A Parent's Guide To Social Media
Social media can be a complicated and confusing challenge to young people in the midst of developing their sense of identity and their understanding of–and relationship with–others. It can be equally perplexing for parents trying to guide their children in the appropriate use of social media, especially if they do not participate in it themselves.
It is clear, however, that children are most definitely affected by what they read and what they share, and therefore are in need of parental guidance. Snapchat, TikTok, Messenger, group chats and more are available to anyone with a cell phone or smart device. What should parents know and do to protect their children from the increasingly dangerous domain of social media?
As is always the case, no single answer will suffice for everyone. Kids have varying degrees of curiosity in considering what social media might mean to them. Likewise for parents who have a myriad of mindsets and philosophies about their children’s involvement.
The one constant in the equation is that nothing replaces your relationship with a child. Being able to communicate, to listen and offer suggestions and support requires trust, time and effort. Having a clear channel of communication through which you express your expectations is crucial, as is a consistent message. Keeping in mind that social media is a public space accessible to all may help to frame your family’s parameters. What your child sees and reads online directly impacts him or her; what they post or share affects others.
The Impact of Social Media on Young Minds
Social media offers a world of connection and information but can also amplify challenges for young people as they develop their sense of self. Studies show that social media use is linked to anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues among teens, especially when they constantly compare themselves to others or feel pressure to present a “perfect” image. Understanding these potential effects can help parents better empathize with their child’s experience and reinforce the importance of balance.
Encouraging open dialogue around topics like body image, self-worth, and online validation can support a child’s mental and emotional development. Discussing how online personas differ from reality can also help children develop critical thinking skills to navigate these spaces healthily.
Why Parental Involvement Matters
Parental guidance can be a stabilizing force, helping children set boundaries that promote a healthy relationship with social media. By actively participating in discussions, even if they don't use the platforms themselves, parents can model thoughtful and responsible use of digital spaces.
This article from the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers some helpful recommendations for parents:
FIVE THINGS PARENTS CAN DO
BE AWARE: Read articles, talk to other adults about various social media dangers/trends and become familiar with which ones are “in” and “out” among kids. This will help you determine how best to set reasonable guidelines.
SHOW INTEREST: Ask your children about their social media activities, listen and learn about their experiences and give advice or assistance when it’s requested. Children share more with parents who seem genuinely interested and supportive.
SET GUIDELINES: Establish specific and definitive rules for your child’s use of social media. Be as consistent as possible in enforcing those rules.
KEEP TABS: Find a reasonable way to monitor what your youngster is doing on social media. Be sure it tells you how and when they use it so you can gain insight into whatever patterns may exist.
BE FLEXIBLE: As children grow older, adjust the guidelines to give them more responsibility to manage their own social media activity. It goes back to the trust factor mentioned earlier.
As they mature, children are better able to maintain safe and sustainable standards. Younger kids are likely to need parental guidance and support. At any age, however, it is helpful to remind children that respectful and responsible behavior online rarely results in problems for them or anyone else.
Teaching Digital Citizenship and Empathy
In addition to setting rules, it's valuable to teach children about digital citizenship—respecting others, recognizing misinformation, and understanding the impact of what they post or share. Explain that social media can amplify both positive and negative interactions, and reinforce the importance of empathy. Encourage them to think before they post and ask questions like, “How would you feel if someone shared this about you?”
Final Thought: Building Resilience and Responsibility Online
Ultimately, the goal is to help your child develop a healthy relationship with social media. By combining guidance with flexibility, you can encourage them to make thoughtful decisions and use social media as a tool for connection rather than comparison. Children who feel trusted and supported are more likely to engage in positive online behavior, creating a safer experience for themselves and others.
