I have a 13 year old son. We have quite a lot of fun and generally a jokey and silly family. He does Scout Explorers and a youth club in the week and after school clubs if something interests him.
He's been a good teen so far apart from a few moody days or bickering with my younger son (6 years) but they mostly get along.
We do have some rules that as a parent I stand by. I grew up in a heavily abusive and experienced inappropriate things as a child so maybe that has added to how I want to raise my children.
We use Family Link to keep track of my sons location (only really used if he's out on his bike or walking home) and also heavily limit social media. He's allowed to watch Youtube on the family laptop downstairs but not on his own computer in his bedroom. We don't allow other social media and have no plans to any time soon. We follow the film/game age ratings (so no 15s etc). We also have a set homework time after school to help him keep on top of his work (his school set a lot and very strict on detentions if not done) and he likes to have homework free weekends where possible.
He's quite a 'young' 13, still likes soft toys, loves minecraft and Pokemon etc. His bedtime is between 9.30 -10pm.
We have family game nights, go out to the cinema, have family days out, plays computer games with his dad, he hangs out with friends (mostly at home or) etc so plenty of fun too.
I was talking with my sister who also has a 13 year old but our parenting styles are completely different. Her son is allowed open access to social media, most film and game ratings etc. He's allowed out until quite late, bed between 11-12, no homework schedule or parental controls. We were talking about how our childhoods have shaped our parenting. She thinks my son should be acting more grown up, allowed access to more mature things like her son etc.
It got my wondering and doubting that maybe I'm too strict/over cautious.