to abandon a story if it takes a dark turn. Not all stories are appropriately labeled. So, to be extra safe, suggest your teen start with stories sent to them by a trusted source and then expand by following those same writers.
Talk to your child about the content they might see. Explain that they may encounter material that makes them uncomfortable. Be clear some of the relationships and behavior in these stories isn’t okay. Let them know they can come to you if they read something that makes them uneasy.
Beware the comments section. Comments can include spam, harassment, or inappropriate content. If your child writes fanfic, have them consider turning off comments on their stories. When they read stories, encourage them to skip the comments.
Get engaged in what they’re reading. Check out the fanfic sites your teen frequents. Ask them to share their favorite stories with you.
Wait until they’re old enough. Most fanfic sites allow kids over the age of 13 to participate — but because of the mature content and other risks, it may be better suited to older teens. If your younger child wants to get involved, suggest they write and share stories with friends and consider vetting stories online for them to read.
Talk to them about predators. Make your child aware of the tactics predators use. Be clear they shouldn’t communicate on fanfic forums with people they don’t know, especially in private messages.
How BrightCanary can help monitor fanfic activity
Fanfic itself isn’t dangerous—but the online spaces where it lives can be. That’s where BrightCanary can help.
BrightCanary can help you supervise your child online. The app’s advanced technology scans their online activity (including social media, texts, and Google searches) and alerts you when they encounter something concerning.
BrightCanary helps you stay informed without micromanaging. You’ll get notified if your child interacts with mature content or receives inappropriate messages—so you can step in only when it matters.
Fanfic is a vibrant, creative community. While it does pose some risks to kids, with proper precautions, mature teens can participate safely. Parents should educate themselves on the fanfic community their child is interested in, educate them on the risks, and stay engaged with their activity on the site.
BrightCanary is the best way to stay in the loop without overstepping. Try it free and give your child the safety — and independence — they need online.
